Hi Zack,
I want to start my own bakery, but I am thinking about purchasing an existing bakery and then introduce my items and make changes. There sure two business I would consider purchasing, but to my knowledge they are not currently for sale, how do approach the owner?
Before you approach the owners, are these businesses similar to what you were thinking your business would look like? Have theses businesses been successful? If so, why would you change things? Are these businesses serving the customers you would want to serve? I would sit and research both locations, sit there and watch the daily activities. Watch the employees, the customers, the orders, ease drop on customer conversations, strike up a conversation with the employees concerning the food, drinks, and suppliers. This will provide you a better idea if this business is the type of business you may someday want to purchase. If this business is successful, take the ideas you like and apply them to your business concept. Everything is for sale for the right price. Approaching the business owner is a small concern compared to specifically identifying the successful qualities of that business. What is it about that bakery that you think will make it a success? How can you explain this success in specific terms because it is more than just good muffins.