Oil & Vinegar Franchise

Franchise locations open in Dallas & Portland markets

2011-12-07T16:13:00.000-08:00

Just in the nick of time to capitalize on the holiday season sales, our two newest franchise store locations open in Allen Texas (North Dallas area) and Happy Valley Oregon (East Portland area) bringing the USA chain to 9 stores.

Cheryl Kobza, owner of the Allen Texas location, discovered Oil & Vinegar two years prior when living in Germany. Upon returning to their home in North Dallas a year ago, Cheryl and her husband Marvin decided to open the shop they fell in love with overseas in their own their back yard at the Watters Creek lifestyle center. The doors opened November 22nd. Morgen Wright (daughter) is helping out with the marketing of the store locally making the venture for the Kobza's a true family affair.

Follow Oil & Vinegar Watters Creek on Facebook or shop-line from the store at dallas .oilandvinegarusa.com

Three days later, Dani & Paul Bohannon opened their store in the Clackamas Town Center in Happy Valley Oregon. The business is also a family endeavor, with Dani's sister Christie by her side running the day to day operations and husband Paul helping out on the sales floor on weekends. For the Bohannon's, opening the store on Black Friday was a mad rush, but they managed to deliver the top sales across the chain on the day. For Oil & Vinegar, this is our first store to open in the state of Oregon. Having grown up in the Portland area, I am elated to be welcoming our brand to my hometown.

Follow the Portland store on Facebook or shop at the store on-line at portland .oilandvinegarusa.com.

Stay tuned for the store openings by our recent franchise partners signed on to open stores in West Palm Beach Florida, New Orleans Louisiana, and Anchorage Alaska.

Franchising back in Fashion

2011-10-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

I was compelled to share this recent article from the Chicago Daily Herald on my blog as I felt it captured the state of franchising and how it is impacting lives, jobs, and the economy in general in the US marketplace.

While virtually every sector of the economy remains stagnant in the recession, the franchised business sector is growing — and those new businesses are boosting the local economy.

The International Franchise Association projects 1,900 new U.S. franchise businesses for 2011, creating 194,000 jobs and adding $33 billion more to the economy. The average new franchise business creates 10 jobs, according to FRANdata, an independent organization that analyzes the franchising sector.

This year, one of every 10 businesses in the United States is a franchise business, and 27,000 franchisees own and operate two or more franchise units. Experts say the franchising model works because of its tested, proven approach and streamlined operational characteristics. Add to that equation a popular product or service and you have a business model rich with potential.

“With the disappearance of corporate loyalty and the instability brought on by downsizing and buyouts, the greatest appeal to new franchise owners is not money, but control and independence,” said John McLellan, president of FranNet of Chicago, a franchise consulting firm. “People want control of their future. They want to and are willing to invest in themselves rather than the stock market or with banks. Franchises give people the opportunity to ‘ be in business for themselves, but not by themselves.’”

“The overall economic impact of new franchise businesses opening this year is big, but at a local level, these numbers mean real jobs for real people,” said McLellan. “If even 10 new franchises open in our area, that’s 100 jobs — and that’s huge,” McLellan said.

But one of the biggest obstacles to franchise is the choice itself, he added. “Not everybody is cut out to a franchise owner. You need to do the proper due diligence and be financially and emotionally prepared to be an entrepreneur".

Each new franchise adds substantially to the economy. A business service franchise, for example, creates an average of seven jobs; commercial and residential service franchises create an average of six, according to FRANdata. “We are seeing great franchise candidates from many age groups and industries, and many of them want to be part of the economic recovery,” McLellan said. “Franchising is attractive because it works.”

In fact, franchising creates jobs at a faster clip in down markets than the overall marketplace, the IFA says. After the 2001-05 recession, jobs in franchised businesses grew 40 percent compared to 26 percent in other sectors, said IFA spokesman Matthew Heller.

But like any business model, some are successful while others are faltering. According to McLellan, high-performing franchise opportunities are available in food, retail, and service businesses. Some are new names while others are longtime franchise players. “Franchises which provide a ‘need’ versus a ‘want’ are certainly performing better in this economy,” he said.

