Delicious Bread Bakery in Connelsville - Assignment Example

Academia-Research.com 08 March DELIcious Bread Connelsville: anything new is a hit This new deli, bakery panera bread style of an establishment in the foods and drinks services promises to be the leader and a byword in the industry. We seek to establish a product and services that hope to become a household name. It is committed towards customer satisfaction in bread making as its catchy trade name, DELIcious Bread suggest. Anything new is a hit! Yes it is, and nowhere in the food industry can this exclamation be more pronounced than in the mouth-watering product lines, succulent-food business and the traditionally inseparable bread and coffee fare in the table. But like a hit song that made its way to the top of the music billboard during the first weeks and months of release, foods and services have its own duration of a peak popularity and savoring public acceptance. This is one natural weakness in the trade that we seek to improve and consequently be on top. That is where we will venture out to be creative and consistently popular. In this feasibility study and research, we propose to meet the needs and challenges of Connelsville residents, who are as discriminating as the uniqueness and individuality of choices and lifestyle in this area of some 9,500 permanent residents and transient visitors and plain travelers from one city to another numbering by the hundreds every month. 2 Executive Summary. A number of reports, findings, sample survey questionnaires and other important considerations follow in the next pages of this presentation. Except for food, excitement and product acceptance has its own peak and climax. Foods and drinks stay forever so long as life itself permits. The more challenging task is how to keep customers eating and satisfied and remain on top. In such very competitive and diverse entrepreneurship as foods and beverages,, uniqueness in both taste and looks, cleanliness and customer-friendly services are the major considerations. They form part of every marketing strategies to start a food business and its eventual expansion. One of the main ideas of establishing this business or any similar endeavor for that matter, is by starting small and growing big. In that respect, quality control takes a primary role in the shelf and baking areas. We will create and introduce new-to-your-senses menus of panera bread style similar but more innovative than those casual-setting, low-priced, quick-service chains nationwide. In order to be different, we must take advantage of the potentials normally present in starting a business such as introducing a new tradition in creative, tasteful and healthy bread making Connellsville style. Ambitious as it may seem, but creative bread making is tantamount to a daily changing menu. We can follow through by remaining true and humble to our vision of customer satisfaction and value for money food provisions and services. 3 Introduction. Establishing the business in a strategic area in Connellsville takes so much preparations and planning to ensure a high rate of success. This includes choosing the right location and hiring of the best and creative people. This portion of the report will take a lot of problem solving by anticipating them and facing them ahead of time even before it can present itself as a problem. One of the most effective ways to solve a problem is to anticipate and discern them. In such important areas as human resources, snags can be prevented from setting in with periodic programs of business-family bonding, camaraderie, dialogue and constant communications. As much as time and finances permit, a reward and systems of recognition, no matter how simple and inexpensive can do a lot of magic to the morale and efficiency in day-to-day operations. What you give to them always have a good habit of returning back double in terms of loyalty, efficient and more productive services. Food business is issue-sensitive business. Some of the problems that we may find hard to overcome are negative comments from customers, real or imagined. Once invasive, the problem can do a lot of damage to the image of the business. Erecting a good business name takes time to establish, it takes only one bad one to tear it down. Word of mouth and individual testimonies can work both ways, either to build up or destroy. We must anticipate this kind of problem and take immediate and full control of the issues involve before it gets out of hand. 4 Positive comments from satisfied customers are some of the most effective advertising one can have but it always starts with goodwill and good public relations through fast and efficient service and more importantly a strict quality control of the list of products in the menu. Positive comments will multiply economic gains for the business and the reverse is also true. Anticipating these kinds of condition can make management always a step ahead. That is how most businesses succeed. Anticipating difficulties, prevent its occurrence and control problematic areas in business that can cause restraints in finances and growth. Other obstacles can come ahead of the all important opening day. We must identify possible hitches with more detailed attention and foresee them as well so as not to derail the purpose of devising a long and lasting first impression for the business starting from day one. Anticipating problems and solving them ahead of time is only one part in the huge task of opening a bakery, deli and panera bread style that we had proposed to be more attractive with new and unique features never before seen, heard and tasted menus. The key is innovation and creation. Therefore, we need the types of foods that are basically new to the market. Success on this endeavor also depends on the type of equipment that is available. We need a food license to go with this new creation. We can continue collating ideas and turn visions into realities. 