Live bakeries getting popular in city

Live bakeries are gradually becoming popular in the capital, thanks to preparation of food items in front of the customers in those small units by ensuring hygiene and price affordability.
Following the success, presence of these bakeries is now seen in almost every part of the city.
The live bakeries differ from traditional setups by giving their customers a transparent view of the entire baking process, said Sagor Hossain, manager of Saad Bakery and Confectionary in the city's Panthapath area.
"We began our journey nearly two months ago, and the response is overwhelming. The trend has been beneficial for both the customers and the entrepreneurs."
"We don't use any hazardous chemicals or preservatives in preparation of our food items," claimed Mr Hossain, and added that the staff members of the bakery also consume these items.
Sources said the live bakery concept of business arises from its nature, as these are usually equipped with open kitchens at the back, where the customers can observe mixing, kneading, and baking of different food items, along with display showcases at the front.
The experience of observing engages the customers, offering them entertainment as well as assurance of quality and freshness of the items, including different types of breads, buns, patties, cakes, biscuits and paratas.
Minarul Islam, a resident of Mohanagar project, said a small live bakery began its journey near his residence nearly three years ago. Now, there are four such businesses in the area.
"As a customer I prioritise hygiene standards above all, and then consider price and other issues. From such perspective, the live bakeries offer most of the benefits in line with the consumers' expectations."
Cakes and other items, manufactured by the large-scale industries, are most likely to contain higher level of preservatives and other chemicals, which are harmful, he added.
"There is no need for using preservatives and other harmful chemicals in the small-scale live bakeries, as their items are sold within hours of baking," said Sakibul Islam, an entrepreneur in the sector.
Mr Islam launched his second live bakery in Panthapath area recently, following success of the first one located in Mogbazar area.
According to sources, Tk 1.0-1.5 million is required to begin such a business, depending on the location and equipment installed. On an average, four to five people are required to run such a business.
Machinery and accessories used in a live bakery include oven, mixers, slicers, racks, shelf, showcase and freezers. The most important equipment is oven, which could cost approximately Tk 0.3-0.45 million each. These are usually manufactured as single-deck or triple-deck, and could be run with both gas and electricity.
Among others, dough mixers cost between Tk 0.1-0.2 million each, and slicers cost around Tk 0.1 million each. Different moulds and other accessories are also required.
Ovens are mostly imported from China, while other equipments could be sourced locally, said Shahidul Islam, a chef - who has been working in different bakeries and fast-food shops for more than a decade.
"While the traditional bakeries are on the verge of extinction in the wake of the large industries, the small-sized live bakeries are showing a light of hope," he noted.

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