bakingbuyer - April 2011 - (Page 26)

BAKERY BIZ TIPS E X P A N D Y O U R HORIZONS Want to expand the scope of your business? One of the first tips you need to know is how to connect with potential new customers in a low-cost manner. Groundbreaking technology is enabling retail bakeries to do exactly that. Crumbs Bake Shop, with 34 stores across the country, recently announced becoming the first national bakery chain to launch its own iPhone App. Partnering with Global Bay Mobile Technologies, the retailer now offers the Crumbs iPhone App, allowing customers to enjoy interactive experiences and live news updates, and to purchase gift certificates via a mobile coupon function. Soon, users will have the option to send custom Crumbs greeting cards, locate the closest Crumbs Bake Shop and save and edit their “favorite” cupcake flavors that can be shared with friends via email, Facebook and Twitter. Mobile customers will also receive current in-store promotions and exclusive discounts as part of the live news updates. Gift certificates purchased via the App will be redeemable at Crumbs Bake Shop locations across the country. The retailer operates 24 locations on the East Coast, six locations on the West Coast, and four recently opened stores in the Washington D.C. and Chicago markets. There are more than 75 varieties of cupcakes baked fresh daily, with a new cupcake of the week debuting each Monday. has expanded its offerings to include frozen and iced beverages, a full bakery assortment including bagels and muffins, breakfast sandwiches, and an all-day Oven-Toasted menu which includes flatbread sandwiches, hash browns and buttermilk biscuits. The new platform marks the most significant change to Dunkin’ Donuts’ product lineup since the company launched espresso-based beverages in 2003. Dunkin’ Donuts continues to expand locations and recently announced the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement for five stores in Polk County, FL. The first will open in 2012 and the remaining four will be developed by 2016. To drive its expansion efforts, Dunkin’ Donuts has aligned its strategy to support the growth opportunities and consumer needs of individual markets. As a result, the company continues to expand with single and multi-unit opportunities with no minimum unit requirements. Grant Benson, CFE, vice president of franchising and market planning, Dunkin’ Brands Inc., says, “Our secret to success is our passionate franchisees who provide a high-level of customer service to our guests every day.” Building a solid network of stores within a market enables Dunkin’ Branch Out Another creative idea when you are eyeing expansion is to reinvent your image with new product lines that expand your horizons. Historically a doughnut and hot coffee chain, Dunkin’ Donuts Crumbs Bake Shop unveiled an iPhone App to connect with more customers. 26 · BAKING BUYER · APRIL 11

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of bakingbuyer - April 2011

bakingbuyer - April 2011
EDITOR’S NOTE - The Century Mark
CONTENTS
INDUSTRY NEWS
‘Last Cake Standing’ Returns
Deli Added to 2012 Atlantic Bakery Expo
Barry Callebaut Strengthens Healthier Confectionery Alternatives
WP Bakery Group Joins Industrial Market
Wilton Survey Reveals How America Bakes
Robbie Unveils Fresh N Tasty Bakery Pouches
Celebration Bread
Using Preferments
Team USA Profi le
Prom Cakes: The next big thing in occasion cakes
Popular Prom Themes
Party Time
Expand Your Horizons
Chocolate Showpiece: STEP-BY-STEP WITH VANESSA GREELEY
A Fresh Take on Take-and-Bake
The Sandwich Parallel
Online Ordering
Pick-up Artists
History IN THE Baking
Employee Recognition
ALL IN THE Family
Tips on Fondant Sheeting
Smoothies Sell Themselves
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Production Schedule
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
AD INDEX
Sammie Surprise
BAKER’S DOZEN

bakingbuyer - April 2011