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for new Asheville store

2011-09-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

With their first month of store operations under their belts, Dana & Terry Hunter - owners of our latest franchise location in Asheville, NC - hosted a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting event to mark their one month anniversary. The event was sponsored by the Asheville Chamber of Commerce at the Biltmore Park Town Square store location.

The Asheville store results have been well beyond our expectations and here at the HQ are extremely pleased with the reception of our brand in the local market.

"We are very pleased with how the local community has immediately embraced our shop and are somewhat overwhelmed with the amount of guests we are handling every single day since we opened. Having the franchise supporting our start-up has been a life saver as we had no idea what to really expect when we opened the doors for the first time" says Dana Hunter. "There are two other local "Fusti Shops" in the downtown area of Asheville, which opened earlier this year, but there does not seem to be direct competition from what we have experienced so far, or from the comments from the guests visiting the store. We believe we have found the perfect location with Biltmore Park Town Square and the great community surrounding."

The Oil & Vinegar concept is very different from the "Fusti Shops" in the sense that our proposition revolves around an international experience and a vast selection of gourmet food items and unique ceramic kitchenwares which tell a story about the country they are from. All products in our 400+ sku collection are carefully selected to offer the highest personal use and gift value. Our HQ in Europe work directly with the farmers and local producers in the country of origin to develop the products and packaging. We are importing directly from the source and not through US-based distributors allowing us to deliver the highest quality items, while eliminating unnecessary distribution costs in the supply chain. The "On-tap" element of our retail concept is our focal point in the store, but our broad selection of gourmet items and our passion for delivering a truly unique tasting experience, are what allow us to stand apart.

The Asheville store is now live with ON-LINE SHOPPING, accessible through the USA Oil & Vinegar website and actively engaging with their local guests on FACEBOOK business page.

The Asheville store is the first USA location to be opened under our new store design (click to read about new format) and all prospective stores will follow with this format. Franchisee-owned locations are scheduled to open in Portland, OR and Dallas, TX this November. We have three additional new franchise owners signed on with plans to open stores in West Palm Beach, FL; Arlington, VA; and Anchorage, AK this coming year. Based on the increased interest in our concept, we expect to reach our store additions target of 7 new stores in 2012 with commitments made prior to the end of this calendar year.

Find out more about franchise opportunities available in your own area of interest at www.oilandvinegarfranchise.com or call Matt Stermer at 206-285-0517.

Asheville North Carolina store opens under new interior design

2011-08-22T11:55:00.000-07:00

The new OIL & VINEGAR store design was unveiled in the USA in Asheville, NC with the opening of our 7th store on American soil this past weekend. The shop is located in the newest up-and-coming "life-style" center in Asheville, the Biltmore Park Town Square.

We are excited to introduce this latest store format in Asheville, North Carolina with our newest franchise owners, Dana and Terry Hunter. Dana & Terry are long-time residents of the Asheville community and will be tantalizing the local tastes with Oil & Vinegar's vast selection of culinary products and gifts. Follow the Asheville Oil & Vinegar shop on Facebook. The Hunter's will be hosting a Grand Opening Event on September 15th.

The store concept is the 3rd evolution of the Oil & Vinegar specialty store concept, designed by the well-known Terry Moore Design from the UK. The contemporary Southern European kitchen look and feel is a visual element of our consumer experience we believe will make our concept even more inviting for the food enthusiasts we welcome into our stores.

All future stores will be constructed under this new format around the world. In the USA, we will be opening two more franchise stores in Q4 of 2011 - Portland, OR and Dallas, TX. We have also just confirmed West Palm Beach as a future destination for an Oil & Vinegar store in 2012, with the signing of our 10th franchisee. More are soon to come as the interest in our concept continues to grow.

OIL & VINEGAR - A Franchise for the Food Enthusiast

2011-06-19T08:15:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this video created by our HQ in the Netherlands to inspire the food enthusiast and highlight our retail concept.

WHERE PASSION MEANS PROFITS

2011-06-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

At Oil & Vinegar we often speak about the formula to business success being rooted in the owners’ passion for the brand concept and products, plus the burning desire to share that passion with their customers.