5 As earlier suggested, staying in business and on top of the competition is the single most important challenge on the very first day of operation preceding a simple opening day. One good business program is to be updated by reaching into the minds of customers through on line surveys. In the food business, the importance of keeping every customer satisfied can never be underrated. Keeping ourselves posted and updated keeps everyone coming in and out happy and satisfied. The old-fashioned but effective paper surveys or even the convenient comment cards on the shelf or tables are still effective. Here are some good suggestions to keep us informed and competitive: “Be sure to ask the questions that matter so you can judge how well your establishment is doing and what you can do to improve your operation. Some restaurant survey template questions include:” Restaurant Survey Sample Question Restaurant Survey Sample Question Restaurant Survey Sample Question 6 Restaurant Survey Sample Question “There are plenty of other questions you can use in a restaurant survey to ensure that your customers are leaving satisfied, full and ready to make their next reservations with you.” (survey.cvent.com) One of the most difficult part in establishing a new business is having the right financial backing. A simple visit to the local banks to secure a business loan will solve the problem. There are banks with commercial lending specialization in Connelsville. These three are recommended, namely: National City Bank: Laurel Mall Branch, Connellsville Shopping Center Branch, PNC Bank, National Association: Connellsville Branch at 102 West Crawford Avenue and The Scottdale Bank & Trust Company: Connellsville Branch at 125 South Arch Street. Membership with the Connelsville Chamber of Commerce can help and touch base with industry leaders. Taking into consideration the population density and characteristics of the area has lead us into the following information of the city’s cosmopolitan profile, to wit: White 8,647 representing 94.5% of the ever-growing population. African-American numbers 359 or 3.9%, Asian at 300 or 3%, American Indian & Alaskan at 120 or 1%, Others 160 or 2%, Mixed Race 820 or 9%, Hispanic 90 or 5%. Another way to make the deli panera bread style business relate to the demographics of Area 15425 is by designing the business to suit the needs of a family-oriented and child-friendly 7 atmosphere and marketing approaches. For example, two of the highly-populated areas like Scottdale and South Connelsville own more than half of the total population of the city at 4,772 and 2,281 respectively. Scottdale also has the highest median family income of $41,114. 46 percent of the adult population of Connelsville are married and it also has a very young population of Under 18 years old at 2,243 or 24.5 percent. Average family size is 2.97. (citytowninfo.com) Prices in the $10 to $15 range. Bakery Deli Panera bread style is part of an emerging food trend sweeping the country and more importantly, this kind of quick-service business can keep itself mid-level and casual with low-prices as part of main business ingredients having an average customer tabs at say, $10. Other important considerations. Panera bread style which is becoming more and more popular specially in Charllotte is nowhere found here among at least twenty-two foods and drinks establishments dominated by pizza dine-in and take-home shops. Out of the above total, ten are full service restaurants, three cafes, three hamburger houses and two convenience stores. There are only two Delicatessens. As far as the combination bakery deli panera bread style, nothing of this sort yet. There is one McDonald’s in the area and not so surprisingly, two Chinese restaurants aptly called Double Dragon Chinese Restaurant and Great Wall Chinese Restaurant. No matter how small in population, as long as there are residents of Chinese ancestry, 8 there will always be the ever-present activities in business notably a Chinese restaurant. Astute businessmen as they are, the Chinaman’s belief hinges on the fact that a business runs the risk of being a failure if it is not invested in the area of man’s three basic needs which are food, clothing and shelter. Truth to tell, most Chinese businessmen have been dominant in these three areas of a quick returns-of-investment kind of entrepreneurship. It is of no surprise then that there are two full service restaurants in the area despite the fact that Asians represent a very small minority of the population in Connelsville at only three percent or roughly 300. That is why you cannot accuse the Chinese of being slothful in business. Like the American hamburger and the Italian pizza, the Chinese culinary appeal is universal. But still, many people love fresh, fun meal choices like sandwhiches serve on white whole grain bread with a squeezable organic yogurt. Residents of Connelsville are religious people of different sects, mostly Christians who are out at churches on Sundays. Therefore, it is good for business to be up and about its regular