Discussions

Hi everyone! I have been thinking about this business venture for awhile, but I am unsure if Brandon would have enough interest. I am thinking of starting up a “meal prep” company. I see it done in Winnipeg (204 meals) and Bite is incredibly popular in the states. If anyone is unfamiliar with this, it is we would weigh, cook and portion out meals as per your diets. The price per meal usually runs for about $7 (cheaper than a meal from Mcdonalds), but would be cheaper the more meals you get. Meals would be something like chicken, beef, salmon with a card (sweet potato, rice, potatoes) and a vegetable. I figure with the amount of gyms we have in this city, people would be interested in getting there food cooked for them!

Already in Brandon? But it was for freezer meals maybe? I don't think they are in business anymore

Understand your clientele: who's your customer? Do they even need this service? Are they going to spend money on this? Would this benefit the community?  
 
Then you need to survey those people and see if they would be willing to spend money on said service. Don't ask friends or family. Sure, they might be good for helping you polish your idea, but their judgement and insight will be biased.

I am sure this concept works well in other areas but I don't really see it being very popular in Brandon. I'd actually be curious to know how the 204MealPrep is doing. I followed them for a while, they were slow to get it going and even still their webpage is pretty basic and amateurish.  
 
Using their pricing model of 4oz protein x21 meals at $165 a week or 6oz protein x21 meals is $190 both plus tax and delivery fees is kind of expensive. The 4oz plan is over $25 a day and the 6oz is over $30. Plus according to 204MealPrep if you don't return their containers they charge an extra fee?? Ah no thanks. I think most people that care about eating right etc. do their own meal prep at a fraction of those prices. I am sure you might get a few customers but to be honest I am not sure you'd make much money or be around long.  
 
Edited by TWENTY, 2017-04-21 17:02:18

I would have no use for this service.

I would also have no business for you. Sorry, but it would not fit our lifestyle

On Princess twenty hundred block... Aida's. Don't know much about it... some women from BU get meals from there...

I find it incredibly difficult to prep meals. Personally, I would be all over this.

Love creative thinking that could potentially help busy people eat quick and fresh. I've never been in the food business but as a customer the price point would be key, along with what quality you get at that price. Has to be cost efficient enough that the budget wouldn't be blown compared to what I'd spend on meals otherwise, but from a business standpoint you'd obviously need to charge enough to make a profitable go of it without selling yourself too short. Then where does that fit in vs what people can get as quick meals at a grocery store, M & M, etc. E.g. I can walk into Sobeys and get a cooked chicken or ham to feed the whole family asap, granted we've overplayed that hand a little and so variety could potentially be nice!  
 
I'd recommend looking into a business called "Everyday Entree", which tried something that sounds at least somewhat similar before closing a few years ago. What worked for them, what didn't, etc. From what I remember (and don't quote me on this) but want to say their closure wasn't said to be because the business outright failed so much as the owner got a job they couldn't refuse... but I assume that if they were making megabucks with  
their particular model that the business would still be here in some form. Best of luck in your research and whatever you decide.

Does not personally interest me as I like to cook, and this would be expensive for a family.  
 
BUT thinking you might want to target single people or smaller families or seniors might be your target market.

Adam said "Love creative thinking that could potentially help busy people eat quick and fresh. I've never been in the food business but as a customer the price point would be key, along with what quality you get at that price. Has to be cost efficient enough that the budget wouldn't be blown compared to what I'd spend on meals otherwise, but from a business standpoint you'd obviously need to charge enough to make a profitable go of it without selling yourself too short. Then where does that fit in vs what people can get as quick meals at a grocery store, M & M, etc. E.g. I can walk into Sobeys and get a cooked chicken or ham to feed the whole family asap, granted we've overplayed that hand a little and so variety could potentially be nice!     I'd recommend looking into a business called "Everyday Entree", which tried something that sounds at least somewhat similar before closing a few years ago. What worked for them, what didn't, etc. From what I remember (and don't quote me on this) but want to say their closure wasn't said to be because the business outright failed so much as the owner got a job they couldn't refuse... but I assume that if they were making megabucks with   their particular model that the business would still be here in some form. Best of luck in your research and whatever you decide. "

I agree price point is huge and a pick up option instead of delivery only option would help. I remember the everyday entre store and heard good things. I was about to try it when it closed  
 
Edited by valhallaman, 2017-04-21 19:36:33

I would also be interested in this service. I've contacted 204 in wpg before and asked about extending their business this way, unfortunately they will not. Something you've got my vote for.

I'd be interested as well. Been looking for someone to come cook for me once or twice a week. Healthy vegetarian meals. I had someone in my old city but they refused to move with me lololol

I wouldn't like it. I like to pick my food and see the quality and how my food is handled.  
Maybe pay to learn to program and prepare your diet food.

I think you also have to consider where it is being prepped. I believe that if you are preparing and selling food it has to be prepared in an "approved kitchen". I don't think that you could do it in your home unless it met those codes.