Some suggest that passion alone is enough. Maybe this is true in some cases, but generally other “hard” business skills, and solid financial backing, are necessary to make a business a success in the today’s market environment. With that said, I still believe strongly that without the underlying passion for what you are doing day in and day out as your “work”, the ultimate success of the business and your personal satisfaction will not be realized.

I was prompted to write this blog post from an article written by Lisa Girard for Entrepreneur magazine and have included excerpts from the article which address the question of how to determine what business is right for you.

FIVE CREATIVITY EXERCISES TO FIND YOUR PASSION

For today's aspiring entrepreneur exploring avenues of creativity to find your passion is likely the quickest route to increase your chances of launching a successful business. Where to start? Here, five exercises to help you uncover your passion.

Exercise 1 - Revisit your childhood. What did you love to do?
"It's amazing how disconnected we become to the things that brought us the most joy in favor of what's practical," says Rob Levit, an Annapolis, Md.-based creativity expert, speaker and business consultant.

"Research shows that there is much to be discovered in play, even as adults," Levit says.

Revisit some of the positive activities, foods and events of childhood. Levit suggests asking yourself these questions to get started: What can be translated and added into your life now? How can those past experiences shape your career choices now?

Exercise 2 - Make a "creativity board."
Start by taking a large poster board, put the words "New Business" in the center and create a collage of images, sayings, articles, poems and other inspirations, suggests Michael Michalko, a creativity expert .

"The idea behind this is that when you surround yourself with images of your intention -- who you want to become or what you want to create -- your awareness and passion will grow," Michalko says.

Exercise 3 - Make a list of people who are where you want to be.
You don't have to reinvent the wheel. Study people who have been successful in the area you want to pursue.

For example, during the recession, many people shied away from the real estate market because they thought it was a dead end. Levit believes that's the perfect time to jump in -- when most others are bailing out -- because no matter the business, there are people who are successful in it. Study them, figure out how and why they are able to remain successful when everyone else is folding and then set up structures to emulate them.

"If you want to be creative, create a rigorous and formal plan," Levit says. "It's not the plan that is creative; it's the process that you go through that opens up so many possibilities."

Exercise 4 - Start doing what you love, even without a business plan
A lot of people wait until they have an extensive business plan written down, along with angel investors wanting to throw cash at them -- and their ideas never see the light of day, according to Cath Duncan, a Calgary, Canada-based creativity expert and life coach who works with entrepreneurs and other professionals.

She recommends doing what you enjoy -- even if you haven't yet figured out how to monetize it. Test what it might be like to work in an area you're passionate about, build your business network and ask for feedback that will help you develop and refine a business plan.

Exercise 5 - Take a break from business thinking.
While it might feel uncomfortable to step outside of business mode, the mind sometimes needs a rest from such bottom-line thinking, says Levit, who has recently taken up Japanese haiku, a form of poetry. Maybe for you, it will be creative writing, painting, running or even gardening.

After you take a mental vacation indulging in something you're passionate about, Levit suggests coming back to a journal and writing down any business ideas that come to mind.

"You'll be amazed at how refreshed your ideas are," he says. "Looking at beautiful things - art and nature - creates connections that we often neglect to notice. Notice them capture, them in writing and use them."

OK, so the bottom line is the first step is to hone in on what you are truly passionate about to develop your business around. If the passion is not there, then it is just another job and a lot of hours away from family and friends – assuming you are not in business with family and friends. The trick is to find that balance between doing something you are passionate about and running a business that can be profitable for you as an owner.

At Oil & Vinegar, we believe we have the perfect model for the Passionate Foodie!

In Search of Funding

2011-03-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

The greatest hurdle for the inspiring franchise-owner-to-be to overcome on their quest to become their own boss is business financing. One might think that a proven business concept, solid business plan, liquid funds amounting to 20% of start-up investment, and a great credit score is all you need, right? Well, not necessarily the case in today's lending world as many hopeful entrepreneurs have painfully discovered.

There is no magic formula, but there are ways to secure funds. Here are a few of the options and my personal experience with each:

1- Angel Investors and Venture Capital

If you can find an Angel Investor who has a passionate for the business concept, sees the potential and believes in you as the owner/operator, this might be your best option. Typically an Angel is fairly risk tolerant, has a longer term view of payback (4+ yrs), and willing to invest smaller amounts (under $1m). You may have to give up an ownership share in your company, but often the Angel will agree to loaning the cash for a competitive interest rate. For a single unit retail franchise, Venture Capitalists are not really going to be interested as the investment level would be too low. Furthermore, a VC typically will want a stake in the company and will require their active participation in the management of the business.

