UPer Crust Pies will specialize in meat, vegetable and fruit pies made using old-country traditional family recipes from the UP - Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Our pies will be baked fresh everyday and sold hot directly to customers through our retail stores. We will also sell frozen pies in lunch and family sizes that can be cooked at home in an oven or microwave. Our products are low fat and free of genetically modified ingredients and will be complemented by an assortment of fresh premium salads and desserts.
By importing our products directly from a private label bakery in the UP we avoid high labor costs, expensive investment in manufacturing and production equipment, and additional warehousing and production facility costs. Our major costs will be limited to product purchasing, shipping and cold storage.
We have plans to expand the company through further retail outlets and are focused on developing a business model that is favorable to franchise possibilities. With an exclusive import license that could be used to sell frozen product through supermarkets and bulk wholesale food chains, UPer Crust Pies could quickly and clearly establish itself as the market leader.
We have identified four main keys to our success. The first is to secure stores in highly visible locations. The second will be our unique value-for-money product line. The third will be a focus on superior customer service and education, and the fourth key will be employee retention through training and internal promotion.
The proposed business location for the first UPer Crust Pies store will be in downtown Yubetchatown. At this stage five possible sites are being considered in three areas. UPer Crust Pies will target three market segments within the core metro district. Our largest target market is young adults and business people (42%). Our next largest market, and the one with the greatest growth potential, is families with children (36%), and our final target market will be 15-24 year olds which includes students (22%).
Our marketing strategy will be to attract new customers, educate those customers and then create a loyal customer base. UPer Crust Pies will attract consumers through highly visible signage, print media advertising, flyers, entertainment book coupons, word-of-mouth advertising and strategic alliances.
Our sales strategy includes hiring employees who genuinely enjoy their jobs. We will continually assess all aspects of the business and interact with our customers personally, evaluating food choices for popularity and keeping favorites on the menu as we rotate weekly and seasonal specials.
UPer Crust Pies is a Limited Liability Company. All membership shares are currently owned by Lina and Olie Mackinac-Gogebic, with the intent of using a portion of shares to raise capital. UPer Crust Pies is currently seeking a bank loan with an additional private investment contribution from outside investors. The majority of these funds will be used for corporate design, remodeling and lease payments three months prior to opening.
Start-up costs include initial inventory for the first store including shipping and cold storage fees associated with the product. Equipment assets such as a commercial oven, pie warmers, ambient display cases, refrigerators, freezers and miscellaneous one-time furnishings must be purchased. In addition, UPer Crust Pies anticipates the need for liquid cash for operating expenses, unforseen expenses and to help cover wages for the first three months of business.
UPer Crust Pies has forecasted a modest growth rate for the first year of business. In the second year, the company will add two more stores and in the third year, an additional two stores. The addition of these stores will increase the gross revenue in the second and third years. Compared to industry standards we have forecasted a very conservative growth rate for the first three years of operations.
1.1 Objectives
- Achieve first year sales above $120,000.
- Maintain a healthy average gross margin.
- Develop a business model that is favorable to expansion.
- Establish five store locations by the end of the third year.
1.2 Mission
Customer satisfaction and education are our paramount missions. We will endeavor to meet the highest standards of excellence through superb customer service and consistent product delivery in a friendly and comforting environment.
We seek fair and responsible profit, enough to keep the company financially healthy and ensure continued growth and development. Responsible profit will fairly compensate owners and investors for their risk and reward employees for their hard work, loyalty and commitment.
Employee welfare, participation, and training are equally important to our success. Every employee will be treated fairly, with dignity and the utmost respect. It is our responsibility to provide employees with a friendly, comfortable and challenging work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
Highlights
1.3 Keys to Success
- Locations: visibility, high traffic patterns, convenient access.
- Store design: visually attractive, relaxed atmosphere, fast and efficient operations.
- Unique products: differentiation, competitive pricing, no direct competition.
- Quality controls: genetically modified free policy, consistency, clean presentation.
- Service: cheerful, professional, articulate and informative.
- Marketing: positive image, educational, word-of-mouth advertising.
- Employee retention: training, ongoing education, recognition programs.
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