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From Farm to Gelato: The Beginning
Starting a small business is never easy, but for Beth and her husband, what began as a small idea has blossomed into a thriving enterprise. Their journey into the food industry started 11 years ago with a unique twist—gelato made from fresh, local ingredients.
Beth and her husband were farmers outside of Lexington, running a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Their lives took a delicious turn during a winter vacation, where they discovered a small town gelato shop that quickly became their nightly indulgence. Intrigued by the taste and the idea of gelato, which is made fresh daily from local ingredients, Beth decided to try making it herself using produce from their farm.
What started in their home kitchen soon became a hit among friends and family. Encouraged by the positive feedback, Beth and her husband decided to take the plunge and sell their gelato. As the food truck craze was just beginning, her husband, eager to build something, suggested they create a gelato food truck. This marked the birth of their mobile gelato business.
Photo by Muse Marketing and Design
Growing the Business: Challenges and Successes
Starting with just one truck, the business has since grown to include eight mobile units and five brick-and-mortar stores across Kentucky. While their journey has been rewarding, it hasn't been without challenges. Beth shared an anecdote about a recent scare at WorldFest in Louisville, where a power outage temporarily threatened their stock of gelato. Such incidents highlight the unique challenges of running a frozen dessert business, particularly during the hot summer months.
Despite these challenges, the business has thrived, thanks in part to the flexibility and adaptability that Beth and her husband have embraced. "Have a great plan, but in the end, you've got to be flexible," Beth advises, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of running a small business.
Building a Community: The Power of Social Media
Beth emphasizes the importance of community in their success. Their stores are located in small towns with strong local support. They interact with other small businesses in historic downtowns, helping each other out and contributing to the local economy.
Social media has also played a crucial role in connecting with their audience. Beth notes that different platforms cater to different demographics—Facebook for an older crowd, Instagram for a younger audience, and TikTok for the youngest. They tailor their content to resonate with each group, using reels and short videos to engage their followers.
The Evolution of Production: From Food Truck to Commercial Kitchen
In their first year, they produced gelato entirely on their food truck, but as demand grew, they realized the need for expansion. They eventually built a commercial kitchen on their farm, where they now produce all of their gelato. This kitchen operates five days a week, with flavors changing weekly to keep things exciting for their customers.
The business also invested in a custom database to manage their operations. This system tracks everything from production quantities to ingredient inventories, ensuring that they can meet demand without overproducing—a key factor in controlling costs.
Photo by Muse Marketing and Design
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Beth offers two key pieces of advice for those looking to start a small business, particularly in the food industry:
Financial Cushion: Ensure you have a larger financial cushion than you think you'll need. Starting a business can take longer to become profitable than anticipated, and having that extra financial security can be the difference between success and failure.
Control Food Costs and Waste: In the food industry, managing food costs and waste is critical. By keeping good records and carefully planning production, you can minimize waste and maximize profitability.
Conclusion
Beth and her husband have built a successful business by staying true to their roots and adapting to challenges along the way. From their early days on the farm to running multiple gelato trucks and stores, their journey is a testament to hard work, flexibility, and the importance of community support.
Whether you're a small business owner or someone dreaming of starting your own venture, Beth's story is an inspiring reminder that with the right mix of passion, planning, and adaptability, you can turn a small idea into something truly special.
For more information on Spotz Gelato and their journey, visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