2- SBA Loan Programs

Government-backed SBA loans are often the only option an individual might have to secure a loan from a bank. There is some misunderstanding by many about what the SBA qualification requirements are for the prospective business owner. Actually, the SBA (government) requirements are fairly limited compared to the requirements imposed by the specific lender itself. In general, to qualify for an SBA loan under most banks' requirements, an individual will need:

a) a high credit score,

b) ownership or work experience in the same industry as the new business,

c) strong business plan showing ability to repay loan,

d) personal assets to use as collateral,

e) cash infusion of 20% or more, and

f) secondary income source (ie. spouse).

There is a significant amount of documentation and paperwork that will come with the loan application and it will take at least 60 days to get to a point of approval. Also, don't be fooled when the banker gives you thumbs up on the first visit and saying you are "pre-approved". All this means is they like the idea of loaning your business money and your credit is good....not that you are in any way approved for the SBA loan. This approval is typically out of the local bankers hands.

If a specific bank declines you SBA loan application, do not get discouraged. I recommend that people go to 3-4 banks at the same time so they don't lose time. I know of cases where the franchise prospect was declined by 6 banks and the 7th gave them the loan. Goes to show, determination and persistence pays off!

Banks will also look to the Franchise Registry to see if a franchise is "approved" by the SBA. If not on the Registry, most banks will stop the process at that point. The SBA requires certain flexibility provisions in the franchise contract for the business which allow the owner to make the right decisions to run the business profitably. The approval and inclusion on the Franchise Registry ensures the bank that the franchise in question is meeting these requirements based on an independent review of the FDD. Oil & Vinegar is approved and listed on the Registry.

3- Commercial Bank Loans

A standard Commercial loan, secured by the business assets, are typically not offered for new business start-ups and specifically franchises. However, for individuals with strong credit scores, a second source of income (ie. from spouse), and personal assets to put up as collateral, a secured loan could be a viable option. No equity share will need to be handed over, but the cost of servicing the debt will significantly cut into profits of the business and strain cash flow in the initial years. Most banks will also look for a sizable cash infusion from the owner (potentially 50% or more).

4- Home Equity Loans

For those who purchased their house a number of years ago and actually still have some real equity built up, this could be an interesting source of funding. Of late, banks are very conservative in the valuation of real estate, so what you think your house is worth and in turn the equity is, might well be miles away from what the bank is willing to accept as collateral value.

5- 401k Financing (ROBS)

I often here prospects say that tapping into their 401(k) or IRA savings is the last resort, but given the tightening in the financial markets, many are indeed investing their retirement funds in "themselves". This can be done through a vehicle commonly known as Rollover as Business Start-ups (ROBS), which enables entrepreneurs to use their 401(k) or IRA funds to invest in a franchise without taking a taxable distribution or getting a loan.

ROBS are becoming more commonly known and accepted as a proven small business financing option. FranData estimates that in 2010, more than 4,000 individuals successfully acquired a franchise as a legitimate 401(k) investment. Industry experts estimate that since 2005, more than 10,000 small business start-ups have been capitalized in this manner. The firm that most entrepreneurs rely on to support them in setting up and administering a ROBS transaction is Guidant Financial, who is considered the leader in the specific financing segment.

This form of funding is not for everyone, but is the ultimate way to put your financial future in your own hands. We have current franchisees who have used Guidant's iFinance program to start their business. Here is how it works....

Guidant's goal is to ensure the funding process of their clients business or franchise is as simple and beneficial as possible. The following describes the steps that Guidant takes to roll existing funds into a new business or franchise - but their representatives will be handling almost all of the legwork.

STEP 1 | Form a Corporation
Guidant will form this corporation or work with your attorney during the formation process.

STEP 2 | Corporation Sponsors a 401(k) Plan
Guidant's unique 401(k) Plan has been designed to allow for investment into your corporation. The 401(k) Plan comes complete with a favorable determination letter from the IRS at no additional charge.

