UPer Crust Pies specializes exclusively in meat, veggie and fruit pies made from old-country family recipes. Our pies are baked fresh every day and delivered hot to customers via our retail shops. We will also offer frozen pies that can be prepared in the oven or microwave, in small and large quantities. All of our products are low in fat and contain no genetically modified ingredients. We also offer a variety of premium salads, desserts, and fresh premium salads.

We can import our products directly from a private bakery in the UP without high labor costs and expensive investment in manufacturing equipment and manufacturing. Our principal costs will be limited only to product procurement, shipping, and cold storage.

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 identified four keys to our success. The first is to secure stores in highly visible locations. Our unique value-for money product line will be the second. 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. Three locations are being investigated at this point. UPer Crust Pies will target the following market segments within the core metropolitan district. Young adults and businesspeople are our largest market segment (42%). Our next largest market, with the greatest potential for growth, is families with children (36%) and our final target audience will be between 15 and 24 years olds, which includes students (22%).

Our marketing strategy will focus on attracting new customers, educating those customers and creating a loyal customer pool. UPer Crust Pies will attract consumers through highly visible signage, print media advertising, flyers, entertainment book coupons, word-of-mouth advertising and strategic alliances.

We believe in a culture of happiness and promoting employees who enjoy their work. We will assess every aspect of the business, interact with our customers and evaluate their preferences.

UPer Crust Pies 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 currently seeks a bank loan along with a private investment contribution from outside investors. Three months prior to the opening, the majority will be used for corporate remodeling, lease payments and corporate design.

Starting costs include inventory, shipping and cold storage fees for the product. The purchase of equipment assets, such as a commercial pizza oven, pie warmers and ambient display cases, fridges, freezes, and miscellaneous furniture, is required. UPer Crust Pies expects to need liquid cash to pay operating expenses, unexpected expenses, and wages during the first three months.

UPer Crust Pies predicts a modest rise in business for the first two years. In the second year, the company will add two more stores and in the third year, an additional two stores. These stores will add to the gross revenue of the company in the second, third and fourth years. Comparatively to industry standards, we have predicted a very conservative increase rate for the first 3 years of operations.

1.1 Objectives

• Achieve first year sales above $120,000.
• Maintain a healthy gross margin.
• Design a business plan that allows for expansion.
• Five store locations must be open by the end if the third-year.

1.2 Mission

Our top priorities are customer satisfaction and education. We will strive for excellence by providing exceptional customer service and consistent product delivery within a welcoming and comfortable environment.

We want to achieve fair and sustainable profits. This will allow us to keep our company financially healthy, and also ensure that we can continue growing and developing. Responsible profit will fairly reward investors and owners for their risks and reward employees who have worked hard, remained loyal and committed.

Participation, employee welfare, and training are all important aspects of our success. Everyone will be treated honestly, with dignity, and with the utmost respect. It is our responsibility to provide employees with a friendly, comfortable and challenging work environment with opportunities for growth and development.

1.3 Keys of Success

• Locations: Visibility, high traffic patterns and convenient access.
• Store design: Very attractive and relaxed environment, efficient operations, quick.
• Unique products: differentiation, competitive pricing, no direct competition.
• Quality Controls: Genetically modified free policy, consistency, clean appearance.
• Service: cheerful, professional, articulate and informative.
• Marketing: Positive image, educational, word of mouth advertising
• Employee retention: training, ongoing education, recognition programs.