Today is Candlemas Day and we bring you some ideas to set up a tamale shop and some other business models based on tamales.
The food and beverage industry is one of the most dynamic in Mexico. And the figures confirm it: restaurants (outside of the pandemic) generate more than 1.4% of national GDP and 13% of tourism GDP.
On the other hand, the production of Tamales in the country dates back to pre-Hispanic times. Thus, cultures such as the Maya included the consumption of this food in rituals to purify their seeds at the beginning of the agricultural cycle. Back then, corn and banana leaves were used, and they were steamed. While the arrival of sugar in our diet (after colonization) enriched the variety of tamales, which some estimate between 500 and 5,000.
Today, in addition to its consumption either at breakfast, lunch or dinner, as a main dish or as a treat, during the week or on Saturdays and Sundays, this food becomes the main protagonist every February 2. Its about Candlemas day the date on which Mexicans enjoy tamales, courtesy of those who obtained “el niño” in the Rosca de Reyes.
Today is Candlemas Day and they eat tamales! / Image: Depositphotos.com
How to put a tamaleria?
This business idea consists of a local tamale, that is, an establishment of at least 25 square meters for the sale and consumption of a wide variety of tamales. For this, an initial investment of $300,000 is required, which includes the conditioning of a kitchen with its respective utensils, supplies, bar and counter, cash register, benches, tables and chairs. In addition to the training of personnel for the elaboration of tamales. The objective is to professionalize this traditional business that is often located on the street without following basic hygiene rules.
Of course, if you don’t want to set up a local, you can start a tamaleria on a smaller scale with a street stall, a stall in a market or even as a dark kitchen with home service. This will allow you to have a business with less initial investment that you can scale up. You can start the business with an initial investment of 5,000 pesos for basic supplies such as a stainless steel tamale pot, atolera pots, Styrofoam plates and glasses, ingredients, etc.
Where to put a local tamales?
Locate your tamaleria near schools, offices and residential areas. Ideally it should be easily accessible by pedestrians and vehicles. Another key to this business is the opening hours: try to open from 6 am and close until 9 pm. Identify the peak hours so that your employees intensify the activity and can have rapid response capacity. And take advantage of sales downtime to focus on production.
Do not forget that you will conquer your clients with your stomach. So try to have a wide variety or rotation of options so that people never leave empty-handed. Contemplate mole tamales, green, with slices, sweet, in cake, as well as regional varieties. Another way to increase your income is to offer home delivery or special attention for events.
example of success
By Marissa Sanchez