STEP 3 | Rollover to new 401(k) Plan
Guidant will help you through the process of moving your retirement funds from your previous employer or IRA into the new Guidant 401(k) Plan.

STEP 4 | 401(k) Plan Invests in the Corporation
Your new 401(k) Plan purchases stock in the corporation. This 401(k) Plan now holds stock in the corporation and the business is debt-free and cash-rich from the sale of the stock. At this point, the corporation will now be able to purchase your new business or franchise.

In the end, there are ways to realize your dreams and get beyond the hurdle of obtaining financing and each individual situation will likely dictate the options that are available. But, the money is available for those willing to do what it takes to go find it.

Ideas for Success from the Bellevue Collection

2011-03-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Kemper Development, owner of the Bellevue Collection shopping centers, presents "Successful Ideas for Sales, Promotions and Service", a collection of stories to enlighten and inspire businesses of all types. Oil & Vinegar is part of the Bellevue Collection with the store located in the Bellevue Square property.

Each month a retailer or restaurant from the Bellevue Collection is selected as the spotlight for this series (see all featured businesses at TheBellevueCollecton Channel).

The story of how the business was inspired, philosophy of service, role of staff and the secrets to success are highlighted. The ideas captured in these videos are shared each month with owners and managers of the 200+ businesses making up the Bellevue Collection.

The Oil & Vinegar Bellevue Square store is the feature for March.

New store design set to launch in US Market

2011-01-24T15:24:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce the introduction of a new “3rd Generation” store design in the US Market following a successful launch by our parent company in Europe.

The un-veiling of this 3rd evolution of the Oil & Vinegar store concept, designed by the well-known Terry Moore Design from the UK, will be with our next franchise location slated to open in April/May 2011 in Asheville, NC.

Our current design is still very fresh, so there are no immediate plans to re-fit existing locations. However, when we visited a new store in Belgium this past summer, we immediately knew this was the direction we want to take with design and functionality.

The culinary “boutique shop” concept of OIL & VINEGAR brings together a wide range of international food and cooking products, all designed to please the senses and are presented in alluring, Mediterranean-style surroundings. At OIL & VINEGAR, customers are referred to as “guests”, and the guests are invited to smell, taste, and touch products before purchasing. The retail philosophy revolves around three key aspects of a consumer visit: Experience, Service, and Taste.

The OIL & VINEGAR shop ambiance reflects this philosophy. Products are attractively presented, the music is carefully selected to reflect the cultures of product origins, lighting brings the stories to life, and service revolves around encouraging guests to sample products at their leisure and receive advice on product use, recipe ideas and recommendations for that one-of-a-kind gift.

The new design reflects a contemporary interpretation of a Southern European kitchen. The fixture systems, specifically the new amphora wall, really allow us to tell clear product and category stories and deliver our guest experience at a whole new level.

A visual walk through of the new store format

Gourmet Food Gift Trends

2010-08-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

This article was sent to me this week and I wanted to share it here to offer some insight into the current trend in the food gifting market in the midst of our countries economic downturn.

Gifts: Food Outperforms Many Other Categories

In an economic climate that hasn't been kind to many gift categories, consumer food gifts grew by 9.6%, to $14.9 billion, between 2007 and 2009, according to a new "Food Gifting in the U.S." report from Packaged Facts.

In comparison, total consumer gift purchases rose by 7.4%, to $112.9 billion, during the same two-year period. However, total 2009 sales of gift cards slipped 3.4%, and while per-person total gift expenditures rose between 2006 and 2008, spending declined in all gift categories but household supplies, small appliances, transportation and education.

The food-gift trend was the reverse: Per-person spending declined between '06 and '08, but rose substantially last year and is expected to rise again in 2010. Packaged Facts projects that healthy growth across all food-gifting channels will drive sales to more than $21 billion by 2014.

Meanwhile, corporate food gift-giving increased 3.8%, to $2.7 billion, between 2007 and 2009. Total corporate gift-giving, which is a mature market that grows slightly each year, rose just 1.3% (to $8.1 billion) during the period.

Specialty foods -- meaning gift-packaged foods other than chocolate/candy -- are driving food gifting's growth (although gift chocolates sales have also increased, to a lesser degree), according to the report.

