Own Buisness

[dorwrath]

This may sound a daft question to ask, but hey I'll ask it lol

If you guys had the money and decided to open your own buisness in Hattiesburg, what would you choose?

[Waldo]

Panera Bread

[JMC]

Not giving out my secret just yet. Someone with more money may think it's a good idea. :-D

[dorwrath]

Not giving out my secret just yet. Someone with more money may think it's a good idea. :-D

:P

[kevin]

Greek Restaurant.

[Booshay]

Well we all know how country boys like big girls and most everyone likes BBQ. So my idea would be a BBQ place/strip club. In one end of the building, have nothing but big girls stripping and on the other end of the building have the BBQ place. On the sign out front, have two neon dancing pigs wearing bikinis and call it Hog Heaven.

[mi_nombre_es]

I am currently working on getting the starting capital and a business plan together for an idea I have.

When me and my wife were in Atlanta, we flipped thru the yellow pages to find something to eat near the hotel. So while look we noticed something. I never really put two and two together on this idea until about a month ago.

Hattiesburg has delivery for subs (Coop Deville).....Pizza (Domino's, Pizza Hut etc..). But what about outback, chili's or even Applebees.

Part of what I want to do is make a service people can call, and order from their favorite restuarant's take out menu. Our drivers will go pick it up and deliver it to your home, for a small fee of course.


Like I said, I am slowly working on the business plan and trying to see if Hattiesburg has a market for this. If it does, I am getting prepared to seek addition capital to put my plan into a reality.



So just curious, if there was a service that could pick up food from your favorite restuarant, deliver it to your house (within Hattiesburg City Limits), Would you be interested in and use the service? Please PM me your thoughts (or reply here).

[kevin]

I've known of several attempts at just that Idea Mi Nombre Es. None of them are still around but under the right Management sounds still like a good idea.

[noway]

24 hour day care.. in 10 years you will not have to work anymore..

[chaz]

a chicken finger restaurant

[Conveyor Belt]

Yeah, they had that food delivery service a while back... Shark something or other. I didn't get it. I mean, I get it, but I'd never use it.

[countrygirl]

I would buy a few low to mid prices houses in areas that have a shortage of good rental houses and rent them. Been seriously thinking of starting with one or two...

[Fish-Bait]

drive thru topless beer barn.

[aaron]

If you start a furniture store, don't call it this:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2353/2258732689_6378eed150.jpg

[James Moore]

The food delivery service business model should include a commission paid to you directly by the restaurants from which you pick up. You are increasing their sales and they should see value in that.

During my elementary music teaching days I'd walk 3 blocks to Church's Chicken and bring my lunch back to the teacher's lounge everyday. Soon the teachers began asking me to pick them up a lunch as well.

Only problem was that the folks at Church's knew my order and would always fix it and put it at the front of the take out line when they saw me coming into sight. Even with a line of twenty customers I'd be able to walk right up to the take out register even though I'd not really called in my order. The add on request by teachers meant I had to stand in line killing 20 minutes of my lunch.

I posted a menu check list in the lounge and required that it be filled out by 10:30 and rounded up the prices to include tax and about 10% for my trouble. Exact change was expected. I'd then call in the day's order and it would be boxed up for me when I arrived.

In a matter of weeks I was routinely picking up 8 - 10 lunches daily. This made the manager at Church's so happy that he stopped charging me for my lunch. I made about $5 for my daily walk plus got free lunch.

Convince the restaurant managers that your business model can bring them revenue they otherwise would not get and negotiate a %.

This post made me remember a routine my best friend - a special ed teacher - had when he'd communicate his lunch request for me from across the large campus. He'd place his hands in front of his chest as if he were bouncing very large bosoms then wiggle his fingers in the air. That was his way of telling me that he wanted a chicken breast and fries.

Good luck with the business plan.

James

[58ford]

I think I've discussed my plan for a porn studio in another thread, but you really can't go wrong with a liquor store if you can find the right location. Literally that stuff sells itself.

[Hermione]

We occasionally used a food delivery service like that in New Orleans. I would use it in town. However, one problem I can see is that your most affluent customers live the furtherest away (Canebreak, etc.) so that might impact your costs. But yes, I'd be willing to pay $2 for you to bring me something from a restaurant especially as I don't like to drive at night. However, I might not do it often enough to make your business go.

[Blockhead]

I was always a fan of having a fast food delivery service. Everybody hits the drive-thru to get their burgers, chicken sammiches, etc, but nobody delivers them. If you want your fries hot, then this won't work out to well...short of a "keep-em-fresh" container. But the lack of burger delivery has always had my attention.

