10+ Best & Profitable Mom And Pop Business Ideas [2023]

Get the jump on the competition by starting one of these top 10 mom and pop businesses in 2023. Our list of ideas will help you to choose the most profitable venture for you and your family.
Newfoundr

By Nick Cotter
Updated Feb 07, 2024

Image of mom and pop business ideas
This page may feature products from our affiliate partners, which could influence the products we discuss due to potential compensation. Despite this, our evaluations are impartial, based solely on our independent analysis. The content here is intended for informational purposes and should not be seen as legal advice. For professional guidance, consulting with a legal expert is recommended.
What are you waiting for?
Quit that job & start your business with ZenBusiness today.

Hey there, future entrepreneurs! Are you tired of the 9-5 grind? Dreaming of a business that you can call your own? Perhaps you're thinking of a venture that you can share with your better half, or even with your parents. Well, you're in the right place! Welcome to 2023, where the entrepreneurial spirit is thriving like never before. And guess what? The mom-and-pop businesses are making a grand comeback!

Yes, you heard it right! In this digital age, the charm of small, family-owned businesses hasn't faded but has instead gained a unique edge. These businesses are not just about profits, they're about passion, perseverance, and personal touch. They're about creating a legacy that you can pass down generations.

So, are you ready to dive into the world of mom-and-pop businesses? Ready to turn your dreams into reality? Well, buckle up, because we've got a treat for you! We've gathered 10+ best and profitable mom-and-pop business ideas for 2023 that are sure to inspire you. Let's get started, shall we?

Bakery

A bakery is a business that specializes in the production and sale of baked goods. It is a great idea for a business because it can address multiple needs and customer desires. The following are some of the advantages of starting a bakery:

  • A bakery can offer fresh, high-quality products that appeal to people's sweet tooths.
  • They are relatively easy to start up, with relatively low costs.
  • The business can be expanded effortlessly into selling other types of food items.
  • It can offer a much-needed service in areas with limited access to baked goods.
  • It allows entrepreneurs to create unique products and recipes that customers will love.
image of a Bakery

Coffee Shop

A coffee shop is a great business idea for those wanting to provide a service to their community. The shop provides customers with an inviting atmosphere, delicious coffee, and friendly staff. It's also a great place for people to connect, unwind, and work. Here are some advantages of opening a coffee shop:

  • It's an easy business to start up with minimal experience.
  • It offers the flexibility to customize the menu.
  • Its low overhead costs provide the potential for high profit margins.
  • Customers will return again and again for a pleasant atmosphere and their favorite products.
Featured Business Formation Partners
image of ZenBusiness logo
ZenBusiness
Turn your business vision into reality with ZenBusiness's streamlined LLC formation and expert support services.
Newfoundrz Rating ★★★★★
image of Northwest Registered Agent logo
Northwest Registered Agent
Secure your business's future with Northwest Registered Agent's personalized LLC formation and privacy-focused expertise.
Newfoundrz Rating ★★★★★
image of Bizee logo
Bizee
Kickstart your business effortlessly with Bizee's comprehensive LLC services and free first-year registered agent support.
Newfoundrz Rating ★★★★★

Examples of successful businesses:

Mom and pop businesses are small, family-run businesses that have been around since the start of the 20th century. They provide a great way to serve local communities and build strong relationships with customers. Here are some examples of mom and pop businesses that have been wildly successful:

  • Apple Pie Bakery in Seattle, Washington
  • Lily's Hardware Store in Louisville, Kentucky
  • Small Town Coffee Roasters in Key West, Florida
  • J&J Antiques in Berkeley, California
  • Grandma's Sandwich Shop in St. Louis, Missouri

Car Detailing Business

Car detailing is an excellent business idea for those who have a passion for cars and want to make money on the side. It is a type of service where your car is given a thorough cleaning that goes above and beyond a regular washing. Car detailing services vary widely in price, but clients can often expect to pay hundreds of dollars for a more comprehensive job. The benefits of starting a car detailing business include:

  • Flexible hours: You can set your own hours and work whenever you want, even if it’s just evenings or weekends.
  • Low start-up costs: You don’t need to invest in much equipment or physical space to get started.
  • High profit margins: With careful pricing, you can make a decent profit margin with each job.
  • High demand: Cars are always in need of detail work, so there’s plenty of opportunity for repeat customers.