"Specialty foods are the main component of food gifts and baskets because people want to give gifts that are unique, personal, indulgent, convenient and fun," as well as likely to be used by the recipient, points out Packaged Facts publisher Don Montuori. "And for many consumers, buying specialty foods during a recession is an affordable luxury that meets their criteria for an 'ideal' gift for others, or even themselves" -- explaining why food gifts have historically done well during tough economic times.

Continuing consumer interest in organic, natural and gourmet foods, as well as more sales of "healthy" gift baskets, are also fueling specialty food gift purchases.

Supporting the market opportunity for quality, healthy food gift items, Packaged Facts consumer research conducted in May/June of this year found that 53% of adults are interested in high-quality foods and 30% say they want healthy products -- both of which represent increases in interest compared with PF's 2007 survey. This suggests that there's a clear market for better and healthier food gift items, the report points out.

Consumers also like the convenience of food gifting. For example, 74% of 2010 survey respondents said that they like being able to purchase specialty food gifts online. However, while online food gift retailers account for about a third of the market last year, brick-and-mortar retailers still had a nearly 50% share (and mass merchandisers have the lion's share among those traditional retailers). Purchases through direct marketers make up the rest of the market.

(Source: Marketing Daily, 08/18/10)

Localizing On-line Shopping

2010-07-06T15:48:00.000-07:00

Consumers have been clamoring for Oil & Vinegar to make our international flavors available on-line. Replicating the experience of taste and smell one gets when shopping in a store, is of course a challenge over the internet. Wait no more, a selection of Oil & Vinegar products are now available to purchase on-line at www.oilandvinegarusa.com.

Considering Oil & Vinegar is a franchise chain with 100% independently-owned and operated franchise locations in the USA, a critical priority for the design of the new e-commerce solution was to allow the store owners to maintain their existing customer relationships as well as foster new relationships in their local territories. “We designed the on-line shopping solution with not only the consumer in mind, but also our franchise owner interests. Our goal was to ensure that the franchise owner would be able to capitalize on the sales opportunities presented from on-line shopping, without being burdened with the administration of a website.” Explains CEO Matt Stermer.

The new e-commerce system allows the consumer to enter the US website and select which store they would like to shop on-line with. Essentially, each Oil & Vinegar franchise location has their own website and allows that store owner to seamlessly manage and service the on-line purchase while the HQ maintains the product catalog and other content. “We strongly believe that the consumer experience and relationship with the brand it critical. A big part of that relationship with the brand is the interaction and loyalty that has been fostered by a local store owner and their staff. Therefore, allowing the consumer, no matter where they live in the US, to continue to be serviced "on-line" by that specific store is the only way we would have it work.”

In addition to one-line shopping, the new site incorporates a recipe module highlighting interesting dishes one can created using Oil & Vinegar products. Future planned enhancements to the site include a wedding registry and custom gift basket creation capabilities.

Oil & Vinegar is a specialty retail franchise with corporate Headquarters in the Netherlands and over 70 store locations worldwide. There are currently six franchise stores in the USA located in Washington, Texas, Montana, Virginia and South Carolina. Plans are to bring on 6-8 new stores a year in various states across the country. For more information about franchise opportunities, please visit www.oilandvinegarfranchise.com or call Matt Stermer at (206) 285-0517.

Turn Your Passion Into Your Business

2010-03-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

Being a big Costco fan, I often read the Costco Connection and came across this refreshing article written by Rich Sloan, co-founder of StartupNation.com, a leading business advice and networking site for entrepreneurs. Rich's piece speaks to many points I often preach about what our franchise opportunity and business concept at Oil & Vinegar can offer to a prospective owner and what steps they should be thinking about when evaluating if our franchise is the correct fit, so I felt compelled to post it here.

Article from StartUpNation.com

Take What You Love and Make It What You Do

There’s no time like the present to start living your most meaningful life. For many, that means conducting a sober assessment of whether your current life and career are fulfilling you. If your look in the mirror leaves you feeling like there’s something missing, one option to seriously consider is transforming something you’re passionate about into a business.

