How to Start a Pizza Business in Kenya
Pizza is among the most popular foods in Kenya. If you want to start a Pizzeria, you are definitely on the right path since it has a profit margin. With most people having tight schedules and busy routines, they rarely have time to prepare meals. Pizza happens to be one of the favorite fast foods people buy. In this article, I will show you how to start a pizza business in Kenya.
Conduct a Market Research
Conducting market research is important before starting any business because it helps you to write a business plan. Research your key competitors and find out what they do so you can do it differently and better.
Additionally, identify your potential target customers are and the kind of pizza they prefer. Most importantly, talk to people who have been in the business and know what challenges they have encountered.
Write a Pizza Business Plan
To start a successful pizza business, you need a good business plan. Putting down ideas on a paper about your business will help you launch your business with much ease.
Things to include in your business plan include:
- A description of your pizza business
- Startup capital and the source of funds
- How you intend to grow the business
- Business location
- Targeted customers
- Possible challenges
- Your recipes and pricing
- A marketing and sales plan
Cost of Starting Pizza Business in Kenya
The cost of starting a pizza business depends on the size and type of pizza business you want to start. You can start a delivery business, dine-in, take-out or take and bake pizza business. You need approximately Ksh 200,000 to start one. The startup capital will go into getting the necessary licenses, business registration, and buying basic equipment.
Identify a Good Business Location
Finding a strategic location for your Pizza business is very crucial. You need to find a place that is easily accessible to your customers; preferably a busy town or a marketplace. Alternatively, you can start a pizza business from your home then make deliveries.
Get the Required Equipment
You will need equipment to start and run your pizza business. The bulk of your equipment will also depend on the size of your business. You will need the following equipment:
- An oven
- Dough mixer
- Pizza pans
- Worktables
- Freezer
- Pizza boxes
- Pizzabags
- Pizza cutters
- Cutting boards
- Basic utensils
Read also: How to start a yogurt business in Kenya.
Get the Necessary Licenses and Business Permits
Business permits and licenses are necessary to operate a legal business in Kenya. Failure to get business licenses will put you into trouble with the authorities.
You will need to get the following business licenses and permits for your pizza business in Kenya.
- Food Safety Certificate. This shows that the food you are selling to your customers is safe for consumption. Your business premises will be inspected before you are given this certificate.
- Food Handler’s Certificate. Diseases can be spread from one person to another. Therefore, the person preparing the pizza should be healthy so that he does not spread diseases to consumers.
- Single Business Permit. You can get this permit from the City council. It usually costs around Ksh 5,000 but this will depend on the size of your business.
- Fire Safety Certificate. Your business must be Fire Safety Certified. A fire inspector will visit your premises before you are issued with this certificate.
Come Up with Pizza Recipes and Menu
The good thing about pizza preparation is that you can design a recipe on your own. Make sure that your pizza is unique and delicious; it is the secret to a successful pizza business.
It is also important to use fresh ingredients each time you prepare pizza. Deciding what to put on your menu will determine the customers you will attract and the type of equipment you need, and your startup capital.
Read also: How to start a bakery business in Kenya.
Market your Business
After setting up everything, people will need to know about your business. You can choose to create a website, do social media marketing, or distribute fliers, pamphlets, and newsletters. Selling complementary products (like fruit juice and other drinks) that can be taken alongside Pizza in your Pizzeria is also another way to market your business.
This strategy will give your clients the satisfaction of ordering meals in one place and you are sure to get good profits. Offering excellent customer service is also a great way to retain customers.
Is Pizza Business Profitable in Kenya?
A pizzeria is undeniably a profitable business especially when you start one in high-end areas. Also, make sure to market your pizza business so that you have many customers.
Summary of How to Start a Pizza Restaurant in Kenya
Starting a Pizza business in Kenya is a profitable venture. You need a good marketing strategy, hard work, and persistence to succeed in this business. Also, the location you choose is a key determinant to the success of your business. If you follow this guide, it will be very easy to start a Pizza business in Kenya.
