← Back to chef tools · launch scenario. Reset starts with 390 units/month, 8% monthly growth, 60% direct / 25% wholesale / 15% restaurant. No awarded grants. Adjust any original control to recalculate.
Static HTML + live formulas. Change any input → all outputs update. Nothing hardcoded. sample operating assumptions.
Every slider flows to Margins, Cash Flow, Labor. 44px touch targets per Apple HIG.
These feed Cash Flow, Labor, and Red Team.
Mix total: 100%
Adjust prices. COGS from COGS tab. Green >60%, Yellow >45%, Red <45%.
Every number = formula from your COGS × Volume × Prices × Mix. Zero hardcoded data.
Hours from your production volume. Income from your cash flow. All connected.
Savings vs converted basement: $7,500–$20,000. Already has hood, 3-comp sink, grease interceptor, non-absorbent surfaces. DEH permit likely current.
| Element | Detail | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Elevator | Freight/service to basement | Standard: 2,500–4,000 lbs = 2–4 full pallets per load |
| Big steps | Backup egress / personnel | Use for people. Use elevator for product. |
| Loading area | Check if restaurant has receiving | Elevator → ground → vehicle. Or dock if available. |
| # | Step | Where | Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Receive ingredients | Street → elevator → kitchen | Dolly, sheet pans |
| 2 | Prep (wash, chop, measure) | Prep station | Cutting boards, processor, scales |
| 3 | Cook / blend | Range or tilt kettle | 8–20 qt stockpots or steam kettle |
| 4 | Ferment (fermented SKU) | Dedicated shelf area | Food-grade vessels, pH meter ($50–$150) |
| 5 | Fill bottles/pouches | Prep table (bottling station) | Piston filler ($200–$800) or funnel+ladle |
| 6 | Cap / seal | Same station | Manual capper ($30–$80), heat sealer ($30–$100) |
| 7 | Label | Same station | Hand-apply or applicator ($150–$500) |
| 8 | QA + case pack | Prep table | pH meter, cases, shrink wrap |
| 9 | Storage | Dry storage (same floor or elevator) | Shelving, pallet space |
| 10 | Ship / deliver | Elevator → ground → vehicle | Dolly |
| Item | Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| pH meter (digital) | $50–$150 | Required every batch. Non-negotiable. |
| Piston filler (manual) | $200–$800 | 5x faster than funnel. Pays for itself in 2 days. |
| Manual capper | $30–$80 | Consistent cap seal. |
| Fermentation vessels | $50–$200 | Glass or food-grade plastic. |
| Heat sealer | $30–$100 | For dry rub pouches. |
| Digital scale | $30–$80 | Consistent portioning. |
| TOTAL | $390–$1,410 | One-time. Restaurant may have some already. |
1. Is the restaurant's food facility permit current? You may operate under it.
2. Do you need separate FDA registration? Acidified foods need their own scheduled process filing.
3. What hours available? If dinner service: 6 AM–2 PM free = 8 hrs/day.
4. Shared-use liability? YOUR insurance must cover YOUR production, not the restaurant's policy.
5. Fermentation storage: Can vessels stay 24/7? Need a dedicated area not in service flow.
| Requirement | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Food Facility Registration (Form 2541) | Free | Same day (online) |
| Process Authority (validates pH, approves scheduled process) | $2,000–$5,000 | 4–8 weeks |
| Nutrition Facts Panels (5 SKUs) | $500–$1,500 | 2–4 weeks |
| Label Compliance Review | $500–$1,000 | 1–2 weeks |
Dry rubs do NOT need acidified food filing. Standard food facility license covers them. Lower compliance burden = launch rubs first.
Probabilities from craft food base rates. Dollar figures from YOUR inputs.
| Tier | Brand | Size | Price | $/oz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value (NO) | Sweet Baby Ray's | 18oz | $2.37 | $0.13 |
| Mid Jerk | Walkerswood | 10oz | $5.19 | $0.52 |
| Premium | Bachan's | 17oz | $8.49 | $0.50 |
| Pepper | Yellowbird | 9.8oz | $5.99 | $0.61 |
| YOUR LANE | Craft Fermented | 5oz | $8.50–$18 | $1.70–$3.60 |
| Super-Premium | Truff | 6oz | $14.99 | $2.50 |
| Brand | Where | Price | Threat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pretty Dog | Oakland | $8–12 | Direct geo competitor |
| Lucky Dog | Hayward | $8–12 | Award-winning, scaled |
| Youk's | SF | $9–14 | Same channels |
| KGWan's | Santa Cruz | $10–15 | Craft fermented lane |
This is a research reference, not a live calendar. Deadlines listed are as last researched (March 2026) — confirm directly with each grantor before submitting. Speculative grants are NOT included in default cash-flow projections.
| Grant | Amount | Deadline (verify) | Key Req |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amber Grant | $10,000 | Monthly cycles | Women-owned. $15 fee. |
| HerRise | $1,000/mo | Rolling | 51% WOC owned. $15 fee. |
| Galaxy | $3,500 | Verify before applying | Women/minority. Free. |
| Her Agenda | $5,000 | Annual cycle — verify | Women entrepreneurs |
| IFundWomen | Varies | Evergreen | One app auto-matches |
| Verizon | $5,000 | Course-first | Complete free course |
| Santander | Up to $20K | Fall cohort (verify) | Needs 1yr + $25K rev |
Cost of Goods Sold. Direct cost to make ONE unit.
(Price - COGS) / Price × 100. Target: 50-65% blended.
After ALL costs. Target: break-even Year 1.
Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Shelf price.
What you charge a store. 45-55% of MSRP.
Simple Agreement for Future Equity. Investor gives $ now, gets shares later.
Max company value for converting investor's $. $4M-$6M for pre-rev sauce co.
% of ownership given to investors. Target: 10-15% F&F round.
Minority/Women Business Enterprise certs. NMSDC (45 biz days) / WBENC (90 days).
Third-Party Logistics. Stores, packs, ships for you. $500-$2,500/mo minimums.
$ paid for shelf space, promos, demos. 10-25% of wholesale rev.
Biggest specialty grocery distributors. Take 25% margin.
How fast product sells per store per week. #1 metric retailers watch.
Stock Keeping Unit. Each unique product = 1 SKU. You have 5.
Acidified foods regulation. Required for hot sauce. Not for dry rubs.
Basis Points. 1 bps = 0.01%. McCormick lost 120 bps = 1.20%.
Compound Annual Growth Rate. Hot sauce: 5-8% CAGR.
Direct to Consumer. Your website. Highest margin, worst shipping economics.
Weight-loss drugs (Ozempic). Helps sauce demand: smaller meals need more flavor.
Average Order Value. Bundle sauce+rub = $19.99 vs single bottle $10.99.