Are your coworkers still raving about the homemade Texas Hold ‘Em chili you brought to the company Christmas party?
Are you in charge of refreshments at your church or synagogue? You’re the one who bakes those homemade cupcakes with the catchy names like, “Raspberry Red velvet Roebling Tarts”, “Triple Trenton Makes Mocha”, “Cadwalader Candyland cupcakes”, “South Broad Street Strawberry Shortcake”, and “Prospect Peanut Praline Parfait”!
Are you the business major at MCCC with the huge Instagram following for your fantastic Jamaican-style sandwiches?
Your supervisor at the dining hall says that you’re the best employee she’s ever had! The students love your mile high deli sandwiches with scotch peppers, purple cabbage, gourmet pickles, caramelized onions, and thinly-sliced meat marinated in honey, mango, and jerk sauce on Hawaiian bread!
You have innovative ideas and you’ve always dreamed of having your own business; why not?
How many times have you walked past the Trenton Transit Center and wondered what business would move into the space vacated by McDonald’s? Great location! Lots of foot traffic! But how do you begin to make your dream a reality?
Plan carefully by:
- Researching the market. Your target customers who pass through the station are NJ Transit, SEPTA, and Amtrak commuters as well as Riverline passengers from across the street and bus riders from in front of the building. What product is convenient, affordable, and unique for them? Don’t try to replicate the Philadelphia, Newark or New York market. Trenton has its own unique qualities.
- Identifying and obtaining the necessary health and food safety licenses and permit. Check online on the City of Trenton website.
- Identifying products/services that have not been successful at this location and why.
- Knowing your competition. Currently, the two main concessions at Trenton Transit Center are Dunkin (donuts, coffee, and sandwiches), and Aunt Anne’s (hard-baked pretzels), Brainstorm about other types of concessions that are priced right, doable in the space that’s available, and that are so different that they will not only satisfy current commuters but also attract the curious. Everyone is looking for something different. Everyone wants to try something new. How many times have you and your friends and coworkers argued over where to go for lunch before giving up and settling for the same old thing?
- Considering any perceived obstacles that may be specific to the location (crime? theft? inadequate access for the disabled?)
- Submitting an “Expression of Interest” form. Go to https://www.njtransit.com/1477666) According to the website, “available for bid: 580 sq ft centrally located on the concourse near the Wallenberg entrance of NJ Transit’s Trenton Station. Ceiling Height: 13′ 10″ with an opportunity for signage to promote your establishment.”
- What’s the selection process? “The selection of a lessee is based on review of proposals submitted to NJ Transit in response to a Request for Proposal package issued to parties submitting an “Expression of Interest”.
Well? What are you waiting for? Get busy. Get ready for your future. Best of luck to you. I’d like to be your first customer!