La Grange, IL — Chef Joe’s Cookies, a family-owned, all natural cookie wholesaler and online gift retailer, celebrates their expansion into six Midwest states since their debut at the Fancy Food Show in New York one year ago. Flexibility is critical in the specialty food business, especially in a tough economy. During their first year, the specialty cookie maker honed their recipes to give each cookie flavor more “pop”, extended their shelf life to 60 days using a natural preservative, and upgraded their initial packaging. The original line of 17 cookies has been trimmed to 12 of the best sellers, including 3 gluten-free flavors and a breakfast cookie.
When asked what she attributes to Chef Joe’s Cookies first year’s success, company president, Sue Reardon, offered these tips:
1. Put your ego aside and take action. Chef Joe’s Cookies customers are some of our best business advisors. When consistent customer feedback comes our way, we respond. We wouldn't be here today if we didn't.
2. Ask for help. People love to give advice, whether they’re the experts or not. If you pretend to know all the answers, the only one you are fooling is yourself.
3. Get out there. Sitting behind your desk will not sell your product. Social media tools are only one part of a marketing strategy. People buy your product. You need to be where they are. Target your customers and then go where they live, work, and play.
4. Show gratitude. Customer loyalty is the real measure of business success. Forge strong customer relationships today, and you’ll reap the rewards tomorrow and beyond.
5. Believe. You started your business for a reason. If you believe in your product, have taken the time to build a sound business plan, and you approach your business with passion, odds are you’ll make it.
6. Pay it forward. The good things you put out there will come back to you ten-fold.
“In this economy, you celebrate every achievement as if it were a miracle. Since we launched Chef Joe’s Cookies last year, we’ve expanded into six Midwest states. You can bet we’re thrilled!” commented Reardon.
As they enter their second year, Chef Joe's Cookies expects continuous growth by leveraging the success in the markets where they've established visibility during their first year.
About Chef Joe’s Cookies:
Chef Joe’s Cookies is a growing, family-owned, natural cookie wholesaler and online gift retailer. Known for their unique, moist, cushy center, the selection of 12 artisan-baked cookies, including gluten free and a breakfast cookie, are made fresh to order from their production kitchen in La Grange, Illinois. With the tag line “…no crumbs left behind”, the highly popular cookies are currently sold online and through specialty food retailers in 6 Midwest states. Stop by your local specialty food store for single pack or 4-pack cookies. Perfect for client gifts or to impress that special someone, Chef Joe’s Cookies' signature gift boxes are available online and shipped within the U.S. Shop at Chef Joe's online gift store where visitors may also join Chef Joe’s Cookie of the Month Club.
For more information about Chef Joe’s Cookies’ successful first year, contact Sue Reardon at 708.588.1115, or visit chefjoescookies.com and take a look at the selection of cookie flavors and gifts.
Source: Chef Joe’s Cookie
