Good Question: What do you value?
Jack sends us this tip: “Simply make everything on the food menu $5.00. People will be lining up down the street. People will return over and over again. Everybody likes a bargain.”
Interesting suggestion, unfortunately, doing that would be the quickest way to put us out of business as we would be selling below cost (also would directly negate the Sustainable Business Plan). Organic, wholesome food made by hand in a small scale environment costs money and we already sell at margins that are less than most other restaurants to keep our prices affordable. (Julie discusses this topic in more detail in this podcast).
That being said, we’ve compared menus with similar cafes in the area and there is very little discrepancy in average price even though we are dedicated to organic, premium ingredients. Sadly, you can count on one hand how many places offer an organic menu in Central Florida and the majority of those places will cost you mega bucks for petite portions & fancy atmosphere.
Also, lack of customers is not the problem – we do have loyal masses who dream of devouring a Giddy Up and return over and over again. Our main issue is not having enough capacity in our small home-style cafe to capitalize on opportunities like bridal & baby showers, engagement dinners and the like & having events is risky when dealing with the weather. When a patron has to pull back from eating at Dandy three times a week to once, having these events lined up will offset the variability of individual consumption. That’s why we’ve outlined an expansion of adding covered patios to the cafe.
But back to the value of the fuel that we consume three times a day. One thing that most consumers don’t realize is the way a lot of our food in the mass marketed world is subsidized through tax money and the price on the menu at, say, McDonald’s does not reflect the true cost of food.
If you have some time, watch this short clip to explain it & read about our food philosophy here: http://dandelioncommunitea.com/eat/our-food-philosophy/why-organic/ or go rent Food, Inc. for a detailed look at our mass produced food system.
Perhaps an organic cafe in an economic shift is what we all need to stay healthy, but some perceive that they cannot afford to invest in that. I would argue that the food you eat is the most important investment you can make. Our clientele is amongst some of the healthiest & happiest in the city – they are clear eyed, of good weight, physical shape & cheer. Some have come to eat organic food after a devastating illness and realized that proper nutrition is a foundation element to a healthy, vibrant life.
What you do not pay for up front will cost you dearly in medical bills & prescription pills, and the reduced quality of life that comes from the emotionally & physically draining aspects of heart disease, obesity & diabetes.
We welcome your comments & observations about how shifting to a healthier diet has improved your quality of life.
Filed under: FAQ, Food, Healthy Diet, Sustain Program, Update
One reason Americans are so fat: They want to buy cheap mounds of bad food so they can stuff themselves. Drugs do not prevent, treat or cure ANYTHING. Good, healthy organic food should be your drug of choice and it is worth the extra pennies it costs to get it.
Don’t get suckered into believing cheaper is better. It isn’t. It’s usually the other way around. You get what you pay for. Maybe you can you eat at Burger King for less than $5, but you’ll be consuming chemicals. Forgot about the fat and carbs in the meal, the chemicals and preservatives are what will kill you.
Nice response, Julie! Quality, not quantity! I need to chech that Food movie out. I’ve heard good things. Good luck with the cafe.
-Beth Johnson (Leah’s sis)
Unfortunately most Americans have not been educated about nutrition. We have so much available – much of what is in the grocery store is not what are bodies need. Therefore, we are over weight and sick. So if you want to make a difference in your life time take care of yourself and teach your children and grandchildren how to eat – it will be one of the most valuable things you may do in your life time!!