Practical guide to opening a bakery oven

At Bakeit, we support food professionals every day in growing their businesses by offering tailored solutions and equipment. In our blog, we’ve already explored how to open a pizzeria or start a pastry shop, today we’re focusing on bakeries, a sector that continues to offer excellent business opportunities.

In this article, you’ll find a complete guide to opening a bakery oven: from required permits to professional equipment, along with strategic advice for building an efficient, competitive, and scalable bakery.

Is opening a bakery profitable​?

If you’re dreaming of opening your own bakery, you’re probably wondering if it’s truly a profitable venture. The answer depends on several factors (location, quality of your products, and management skills) but the bakery industry remains a solid investment for those who bring creativity and consistency to the table.

A small neighborhood bakery can generate an annual turnover of $150,000 to $300,000, while larger operations with both a production area and retail store can exceed $500,000 per year. Margins increase significantly when focusing on premium products, efficient production processes, and local sourcing.

Permits and requirements to start a bakery

Before you open your doors, make sure your business complies with local regulations. Specific requirements vary by country, but in most cases you’ll need to:

• Register your business and obtain the necessary commercial licenses;
• Meet food safety and hygiene regulations (such as HACCP or FDA standards);
• Ensure your premises and equipment meet health and safety requirements;
• Obtain any required building or zoning approvals if you’re setting up a new facility.

If your bakery also offers on-site service, for example, a café or tasting area, you may need additional food service or retail permits depending on your local laws.

What equipment do you need to open a bakery?

Once the paperwork is complete, it’s time to focus on what makes a bakery come to life: the equipment. The starting point is, of course, bakery ovens, available in several types (rotary, deck, or modular) all designed to ensure even baking, energy efficiency, and consistent results.

Alongside the ovens, several other pieces of essential bakery equipment should never be missing, such as:

• Spiral mixers, ideal for soft, well-oxygenated doughs;
• Dough dividers and rounders, for consistent portions and shapes;
• Proofing cabinets, to control temperature and humidity during fermentation;
• Blast chillers and stainless-steel worktables, to maintain hygiene and efficiency.

Depending on your specialty, you may also consider specific machines such as baguette moulders or dough sheeters to expand your product range and streamline production.

Tips for starting a successful bakery

Opening a bakery requires more than just the right tools: it’s about planning, strategy, and passion.

Here are five key tips to help you start strong:

1. Choose a strategic location — visibility and foot traffic are essential for success.
2. Find your niche — whether it’s artisan sourdough, gluten-free bread, or pastries, specialize to attract loyal customers.
3. Use high-quality ingredients — premium flour, natural yeast, and fresh produce will set you apart.
4. Build a strong team — skilled and motivated staff ensure quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
5. Stay on top of baking trends — from healthy recipes to sustainable packaging, innovation keeps your bakery relevant.

If you’re planning to open a bakery and need expert advice on equipment selection or layout design, the Bakeit team can help you plan your workspace and find the right solutions for your production goals.

Contact us to learn more!