I have a few other ideas. But, like others, I'm not yet ready to blow them off as a daydream and give someone else the opportunity to pick my pocket.

[jkspatty]

There are days when I would give someone $20 to bring me a poboy from Gold Post or a pasta salad from Crescent City. I am in west hburg and cannot leave work. I do think maintaining the quality/temp of the food would be an issue, esp with the travel times due to traffic. Also, if the restaurant makes a mistake (wrong order, too long preparing food, etc...) you are in a major bind with your customers. I think this is one of those ideas that seem great in theory, but not all that practical.

[Hermione]

Also, if the restaurant makes a mistake (wrong order, too long preparing food, etc...) you are in a major bind with your customers. I think this is one of those ideas that seem great in theory, but not all that practical.

That happened one time when we ordered from our favorite Thai restaurant. After the third call and an hour+ wait, our meal was free. (It was a really funny incident -- on the third call, my sister was chewing the guy's ears off his head and in mid-conversation discovered he was the son of a really good friend of hers. It was hilarious to watch her switch gears in mid-rant.:laugh:)

[fuzzis]

Another problem is how to remind folks that you're available to them. I mean...I might remember that I'd like x from y, but how are you going to get customers to automatically think, I'd like x from y and I can get z to bring it to me? (I'm spacy...I'd never remember)

[HpyGoLky]

In bigger cities, can't you call a cab and have them pick up and deliver to you?

[Conveyor Belt]

The food delivery service business model should include a commission paid to you directly by the restaurants from which you pick up. You are increasing their sales and they should see value in that.

During my elementary music teaching days I'd walk 3 blocks to Church's Chicken and bring my lunch back to the teacher's lounge everyday. Soon the teachers began asking me to pick them up a lunch as well.

Only problem was that the folks at Church's knew my order and would always fix it and put it at the front of the take out line when they saw me coming into sight. Even with a line of twenty customers I'd be able to walk right up to the take out register even though I'd not really called in my order. The add on request by teachers meant I had to stand in line killing 20 minutes of my lunch.

I posted a menu check list in the lounge and required that it be filled out by 10:30 and rounded up the prices to include tax and about 10% for my trouble. Exact change was expected. I'd then call in the day's order and it would be boxed up for me when I arrived.

In a matter of weeks I was routinely picking up 8 - 10 lunches daily. This made the manager at Church's so happy that he stopped charging me for my lunch. I made about $5 for my daily walk plus got free lunch.

Convince the restaurant managers that your business model can bring them revenue they otherwise would not get and negotiate a %.

This post made me remember a routine my best friend - a special ed teacher - had when he'd communicate his lunch request for me from across the large campus. He'd place his hands in front of his chest as if he were bouncing very large bosoms then wiggle his fingers in the air. That was his way of telling me that he wanted a chicken breast and fries.

Good luck with the business plan.

James

In the business, we call that the 'gopher' plan. You reward the person who goes for the lunches. Same way you comp a bus driver's meal. If they're bringing you $100's of dollars of customers, the least you can do is comp them in hopes and expectation that they'll keep bringing that extra money in.

[wilebill]

In the business, we call that the 'gopher' plan.
Yeah, but he doesn't have any friends http://www.myhattiesburg.com/forums/member.php?u=945

[Fish-Bait]

what am I missin' here coyote? Or are U just bored out of your mind?

[ynotme297]

A Harley Davidson sales and service dealership would make a gazillion dollars. The closest dealership is in meridan or the Coast.

[EricStratton]

I'm gonna wait until Oak Grove incorporates, and then I'm gonna open a trendy, little bagel shop where I won't have to fear the rath of the bagel-hatin' HPD.....

that or a Checker's....I'd like to see a Checker's in the area with quality management....

[EricStratton]

In the business, we call that the 'gopher' plan. .

Gophers?

http://static.flickr.com/23/28718936_69128fe6b5.jpg

[thrillseeker]

So just curious, if there was a service that could pick up food from your favorite restuarant, deliver it to your house (within Hattiesburg City Limits), Would you be interested in and use the service? Please PM me your thoughts (or reply here).

If you start this business PLEASE go to both Wesley and FGH ERs and give them the numbers. I used to work at FGH in the ER it was always a pain to get delivery. There are nights that are slower and you can go out for supper but mostly its very busy and we had to call in delivery. You cant imagine how sandwiches and pizza get tiring after about 3 days.

I think this would be a great idea. If you are going to be open during the daytime also give Hattiesburg Clinic the numbers.

If you just went to these 3 places you would have business forever.

