One way to fight back against genetically-modified (GM) food is to start a restaurant or food store where that kind of food is banned. People today are very health conscious, and establishments that sell food that is wholesome or organic will have a natural base of customers. Add unmodified foods to this list, as GM-restricted foods may be the next big wave in natural dining.
Even if you are person very concerned about GM food, how would it ever occur to you to start your own natural restaurant or food store? People fall into it in many different ways. Some see properties for sale, others receive calls from commercial real estate agents who are sell leads to available properties. However you become involved, you need to follow a few important steps to get off in the right direction:
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Pick a location that will support the kind of foot traffic you wish to attract. You know you want to attract a somewhat sophisticated clientele, not the fast-food junkies that clog up the shopping malls.
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Decide whether you want to serve meals, packaged food, or delivery only. Also decide if you will sell to the general public or to other businesses (or a mix of both).
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Spec out the local health codes and license requirements for the site that interests you. You can contact the Chamber of Commerce to get a list of state and city offices that you will have to deal with. You can also check out the FDA website for a link to a local office.
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Register your enterprise with the proper authorities. This will depend on exactly what services you plan to provide and how you will deliver them. You can sell certified GM-free hot dogs from a sidewalk cart, but you will have to deal with paperwork specific to that venue. A different bureaucracy will probably be involved for a grocery or a restaurant.
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You’ll need to be certified in food safety if you are going to be handling food yourself. You may have to take classes and an examination to qualify for certification. You can check with either ServSafe or the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals to find training providers.
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Ensure all the food you serve or sell will be GM-free. Hire professional consultants to help you with this. You should surround yourself with experienced professionals whenever starting a food-related business. Since the public’s health is at stake, make sure you know what you are doing before you take the plunge.