operations on the first day of the week which is basically a family day. Church services are filled with devotees in at least two occasions, one before breakfast and the other one ending minutes before lunchtime and just before dinner in the evening service. Opening up our doors for the churchgoers and those simply having their regular weekly relaxation on Sunday is servanthood for all. Man cannot live by bread alone, alright. But we cannot live with words alone, either. We need bread. That in essence, explains the beautiful balance of life. 9 In finding a location for the business, it is more important to consider putting it in a place where there is a sizable number of human traffic day in and day out. This is true in areas near tourist attractions and promenades. Cravings for foods is prevalent among people in such very active lifestyle as sports. Outdoor sports is popular in Connelsville which has trail runs on the West Side, the Crawford’s Cabin and Spring House where one can discover the first of 11 Heritage Trail Signs to explore the city. Places where there are schools and universities are also important. Although the nearest university is 17 miles away from Connelsville but a total of three high schools, one private, two public and seven elementary and middle schools are found in different locations from Locust Street to Pleasant Valley Road inside Connelsville. All have a combined total population of 5,143 students with Connelsville Area Shs School, Grades 10 to 12, earning the biggest number of students at 1,323. Next in line of priority is the design and space that must have enough room to house all the needed equipment from sandwhich grills to microwave ovens, coffee equipment to beverage machine, refrigeration, etc. Used restaurant equipment can be had at half the price or even lower. These are available online and low price labels go with it a 30-day warranty. A visit to Burkett Restaurant Equipment (basequipment.com) is recommended for this purpose. The company is a one-stop-shop supplier of restaurant equipment and kitchen supplies needed to open a bakery. Another viable option is to lease the equipment so available cash can be used for other important purchases and immediate needs. 10 Start moving in the equipment as soon as the area on lease is ready. The right location carries long-term benefits that outweigh short-term costs so that the choice of converting abandoned restaurants is not a priority. This is still a viable option, however, if we find such area to be strategic enough to draw customers from street traffic. Savings from lesser construction costs deserve lesser consideration compared to areas that are intrinsically surrounded with people and prospective customers. Let us continue to be on the look out also of landlords offering lower rents to promote long-term leasehold and avoid lengthy vacancies of areas ranging from 3,500 to 4,500 square feet. There are also landlords who might be willing to negotiate rents based on sales percentages. Compared to the regular flat rate, rentals based on sales percentage can ease pressure on tenants. After finalizing bids and choice for the right wholesaler of ingredients are done using the local phone book, its time to decide the exact items to be sold. It is important that we select the supplier that can regularly provide the type of ingredients needed to start the bakery and deli. The task remains the same. Keep prices low preferably in the $10 to $15 range, emphasize on fresh ingredients and maintain a casual setting with somewhat upscale taste by promoting original recipes. Finalize menu prices after keeping tab with the overhead expenses. Take a much wider choice of the staffing pattern by posting job requirements on line. The Monster website is one good connection to look for a good baker and responsible workers. Choosing the right people for the job is the key to our success. 11 Conclusion. The “Long-term Benefits Outweight Short-term Costs.” The mission is to keep customers fed with quality foods and goods at affordable costs. Next to maintaining such an important role in the community is the rewards of having a good name and wide patronage from loyal customers. Potential for financial success is greatly proportionate to the collective nature of the business. Deli and bakery panera bread style is a food trend sweeping the country. Having one in Connelsville is the better choice and a wise decision. Panera bread is the first of its kind in the 15425 area and anything new is a hit specially if it is customer service-oriented and selling high-quality products and fresh foods on a daily basis. First impression lasts and the smell of a freshly-baked bread is enticing. An elaborate opening can very well prepare the ground works for a successful business. All the equipment should be in good working conditions. Maintain a stable supply of foods based on the demands of the customers with the varying requirements from low to high. Keep the store colorfully attractive and clean. What is initially a labor of love for the independent operator of a small bakery deli panera bread style can be very fulfilling in terms of profit, appreciation and recognition by the customers in particular and the whole community in general. 12 References Murphy, David (2010). Keeping Restaurant Customers Happy (And Eating). cvent. Retrieved from http://survey.cvent.com/blog/restaurant-questionnaire http://www.citytowninfo.com/places/pennsylvania/connellsville http://www.basequipment.com/ Read More