[EricStratton]

I'm gonna offer a suggestion, mi nombre.....You may want to target large groups as well, like sports teams coming to USM, Carey, etc....I know a guy who makes a living setting up post-game meals to be delivered to college football teams across the country....I think he works out of his mom's basement or something (j/k...that's just how imagine him)....But, he works out of Indiana but sets up meals all over the country....He basically makes calls to Subway or Domino's or Burger King, etc....and stays on their butts and makes sure THEY get the food delivered on time.....He gets great deals from these places because of the quanity and therefore the schools don't get charged an arm and a leg for his services.....On a 3 or 4 hundred dollar order, the school may pay 25 or 30 bucks....

Just a little thought to add some volume to your plan......

[Conveyor Belt]

that or a Checker's....I'd like to see a Checker's in the area with quality management....

No prob, man. You need $2 mil in hard assets and $1 million in liquid. I'm not even kidding.

[thrillseeker]

I would love to open a small catering company that offers soup, salad, and sandwich lunches and has pickup casseroles, veggies and salads for dinner.

[quicksilver74]

at one time we did have a food delivery service in hattiesburg.

[Hermione]

I would love to open a small catering company that offers soup, salad, and sandwich lunches and has pickup casseroles, veggies and salads for dinner.

There used to be a place like that on Magazine ST. in NO, lower down towards the park. Chez Nous?? It was great -- people stopped on their way home and got stuff they could just serve or throw into the oven at home.

[chaz]

If you start this business PLEASE go to both Wesley and FGH ERs and give them the numbers. I used to work at FGH in the ER it was always a pain to get delivery. There are nights that are slower and you can go out for supper but mostly its very busy and we had to call in delivery. You cant imagine how sandwiches and pizza get tiring after about 3 days.

I think this would be a great idea. If you are going to be open during the daytime also give Hattiesburg Clinic the numbers.

If you just went to these 3 places you would have business forever.

mi nombre,

I think she just gave you the perfect test bed for your service. See what works, what doesn't. Just offer limited hours when you are available. It will let you quickly see if you want to be in that business or not.

If you do, it's a good starting point for bootstrapping.

[mi_nombre_es]

mi nombre,

I think she just gave you the perfect test bed for your service. See what works, what doesn't. Just offer limited hours when you are available. It will let you quickly see if you want to be in that business or not.

If you do, it's a good starting point for bootstrapping.

The problem at the moment is lack of accessable capital. I am waitting tables again trying to build back up some money. It's gonna be a few months before I can get the bugs worked out. I am currently talking to a company from California that has been doing it for years. One of the problems I am seeing is that people in Mississippi are some of the poorest, yet we eat out alot. Most people here can't see paying $6-8 to have food delivered from any restuarant, but in California, this is acceptable. But that is just one of the many wrinkles i am currently ironing out.

I left this out last post. In Addition, I want to offer (a few months after the business starts going and I can get some staff), Home Geocery Delivery. Flat fee + cost of the geocery, delivered to your home. Always thought it would be an awesome idea for Hattiesburg, seeing how it is considered to have a healthy number of retirees.

One last notion I am putting thought into but the idea would be super tricky to pull off in Mississippi. In addition to bringing food, the Drivers would be able to stop by the local liquor store, get a bottle of wine or liquor and deliver it to your house along with the food. This option would only be avaible to people who ordered food (because in MS you can't serve Alcohol without providing the consumers a means to getting food). I already see a huge issue with underage college kids trying to order liquor thru the service. I also see an issue with ABC licensing, since I would not have a set bar, at a set location, making drinks with the liquor I would be procuring for consumers. Also, In MS, you pretty much have to order your wine/liquor thru ABC if you are selling it. They get down right pissy if you don't and can threaten to take away your license.


I would like some input on what ya'll think about these last two ideas and maybe help me brain storm some issues or resolutions to issues that might come up.

[Blockhead]

No prob, man. You need $2 mil in hard assets and $1 million in liquid. I'm not even kidding.
Wuh? :smt103

[birthdaybunnie]

We rented a condo in Orange Beach and they had a service that would buy your groceries and have them in your unit at check-in. It was 50 bucks plus the cost of your items. As most of you know if your time is valuable this is well worth the trouble if you're visiting during peak season.

[Conveyor Belt]

Wuh? :smt103

Looks like the new CEO may have changed things up a bit. The new CEO is from Burger King, and he may have brought a different model to Checkers.

From the site (http://www.checkers.com/franchise_financial_requirements.html):

If you are looking to open a single Checkers/Rally’s restaurant unit, you must have a minimum net worth of $400,000, excluding your primary residence and $150,000 in liquidity.

