bake - August 2014 - 46

SOMETIMES IT'S
WHO YOU KNOW

"Truly, the franchisee of today is a different franchisee than
before the 2008 crash," she says. "They're going to need different support systems. The new transitional candidate has
accumulated some wealth, but they want to do something
different than traditional stocks and bonds investing. They're
looking for a model that you can make money with while

hile planning to earn both a master of science and
doctorate degree in biology, Norman Fox wanted
something to do "on the side." His "something on the side,"
was the Donut Den which turned into a 33-year success.
When Norman decided to open a doughnut shop, a friend,
Herb Stewart, introduced him to Oliver Harlow, founder of
Honey Flush Donuts, a 40-store chain. Stewart and Harlow
helped Norman open the Donut Den, in July, 1973, in
Nashville, Tennessee. "Oliver Harlow not only inspired, but
gave me valuable practical advice," said Norman.
Harlow started using International® Bakers Services (IBS)
flavorings in the 1960s, and suggested that Norman do the
same. He highly recommended Cinnamon-Butter Blend.
Today, that flavor is the secret ingredient in the Donut Den's
Apple Fritters-their most popular product. "There is no other
type of cinnamon flavoring that makes the product taste this
good," stated Norman.
Consistency is the key to success in any business.
Maintaining a core product line and keeping up with new
trends keeps regular customers coming back and attracts new
customers as well. "Another secret to help ensure consistent
quality is our own Harold Graves, the cook for the Donut Den
for over 30 years," Norman stated. But he attributes his 33
years of success to following Harlow's recommendation-relying on the flavors from International® Bakers Services. "Their
flavors are consistently the best," according to Norman.
Norman was a graduate student during the first four years
of the Donut Den. After earning his doctorate degree, he
taught in university classrooms. But it was a friend of a friend
who taught him his most valuable business lessons. Sometimes
it's who you know that helps the most.
If you value consistent quality, you should get to know
International® Bakers Services. Contact us toll-free at
(800) 345-7175, by fax at (574) 287-7161, or in writing at
1902 North Sheridan Ave., South Bend, Indiana 46628.
We have the flavors your customers deserve.

having fun. There is also the legacy franchisee who wants
their kids close to them. For their kids, it gives them ﬁnancial
engagement now."
Sweet Arleen's is prepared to continue its expansion nationwide. "Our growth plan is to be in 20 core markets and ensure
we have a system that builds velocity of growth," Scavone
says. For more information, visit http://franchising.sweetarleens.com.
Comeback trail for Crumbs?
On the ﬂip side of the nation's cupcake wars, Crumbs Bake
Shop appears to be trying to make a comeback. Just a few
days after New York-based Crumbs Bake Shop announced
on July 7 that it was ceasing operations, a group of investors
has stepped in to buy the company.
Lemonis Fischer Acquisition Company, L.L.C., a joint venture
created by Marcus Lemonic L.L.C. and Fischer Enterprises,
L.L.C., has agreed to acquire Crumbs Bake Shop as part of
the company's ﬁling of voluntary Chapter 11 petitions in the
US Bankruptcy Court for the District of New York. Lemonis
Fischer Acquisition Co., which provided pre-petition secured ﬁnancing to Crumbs, also has committed to provide
debtor-in-possession ﬁnancing to the company, subject
to court approval. The agreement with Lemonis Fischer
Acquisition Co. comprises the initial stalking horse bid in the
court-supervised auction process under Section 363 of the
Bankruptcy Code.

46 < AUG 2014 | bakemag.com

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bake - August 2014

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