Replies to post #2537 on Smoky Market Foods, Inc. (fka SMKY)

[Farrago]

Don't quote me, someone can go back and look, I feel like somewhere I read or heard that Eddie's plan is for a startup cost of around $50k. That might not even be close, or I might be really confused - again, I can't remember why that number is in my head. I feel like he may have talked about it in the ... was it stockgoodies interview or something like that? Someone clarify, I can't listen again while I'm at work :)

BUT ... check out this list. Besides the quality of product. Besides the advantages in minimal staffing, management, equipment, training, etc. Besides the lack of competition in this niche of the food service market. Two words resonate with me ... AFFORDABLE = ACCESSIBLE. Don't know how accurate this is, but I think it's probably pretty close. Take a look at these common franchises. Many may know this, but it's good quick reading. The startup costs/criteria for these franchises scream NOT ACCESSIBLE. http://franchises.about.com/od/choosingafranchise/tp/popular-food-franchise-costs.htm

Again, knowingly repeating myself. There is a market for Smoky BBQ food. BUT, there's a HUGE and not really talked about market for folks that want to have ownership of a business married with the benefits of a franchise, which is exactly what Eddie's plan lays out and why he dubbed the term "franship." There is no middle ground right now for folks that have the second American dream. The first is home ownership. The second is owning their own business/being their own boss. Absolutely supported by independent surveys. People want to own their own business. Two biggest limiting factors are risk (which the more management, personnel, training required, the higher the risk of not running it well), and lack of necessary assets.

Smoky addresses both of these in a way that IMO nothing else out there does right now. Big market for folks who care less about BBQ but want financial security in the ownership of a business in a system that provides EVERYTHING necessary for success...and, oh, by the way, they get a top of the line product to boot. NO. BRAINER.