Craft Store

Craft stores are fantastic business ideas because they cater to a wide variety of creative interests. Crafting is an increasingly popular pastime, and a craft store can provide all the supplies customers need in one convenient location. Some of the benefits of starting a craft store include:

  • A great variety of craft supplies available
  • A broad customer base
  • High potential for growth
  • Ability to offer classes, demonstrations, and workshops

Video Game Shop

A Video game shop is a retail store that specializes in selling video games and related merchandise. It is a great business idea for those who are passionate about the gaming industry and would like to bring the latest and most popular games to the public. Some benefits of owning a video game shop include:

  • Opportunity to engage with gaming communities offline
  • Access to exclusive deals from publishers and distributors
  • Ability to provide customers with post-sale support and services
  • A chance to build relationships with loyal customers

Furniture Making Business

A furniture making business is a great business idea as it offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to design and create custom pieces of furniture for homes, offices, and businesses. With the right skills and equipment, furniture makers can design unique products for their customers, creating a unique piece that is tailored to their needs.

  • Can make pieces to fit specific spaces with precise measurements
  • Opportunity to work with different types of materials (wood, metal, upholstery etc.)
  • Chance to be creative when designing furniture pieces
  • Ability to customize each piece for customers
  • Potential to make a high-quality product that lasts for years
  • Possibility of selling completed products online or at local markets or shops

Clothing Boutique

A Clothing Boutique is a retail store that specializes in clothing, footwear and accessories. It typically caters to a specific kind of customer or type of clothing, such as high end fashion, casual wear, athletic apparel or vintage style clothing. Clothing boutiques provide consumers with an alternative to the standard department store experience by offering unique and exclusive items. This can make for a great business idea because:

  • It offers customers something different to bigger chain stores
  • A Boutique can specialize in certain niche markets that may not be available in other stores
  • Boutiques can be tailored to specific price points which can allow for more flexibility for customers
  • Having a physical store allows for increased customer communication and experience

Auto Repair Shop

An auto repair shop is a business that offers maintenance and repair services for cars and other motor vehicles. This type of business can be very profitable, especially if the owner has the knowledge and experience to provide reliable services. Here are some reasons why an auto repair shop would make a good business idea:

  • High demand - Cars need regular maintenance and can suffer from mechanical breakdowns, so there is always demand for auto repair services.
  • One-stop-shop - Auto repair shops offer a wide range of services such as oil changes, brake repairs, tire changing, and more.
  • Low overhead costs - As long as you have the necessary tools and parts, you don't need to rent an expensive space or employ a lot of people.
  • Potential for growth - As your business expands, you could offer additional services, hire more staff, and open multiple locations.

Sporting Goods Store

A Sporting goods store is a retail business that specializes in selling quality sporting equipment and apparel. This type of business makes a great choice because it offers consumers the convenience of selecting products from a single source, rather than being limited to the offerings of different specialty stores. Additionally, it allows them to save time by not having to shop at multiple stores. There are several advantages to starting a Sporting goods store:

  • Offers customers a variety of items for one-stop shopping
  • Establishes relationships with customers and manufacturers
  • Provides space to host special events like tournaments or demos
  • Creates higher sales volume with targeted marketing campaigns
  • Receives discounts and other incentives from suppliers

Gourmet Food Truck

A gourmet food truck is a business specializing in high-end cuisine that sets up in regularly scheduled locations, or travels to festivals, fairs, and other events. A gourmet food truck offers creative, high-quality food items not typically found elsewhere. Some benefits of running a gourmet food truck include:

  • Accessibility: Customers can easily find and visit your food truck at local markets or events.
  • Low Overhead Costs: Compared to traditional bricks-and-mortar restaurants, a food truck doesn’t require significant up-front investments.
  • Creativity: A gourmet food truck allows you to be creative with your menus, recipes and presentation.
  • Personal Service: When customers visit your food truck they are greeted by friendly staff and the business owner, making the experience more personal than at a traditional restaurant.

Newfoundr

Founder and CEO

We're newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.