Supplying Schools: My First Wholesale Order
When I secured my first school order—700 cookies—I knew it was a big step for Teens2Table. But I didn’t fully grasp what I was getting into until I stepped into the commercial kitchen I had booked. The ovens were massive, the mixing bowls were so big I could practically fit inside them, and the sheer scale of production was unlike anything I had done before. It was an exciting, overwhelming, and eye-opening experience. From ingredient shopping to inventory management to the long hours of packaging, every step of the process taught me something new. Here’s how it all came together.
Manage Inventory Like a Pro
Keeping track of everything was another challenge. With so many ingredients, tools, and supplies, I needed a system to stay organized. I learned to log inventory carefully, plan ahead for future orders, and make sure nothing was wasted. This first big order taught me the importance of efficiency in running a food business.
The Long Hours of Baking and Packagaing
Baking 700 cookies took hours—far longer than I expected. The commercial ovens could handle large batches, but even with that advantage, I spent late nights mixing, scooping, baking, and cooling. And then came the packaging. Every cookie had to be sealed, counted, and boxed for delivery. It was exhausting, but seeing the final product ready to go made it all worth it.
This first school order was a huge milestone for Teens2Table. It showed me that scaling up is tough but possible with the right mindset and preparation. As more schools come on board, I know the challenges will keep coming—but so will the rewards.
