If your bakery is feeling the post-holiday sales slump right now—you’re not alone. In this episode of Kitchen Notes, Meg walks through a calm, strategic 5-step plan to help you assess the dip, figure out where it's coming from, and create a realistic game plan to recover revenue without panic or burnout.

Whether January is slow for you, or your dip hits in July or October, this episode will give you a framework you can return to any time the numbers feel off.

Key Takeaways:

• Why seasonal dips are normal (and even predictable) in bakery businesses—and how to plan for them
• The first number you must know before you can rebound from a sales dip
• How to analyze which parts of your business are underperforming so you can stop guessing
• Creative, low-effort promo ideas that can help you quickly fill the revenue gap
• The one action step that most bakery owners skip when they’re feeling stressed or discouraged—but that can make or break your momentum

Resources + Links:

• Bakery Finance Essentials – our self-paced online e-course course designed for bakery owners who want to get more confident with their numbers
• Got a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com
• Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation
  
  

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Did you enjoy this episode? If so, I’d be very grateful if you'd leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Have a question or topic you want covered on a future episode? Send me a message—I love hearing from you!

Episode Description:

In today’s episode, we’re answering a listener question that came up during one of our recent live workshops — and it’s one I hears all the time:

What’s your top cost-saving tip for bakery owners?

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to make your bakery more profitable, this episode is for you. I'm shares the real, often overlooked secret to improving your margins — and it’s not about cutting labor, finding cheaper ingredients, or slashing your rent!

Whether you’re just getting your bakery off the ground or you’ve been in business for years, I hope this simple & powerful reminder helps improve the way you manage your bakery’s finances this year and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

• Why profitability isn't about one magic fix — and what it is about instead
• The slow, sneaky “leaks” that drain your profits (and how to catch them early)
• A simple routine that can help you make better, faster, and easier financial decisions
• How staying close to your numbers reduces stress and increases confidence
• My practical recommendation for checking in on your finances — even if you “hate numbers”

Resources Mentioned:

• Bakery Finance Essentials – our self-paced online e-course course designed for bakery owners who want to get more confident with their numbers
• 🗣️ Got a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Email me! hello@bakerybusinessacademy.com
  
  

Enrollment is now open for our flagship bakery finance program - Bakery Finance Essentials 🎉

To learn more the course or sign up today, visit: https://courses.bakerybusinessacademy.com/bfe/

Episode Description:

It’s that quiet, cozy week between the holidays and the New Year—a natural time to pause and reflect. In this episode, let's walk through a gentle (non-hustle-y!) approach to year-end reflection and business planning. Instead of racing into 2026 at full speed, I invites you to slow down, look back with honesty, and begin the new year with grounded clarity about what’s working—and what’s not.

Whether 2025 was your best year ever or a bit of a blur, this episode offers a calmer, step-by-step framework to assess your numbers, your energy, and your goals—so you can move into the new year with confidence and intention.

Key Takeaways:

• Rushing into New Year planning can backfire—here's what to do instead
• The three simple numbers to look at before setting any 2026 goals
• Why “how the year felt” is just as important as analyzing your profit margins!
• A practical framework to reflect on 2025 without the overwhelm
• Avoiding “hope and pray” planning in 2026

Resources + Links:

➡️ Register for the Free 2026 Planning Workshop on January 12th

➡️ Join our Bakery Owners Facebook Group to connect with fellow bakers and continue the conversation