FAQ
Everything you need to know about our first-ever brick-and-mortar and our fundraising effort!
We’re actively scouting neighborhoods in LA, including Pasadena and Studio City, to find the perfect location. Our dream spot will have a cozy storefront and a disproportionately large kitchen in the back, allowing us to expand our menu and give you access to all our delicious offerings all week long.
Well… that depends on the property we land and how much work it needs to get the space ready. We’re hopeful to secure something in 2025 and be open for business that same year.
You can expect our usual farmers market lineup—and then some! At the farmers market, we need approval for every new product we add. But with our own store, we won’t have that restriction. The sky’s the limit! Our goal is to offer you a wide variety of flavors and product types that meet our standards for quality, fast, and easy mealtime solutions.
Hemera’s Kitchen & Bakery is all about take-and-bake and grab-and-go. We’re not a place for dining in; instead, we’re here to make your mealtime wherever you choose—whether it’s at home, a picnic in the park, or a friend’s patio. The choice is yours!
Big box stores churn out products in bulk with profits in mind, often at the expense of taste. They’re like impersonal marketplaces. At Hemera’s, we’re more like your neighborhood chef’s kitchen and bakery, making everything in small batches. This means fresh and flavorful food that goes from our kitchen to your table quickly. We prioritize taste and your enjoyment over big profit margins.
Plus, our store isn’t a sprawling 5000 sq ft warehouse—you won’t need to rush around. Our space is compact and packed with quality products because we are all about quality over quantity.
No way! We would never abandon our loyal customers. We love visiting different neighborhoods each week and getting to know each neighborhood's unique quirks! Oh, and farmers market locations will most definitely benefit from our increased production capabilities with our Altadena location.
We’re looking for a property that doesn’t require extensive renovations, and we’ve budgeted up to $150,000 for the entire project.
We’re aiming for a balanced mix: 1/3 from customer support, 1/3 from the SBA loan, and 1/3 from friends and family investors.
This depends heavily on the property we find. Will provide more update once we locate the perfect spot!
- Property Availability: The property we’ve chosen could fall through due to unforeseen complications with negotiations, inspections, or permitting. If this happens, we would need to find another suitable location, which could affect our timeline and budget.
- Bureaucracy and Permits: Securing the necessary permits and passing inspections can be time-consuming and unpredictable. Delays in this process can push back the project timeline.
- Funding Delays: We rely on a combination of customer support, an SBA loan, and investment from friends and family. Delays or shortfalls in any of these funding sources could impact our project’s progress and require adjustments to our plans.
- Construction Delays: Unforeseen issues during construction, such as contractor delays or supply chain disruptions, can affect the project’s completion date and budget.
- Budget Overruns: While we’ve estimated a total of $150,000, costs can exceed this estimate due to unexpected expenses or changes in project scope.
- Operational Hiccups: Transitioning from a shared facility to a standalone location involves learning and adjusting to new operational processes, which may come with its own set of obstacles.
- Return Delays: If there are delays in the build-out or opening process, it might affect when you can use your store credit or attend the grand opening party.
- Financial Uncertainty: While we’re confident in our plan, there is always a risk that unforeseen circumstances could impact the success of the new location.
- Changes in Plans: If there are any changes to the project scope or business model, it might affect how and when we can implement certain aspects of the investment benefits.
- Support Limitations: For those who are not geographically close, supporting us through purchases like gift cards or party packs might not fully address the tangible aspect of being involved in our new location.
- Operational Challenges: Unexpected operational issues, such as staffing or supply chain disruptions, could affect our ability to deliver on certain promises or timelines.
- Market Conditions: Fluctuations in market conditions or consumer preferences could affect our business performance and, consequently, the benefits of your support.
- Technical Issues: Problems with our online systems or ordering platforms might affect how you use store credits.
By being aware of these risks and challenges, we aim to be transparent and prepared as we move forward with our exciting new venture. Your support and understanding are invaluable to us as we navigate these hurdles and work towards bringing Hemera’s Kitchen & Bakery to life.
Journey to Our First Store: The Highs and Lows
Betting on Myself While the Inside Voice Says Otherwise
testimonials
What our customers are saying about our products
These are a total lifesaver! I toss them in the air fryer for 25 minutes, then use that time for a quick face mask. It’s my little trick for squeezing in some self-care time.
I know they’re frozen, but they are SOOO good! I feel like I baked them myself, even though all I did was throw them in the oven.
Thank you for making me feel like a great mom. I serve these pies with a big salad for the table, and it’s so much better than fast food or frozen chicken tenders.
OMG, you have no idea! I’m vegan and my husband loves meat, so these individual pies are perfect. We each get what we enjoy for dinner without any fuss.