Blastem Sweet Treats | Application Preview
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General Information
Business Registration Number: 92-3919450
Location: Lenox, MI, United States
Length of Operation: 1-5
Number of Employees: 1-10 Employees
Annual Gross Income: $250k to $500k
Annual Gross Expense: $100k to $250k
Open to Loans: YES
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Funding Usage
As a startup business our funding request is currently in equipment and facilities acquisition and getting established. This includes the purchase of the building, Ice Cream Freezers, Warmers for toppings, display cases, sanitation sinks, tables and dining room outfitting. We have contacted suppliers and other outfits to maximize the grant and funding spend. We have located the building that is already configured appropriately and up to code to house the establishment and outside of small appliance changes we just need to furnish the equipment to be up and operational and providing an economic boost to the DownTown Richmond Community. We will also use the funding to source from local suppliers that would include baked items, farm fresh fruits and toppings. We would also use the funding in marketing and community engagement to get the town and surrounding area's excited to have a community parlor for gatherings. This of course would also be working with the Chamber of Commerce and other local business in co-marketing agreements that benefit the economic development of the town.
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Business Plan
In the next five years we plan on opening up at least 1 more location. Our business model and operation is to help grow small town communities with family and team destinations. Focusing on the smaller communities that are in the growth area as the suburban options continue to move outward. Inward on the flagship store, over the five year mark we are going to also grow our product set and use our upper level to host private parties, meetings and team building type of events. The community at large continues to grow and develop with increases in neighborhoods and infrastructure. This is an opportune time to create something that brings the small town feel and community together as Richmond being part of Northern Macomb and Southern St Clair Counties is turning from a dominant farming community into a growth community. We have seen the average household size increase, Average Age of citizens decrease and recreational spending increase. As a close knit family (the name alone is that of the children of the family) we also believe our venture will help the surrounding retail businesses by driving additional traffic to downtown. It will also bring more people into the local park that is right up the street, only a 2 minute walk. The location also is at the end of the Macomb Orchard Path, which is a biking and hiking pathway that stretches from Oakland County Michigan to Macomb County
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Self Identified Competition
One of the stand out features of this location is the lack of direct competition. Currently the only ice cream shop in the immediate area is a Dairy Queen franchise, The Frosty Queen in New Haven and The Creamery on Main of Armada are the three biggest Ice Cream Competitors. On the Coffee Side of the business there are no cafe's just big box corporate entities of Tim Hortons and McDonalds that offer quick service beverages. Dairy Queen is the closest and biggest competition, being a franchise it has marketing and supply advantages. The Dairy Queen in town is also ICE Cream only, which means it does not have the grill component to offer hamburgers, chicken strips and other food items. It mainly focuses on SoftServe ice Cream with Toppings to differentiate. It is however home to the Blizzard frozen treat as well as Ice Cream Cakes. This location is also located further into town and away from the local parks, destination shopping and school area. It offers a drive through which, due to design, often backs up onto the local side street. It also does not offer seating inside and has limited (3) tables located outside. Prices range on Blizzard treats from $2.89 for a mini to $4.69 for a large. Classic twists (chocolate and vanilla) Cones and sundaes are also offered for between $2.50 and $5 depending. Frosty Queen is a walk up ice cream service located in New Haven Michigan. Approximately 7 miles South on Gratiot Avenue. Offering a variety of soft serve ice cream flavors in addition to "homemade" Brand Hand dipped Ice Cream. Prices here range from $3.50 to $5.00 for Hand dipped and are a little cheaper for soft serve. They offer 4 tables outside in a fenced area for their clients to enjoy and do also offer basic food options. Frosty Queen is open on a limited time frame and closes down from October to April Annually. They are located close to New Haven High School and a few of the neighborhoods in the area will frequent the establishment. The Creamery On Main located in Armada is also approximately 7 miles from our location, however due west. They are also located in a small town and offer that small town appeal. They are mainly focused on "Gourmet Loaded" Shakes and soft serve flavors with prices ranging from $3.50 for a traditional up to $10.00 for a custom "Loaded" shake. They also have limited seating inside the building with a "bar style" option against the window and a single seated table. They pride themselves on quality and their boutique style. They also do partner up with other local businesses in regards to flavors and options to upsell. What we are looking to accomplish isn't the next biggest breakthrough in Ice Cream Parlors, we believe that offering a place to come and relax and unwind is needed. A place that can help downtown Richmond thrive and offer up options for local residents and people from surrounding communities to come visit. Having Hand Dipped Ice Cream, in addition to cafe style beverages is something that always will bring a family and community together. We also are working to partner with other local suppliers to offer pastries and baked goods to help strengthen the economy at large. We firmly believe that by adding this type of destination will bring in from the surrounding communities as well as provide a place for families, teams and organizations to go after the big game. During our research a common point of feedback was that it is missing from the town and the "Town needs to have an Ice Cream Shop"
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Contact Applicant
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