The Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts are graciously offering 5 dates over the next year of a session on starting a culinary business, the first of which is today. While I can’t attend this week’s class, I’m putting it on my “to do” list for the fall. At $100 a person (for non FCI grads, which includes my non-culinary-skilled self) this could be the best spent money and 2 1/2 hours a budding restaurateur could spend. The basics such as incorporation and financing will be helpful for any entrepreneur, but the complicated details many stumble over such as liquor licenses, tax laws, etc are priceless in their ability to save a restaurant.

Maybe some of the budding chefs and bakers I mentioned in my post last week from the Greenpoint Food Market or other “underground” cooking communities should continue attending. The legal issues they face around use of a commercial vs non-commercial kitchen, etc would make for a lively discussion at the session.

If you attend, please write a comment and let us know how it is!

Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts & Friends of the FCI Presents: Starting Your Culinary Business

This workshop provides valuable information about starting a culinary business, including restaurants, bakeries, bars, and catering companies. This class will cover important issues that every start up business person needs to know including: the selection of a business entity, incorporation; financing, branding, licensing (including liquor licenses, cabaret permits, out door seating permits), taxes and regulatory compliance. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of the French Culinary Institute (FCI).

The Friends of the FCI is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable corporation that raises money for scholarships and financial aid to FCI career students based on financial need and ability to complete the program they desire. The organization was founded based on the belief that money should not stand between talented, motivated, deserving students and a first-rate culinary education.

When:
June 8, 2010, 4:30 - 7pm
September 7, 2010, 4:30 - 7pm
December 7, 2010, 4:30 - 7pm
March 9, 2011, 4:30 - 7pm
June 8, 2011, 4:30 - 7pm

Where:
VLA, 1 East 53rd Street, NY, NY 10022 (Auditorium)

Registration Fees: (there is a late registration fee of $10 if you register day of the class)
Current FCI Student: $25
FCI Alumni: $50
Other Culinary Professionals: $100
Other: $100

To register, please complete this registration form. All registration fees are non-refundable. For more information, please call Elena M. Paul at 212.319.2787 x17. Class registration is being handled by Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA).