Waffleopolis | Application Preview
Waffleopolis is seeking government grants to ensure the business remains operational, specifically for covering payroll, utilities, and inventory costs. The team has dedicated nearly ten years to this establishment, which has been open for 47 years. Their primary objective is to expand the workforce, enabling the diner to operate more frequently, as current hours have reduced from 24/7 to just first shift. With grant support, they plan to diversify their menu, obtain a liquor license, expand the bar area, and improve their facilities.
The business, now employee-owned, has a strong commitment to quality by sourcing most of its inventory from local vendors and preparing fresh, never frozen meals daily. This dedication to quality has created a loyal customer base, but rising costs have made it challenging to maintain profits. Unlike larger competitors such as Waffle House and Brandi's, Waffleopolis prides itself on its small-town atmosphere and community engagement. The owners emphasize their commitment to the diner’s future and their belief that the business is worth saving, urging investors to support their efforts to keep their unique dining experience alive.
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 88-1297969
Location: Gaffney, SC, United States
Length of Operation: 11plus
Number of Employees: 11-25 Employees
Annual Gross Income: $500k to $1M
Annual Gross Expense: $250k to $500k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
We will being using the funding, if granted, to remain operational by using it for payroll, utilities, and inventory.
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Business Plan
We have been investing our time and passion into this business for almost ten years as employees. We definitely have big dreams of where we would love for this company to go. The goal most forward on our mind is growing our workforce. With the help of a grant we would be able to hire more people, therefore allowing us to be open for business more often. We used to be a 24 hour diner, now we only run first shift. We have plans to add more items to our menu, possibly require a license to serve beer and alcohol, and expand our bar area. We plan to upgrade equipment and facilities, including our dining area, kitchen, and food prep area. We are an established business, that has been here for 47 years. We have an established customer base. The business was family owned, and has recently been granted to employees. We started with little capitol, and have been doing our best to pinch pennies in a time where prices are going up, and finding staff is harder than ever. We think investors should invest in us, because we are invested, and have been for over 36 years between the three of us. When we took over we only had the money we put into it ourselves. We are dedicated, hard working, and all believe that this place is worth saving.
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Self Identified Competition
Waffle House Brandi's K&C What makes us different from our competitors is we order most of our inventory from local vendors. Almost all of our food is fresh, prepped every day, never frozen. The quality is great for our customers, but it does cut into our costs, and force us to raise prices. We are a small business, and a local gem. Though no longer "family owned", and now "employee owned" there is a family comradery between us and our staff. We offer a laid back, small-town feel that is hard to find in a cooperate owned restaurant. Everybody knows everybody, and is supportive of us and what we are trying to do.
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Contact Applicant
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