1/ Find the idea that sets you apart
Before you reach for your apron and line up your knives, you need to define your offering precisely. Ask yourself one simple question: what are you going to offer that other cooks aren't already offering? Cooking workshops have multiplied in recent years, so standing out is absolutely essential.This might lead you to specialise in a specific cuisine or target a specific audience — children, for example. You could also offer a corporate package, particularly for team-building events. Let your imagination and passions guide you!
Once you have defined your idea and your positioning, everything else will follow from it. You can then decide on the length of your workshops, your pricing, and your choice of venue.
Bear in mind that the cooking workshops that perform best often address a specific need. Turn an everyday problem into a workshop promise!
2/ Complete the legal formalities for your cooking workshop
To offer your services to the general public or to businesses, you first need to set yourself up as a legal entity. The least burdensome way to start is to register as a sole trader (auto-entrepreneur). This will allow you to validate your concept while operating within a legal framework.You can also set up a simplified joint-stock company (SAS) straight away if several people are involved in the project and it is likely to grow quickly. In that case, you will also need to bring an accountant on board. Whatever you do, never run a cooking workshop outside a legal framework!
3/ Choose the right venue for your cooking workshops
The question will come up quickly: where will you run your cooking workshop? At home? In a professional premises? Pay close attention to insurance requirements and safety regulations.The venue also needs to be more than just attractive — it must be functional and allow your clients to move around safely.
Be strict about the venue's capacity too. Don't crowd your clients, and keep in mind that the more successful the experience, the more word of mouth will bring you new customers!
Accessibility, seating capacity, and the overall atmosphere all play a decisive role in the experience! The venue you use for your cooking workshops must be both welcoming and practical.
4/ Meet your hygiene obligations
In France, any activity involving the handling, preparation, or distribution of food is subject to health and safety regulations. These regulations apply to restaurants but also to cooking workshops and cookery classes.In practice, you are required to comply with HACCP standards (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). These standards aim to prevent food poisoning by identifying risks before they become a problem.
At least one person at your workshop must therefore have completed HACCP training. The training generally lasts 14 hours spread over 2 days, and once obtained it remains valid indefinitely.
5/ Professionalise the booking process for your cooking workshops
You've found your concept and your venue, and you're starting to attract your first interested clients? It's time to take things up a notch by putting a professional booking system in place. This will save you an enormous amount of time! You'll no longer need to exchange endless emails with clients — they'll be able to browse your upcoming cooking workshops and book directly.We naturally recommend Explorates' booking system, perfectly suited to cooking workshops of any size. You can set your availability, define your pricing, and publish your offers on your own website or on third-party sites. Explorates also allows you to list your offers on major activity platform websites, including Get Your Guide.