[jill1179]

I do own a business and it's a lot of freaking work and aggravation even though it has lots of benefits........

But I'd love to have kitty cat daycare or something like Canine Country Club.

My husband and I do want to open a restaurant one day but we currently don't have the funds for such.

[James Moore]

Looks like the new CEO may have changed things up a bit. The new CEO is from Burger King, and he may have brought a different model to Checkers.

From the site (http://www.checkers.com/franchise_financial_requirements.html):

A little off topic but could you let the current management at Checkers on Hardy know that it was time to replace their tattered American flag about 6 months ago?

Thanks
James

[Conveyor Belt]

A little off topic but could you let the current management at Checkers on Hardy know that it was time to replace their tattered American flag about 6 months ago?

Thanks
James

I have a feeling that a bit of that comes from the fact that the rope is stuck on the flagpole. They need to get a bucket truck out there with someone to get it reset.

I agree, though, 100%.

you can leave them feedback on this link:
https://www.servicecheck.net/forms/irpt_welcome.asp?brandid=57

[PHDPLEASE]

I had the PERFECT plan for a business in Hattiesburg...but the smoking ban ruined it. I wanted to open up a movie theater with a full service bar & deli AND have designated smoking areas...including the actual theater where the movie was being shown.

[Blockhead]

I had the PERFECT plan for a business in Hattiesburg...but the smoking ban ruined it. I wanted to open up a movie theater with a full service bar & deli AND have designated smoking areas...including the actual theater where the movie was being shown.
That's actually a great idea. The only drawback would be the noise. But, then again, nobody stays quiet in movie theaters anymore.

[petalgirl00]

We need a 24 hour daycare.
I want to open my own daycare, not sure if I would do 24 hour though right off the bat.
I would pay for grocery delivery/food delivery.

[jill1179]

We need a 24 hour daycare.
I want to open my own daycare, not sure if I would do 24 hour though right off the bat.
I would pay for grocery delivery/food delivery.

The thing about daycare is there is such room for liability. I would never do anything like that b/c of such.

[MamaTyson74]

The thing about daycare is there is such room for liability. I would never do anything like that b/c of such.
Im sure if a 24 hour daycare would be a good deal my boss would have already done it. He already owns 2 in Hattiesburg with his eyes set on atleast 2 more.

[carsalesguy]

http://www.subaruklub.hu/subaru_pictures/subaru_logo.jpg

[firefly]

[quote=James Moore;468047]A little off topic but could you let the current management at Checkers on Hardy know that it was time to replace their tattered American flag about 6 months ago? James/[quote]

Thanks for bringing this up! I have noticed the very same thing at a lot of businesses in the 'Burg! Walmart in Petal needs to replace theirs, too! Hubby & I saw one at a bussiness in downtown H'burg that was in deplorable condition! It had a big hole in it & was all frayed & tattered & faded! The flag is not supposed to be flown in that kind of condition!!!!:smt103

[Conveyor Belt]

Im sure if a 24 hour daycare would be a good deal my boss would have already done it. He already owns 2 in Hattiesburg with his eyes set on atleast 2 more.

No, I think a daycare that is affordable for those who can only get on the second or third shift is a great idea. Employing such people, I know that it is a consideration. So many daycares need the kids picked up by X time, or they charge extra. Sometimes, the parent could make a bit more money if they could stay a bit longer, etc.

I do see it as a huge issue, though... Of course, I'd never put my kid in daycare anyway. I just don't trust people. I have a hard enough time with him in kindergarten.

[Blockhead]

Thanks for bringing this up! I have noticed the very same thing at a lot of businesses in the 'Burg! Walmart in Petal needs to replace theirs, too! Hubby & I saw one at a bussiness in downtown H'burg that was in deplorable condition! It had a big hole in it & was all frayed & tattered & faded! The flag is not supposed to be flown in that kind of condition!!!!:smt103
Maybe it's a political statement. I could see it as being representative of the condition that our country is in.

Probably not. But if that were the case, it works.

[MamaTyson74]

No, I think a daycare that is affordable for those who can only get on the second or third shift is a great idea. Employing such people, I know that it is a consideration. So many daycares need the kids picked up by X time, or they charge extra. Sometimes, the parent could make a bit more money if they could stay a bit longer, etc.

I do see it as a huge issue, though... Of course, I'd never put my kid in daycare anyway. I just don't trust people. I have a hard enough time with him in kindergarten.
Yes, employing great people would be a hard thing. Its tough enough to find good workers that are willing to work either 6:30-3:30 or 9-6 M-F :smt102