u/Western_Suspect_9297

I’m starting a bulk refillery and local grocery store. There is a high demand for it in my area, with many customers traveling 30-45 miles away to the closest other option. I have a prime location picked out and am in the lease negotiation stages.

I have a business license. I have an LLC. Still writing Articles of Organization for it though because I don’t know what I’m not thinking of. I have access to a mentor through the local university. They gave me other points to consider and tasks to do:
- check zoning (all good)
- check with fire (to do)
- check with USDA (have my app in my email to complete)
- get articles of org reviewed by lawyer (to do)

What else am I missing? I have worked in the software industry for the last 7 years. I have never owned a business. I have enough capital to personally invest to get started, but I don’t know where to look to get things in order to hire a part time staff member. I can’t run the whole thing by myself 6 days a week.

I was a business manager and have bookkeeping experience. The software I work for is an enterprise software with GAAP accounting and inventory management. I know the ins and outs of that and I’m familiar enough (ish) with company financials. I know my way around a POS. I have relationships with local farmers but don’t know how to make agreements to get their products on the shelves. How much inventory do I need to open the doors? Do I make wholesale purchases of perishables or consign it with the farmers?

Help. Things are piling up and I don’t know where to go next.

Tomorrow I’m looking at a small shop space for lease. I intend to open a local grocery store/refillery shop. I would like to sell bulk food and home items (grains, spices, staple food products, soaps, detergents) and focus on the core items that people need. The location is walking distance from a relatively affluent neighborhood in a budding retail district.

So far…I have a name and an email address for the company. I want to make sure I have a storefront in the general area (the goal is to be a walkable grocery store) before I apply for LLC and file with the state. I have two back up locations if this one isn’t ideal.

My background is in education, outdoor recreation, SaaS and premise software implementation.

I have no idea how to run a grocery store. I have no idea how to track perishable inventory or how to apply for the appropriate permits or get inspections to sell food. Where do I go to learn this? I’ve reached out on socials to businesses across the US who are similar to the model I want to get 1o1 information. I’ve heard back from two of them, but haven’t had a chance to connect for information yet.

How do I find people who can teach me things so I don’t have to learn them the hard way? Do I need a point of sale, or can I run an old school register and track my inventory through other means? I’m very proficient with excel and a working knowledge of bookkeeping.

I’ve been wanting to open this business since 2019 and just haven’t been able to work up the courage. My current job is draining my soul. I want to connect with my community and be the place people stop in to buy eggs, milk, butter, and flour. Does anyone have a business plan I can read and study to produce something of my own?

I’ve been reading many posts here and I’m encouraged by the responses. Thank you all in advance for any insights and resources you’re able to provide.