UPer Crust Pies specializes in vegetable and fruit pies. 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 from genetically modified foods. They will also be accompanied by a selection of fresh premium salads.
Our products are imported directly from a private-label bakery in the UP to save on labor costs, investment in production equipment and additional warehousing. The main costs of our products will be minimal, including shipping, cold storage and product purchase.
We are looking to grow the company by opening additional retail outlets. In addition, we plan to create a business structure that makes it attractive for franchise opportunities. UPer Crust Pies, which has an exclusive import permit that can be used to distribute frozen products through supermarkets or bulk wholesale food chains could quickly become a market leader.
We have identified four main keys to our success. The first is to locate stores in highly visible areas. The second will be our unique, value-for-money product range. The third will place a strong emphasis on education and customer service. Finally, the fourth key is employee retention through training.
Yubetchatown, where the first UPer Crust Pies Store will be established, is the proposed business location. There are currently five locations that could be considered. UPer Crust Pies aims at three markets within the core of the metro district. Young adults and businesspeople are our largest market segment (42%). Families with children are our next largest market (36%). The final target market for us will be students between 15-24 years of age (22%).
Our marketing strategy will focus on attracting new customers, educating those customers and creating a loyal customer pool. UPer Crust Pies will appeal to consumers by using prominent signage, flyers and print media advertising.
Our sales strategy includes finding people who truly enjoy their jobs. We will continue to assess all aspects of our business and interact with our clients personally. We will evaluate food choices and keep favorites on the menu.
UPer Crust Pies is a Limited Liability Company. Lina Mackinac Gogebic is currently the owner of all membership shares. She plans to use a part of the shares in order to raise capital. UPer Crust Pies currently seeks a bank loan along with a private investment contribution from outside investors. Three months before opening, the majority of these funds are used for corporate design and remodeling. Lease payments will also be made.
Starting costs include inventory, shipping and cold storage fees for the product. Equipment assets such as a commercial oven, pie warmers, ambient display cases, refrigerators, freezers and miscellaneous one-time furnishings must be purchased. UPer Crust Pies anticipates that it will need liquid cash to cover operating expenses, unforeseen expenses, and wages for the first three month of operation.
UPer Crust Pies forecasts a modest growth rate in the first year. In the second, the company will open two more stores, and in the thirties, they will add two new stores. These stores will boost the company’s gross revenue in the second year and third years. Our forecasts for the first three-years of operations are very conservative in comparison to industry standards.
1.1 Objectives
- First year sales above $120,000
- Maintain a healthy average gross profit.
- You should create a business structure that will allow for growth.
- Five store locations must be open by the end if the third-year.
1.2 Mission
Education and customer satisfaction are our top priorities. We will strive for excellence by providing exceptional customer service and consistent product delivery within a welcoming and comfortable environment.
We are committed to achieving fair and responsible profits, sufficient to sustain the company’s financial health as well as ensure its continued growth. Responsible profit will fairly pay investors and owners as well as reward employees and their loyalty.
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 as employers to provide an environment conducive to growth and development for employees.
1.3 Keys to Success
- Locations: Good visibility, high traffic patterns, and easy access.
- Store design: Very attractive and relaxed environment, efficient operations, quick.
- Unique products: differentiation, competitive pricing, no direct competition.
- Quality control: Consistency, cleanliness, and a policy that is not genetically modified.
- Service: friendly, professional and informative.
- Marketing: Positive image, educational, word of mouth advertising
- Training, ongoing education, and recognition programs are all ways to retain employees.