The idea for franchising our business, like many of our product ideas, really came from our customers. Over the 15 years that we have been in business, many folks have asked us “What is it like to own your own business?” Or, “Could help us get started with our own Bread Basket?” Well, it turns out that franchising is the formal approach to accomplish those objectives.

 

Having run a fun and successful Bakery for 20 years, our decision to franchise was not made lightly. We wanted to grow The Bread Basket and extend our reach to other communities. We also felt that enhancing our shipping capabilities and expanding the use of the Internet were important elements in our growth. Underneath it all is a desire to grow the gift basket portion of our business. Our baskets of fresh baked breads and muffins have allowed us to become both a bakery and gift shop! We knew that Franchising was a serious step and would involve a deep level of commitment on our part. We wanted to give our Franchisees the same quality products and services that we have always given our customers.

 

We also feel that the challenge of growing our business was one we wanted to share with others who had the same outlook, goals and objectives that we faced in both our professional and personal lives. In 2001 we hired a professional consulting firm to assist us with the structure and documentation required for our franchising efforts. That documentation continues to be a challenge, but we do feel as though we have developed a competitive franchise offering that while not for everyone, can provide an outstanding business opportunity. We know it can be a fun and rewarding career!

Cleveland, Tennessee natives, Cherie and Neal Ervin opened the first Bread Basket franchise store in Cleveland on June 24, 2003.

 

As we were getting to the empty nest stage era in our lives, we were looking for a business that we could work in together. We researched several franchise possibilities and couldn’t find anything we both liked until now. Everything that we looked at till that point was either totally “men” oriented or totally “women” oriented businesses. Then one Sunday we saw an ad in our local paper for the Bread Basket franchise. We were already acquainted with the Bread Basket products since my niece who had worked at the Chattanooga store had given us Christmas gifts from the popular bakery.

 

After many days of prayer and talking with the Hydes, Cherie quit her job at a doctor’s office and Neal retired from his job of 24 years at Bowater Southern Paper Company and they started the Sampler Basket of Cleveland. Since I like to bake and Neal likes to eat, this franchise opportunity was just what we were looking for. We deliver our gift baskets locally and ship nationwide.

Joe and Joanna Andrews, high school sweethearts from the North Georgia area, were very familiar with the quality of the Bread Basket products.

 

"We've lived in Missouri, Kansas, Louisiana, and have lived in Charlotte for over ten years. Our parents would bring us Bread Basket Cream Cheese Muffins, and Joanna decided that everyone needs The Bread Basket experience! Charlotte is home, and we felt that our city needed a great bakery and unique gift basket concept that provides homemade bread products without preservatives!" We also wanted the opportunity to raise our family in a family business, so Joe left his job as a Corporate Vice President and we opened the store in November 2004.

 

Our children are really involved in the business, and our goal is to provide exceptional products and outstanding customer service. We would love to satisfy your cravings for fantastic baked goodies, so come on by or give us a call. We'd love to meet you.

For more information or if you would like to place an order, please call them at 704-847-0062 or 800-761-6460