When you start up a business built on a genuine passion, magical things can happen. You not only gain immense satisfaction from spending time doing what you love, but that same excitement naturally helps you excite and compel everyone you come across in business - your employees, financiers and customers included.

Want to join the hundreds of thousands of people who will start a business this year and embark on a life filled with activities that genuinely call to you? If so, here’s some advice:

Get in the Sandbox

First, get in your creative “sandbox” so you can establish a clear definition of just what it is you love doing. Force yourself to actually write down your description. There’s something about having to stare at the written words that helps you truly define and refine your thoughts. Next write down why that passion calls to you. Knowing the “why” helps you understand more of the lifestyle aspects and will enable you to craft two critical things: 1) The business model that’s most appealing, such as online, brick-and-mortar, home-based, part-time, etc., and 2) the role and responsibilities you would like to assume in the business.

Use a Role Model

Don’t be fooled into thinking that starting a business means you have to be completely original. As an example, there are a lot of wedding photographers out there who have businesses similar to thousands of others, and yet they thrive. So, instead of inventing a brand new business, consider copycatting another successful business owner who shares your same passion. Using that role model, you’ll likely be able to leapfrog past numerous, expensive experiments and naïve assumptions. This will save money and time and keep you in love with your work rather than frustrated. Take this concept to the next level by actually reaching out to the role model you identify and ask for direct advice and mentorship. If you’re in a non-competitive geographic market, this should work and help you immensely.

Create a Basic Plan

Knowing the details of how your business will function is fundamental to your eventual success. But that doesn’t mean you have to get sucked into a business planning black hole. There’s an expression commonly used among experienced entrepreneurs known as, “analysis paralysis.” Perhaps as a form of self-doubt or as reluctance to “pull the trigger,” some people assume that they have to map out every detail about the business in advance. The fact is, analysis in the earliest stages can only do so much, and it always pales in comparison to the value of gaining experience and real-world responses from the market. Sidestep the overly elaborate business plan. Know your basic financial performance expectations so there are no surprises. Make sure you have ideas in place about how you’re going to gain customers. Know the key people and resources you’ll require. But don’t over think it. Get into the market with your offering as quickly as possible.

Delegate and Offload

To keep your passion a passion and not a burden, it’s imperative that you stay true to yourself. That means delegating tasks and responsibilities that don’t “call to you” to other people. Identify employees, contractors or specialized vendors who are expert in providing such services. In this day and age, there’s always someone capable, willing, and passionate about those aspects of running your business that interest you the least. If interacting with clients is what you love, then by all means, offload the bookkeeping, website updates, inventory management, etc., to someone else. Even if delegating in this way costs more overall, you’ll gain more time to make more money by stirring up new opportunities for the business, and, very importantly, you’ll continue your romance with your daily work and be glad everyday to wake up and apply yourself to your passion.

Spice Up Your Life: Oil & Vinegar’s Tips for Getting Healthy in 2010

2010-01-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

January is always a good time to think about healthy eating and at the same time, do some experimenting in the kitchen. A great way to add flavor and keep things healthy at the same time is to add herbs and spices to any of your recipe creations. Herbs and spices are filled with anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals that are essential to a healthy diet. In addition, they are low in calories and while still packed with great flavor. Using herbs and spices is a great a way to get healthy in 2010, without compromising taste.

At Oil & Vinegar, we have a wonderful selection of herbs and spices to choose from and some great recipe ideas to go with them. Here are some fun facts along with some of my favorite ways to incorporate herbs and spices in your daily life:

• Rosemary has anti-inflammatory properties; Add this when making oven roasted potatoes with our Rosa Maria dipper.

• It is said that chili peppers speed up the metabolism; Add a sprinkle of crushed chili flakes to tomato soup.

• Garlic is heart smart; Add a clove to dips, omelets or just shake it on pasta with your favorite olive oil.

• If the gloom of winter is getting you down, coriander (found in our fish wish grinder, masala rub, Mélange de France); rosemary, (in our Rosa Maria dipper) and black pepper, (try our Italian black peppercorns), all have depression fighting properties. Make a delicious crudité and for the dip add Mélange de France to a thick Greek yogurt.

• Saffron is known to have a calming effect, so make some Paella and relax!

• Our Bruschetta mix is certainly the most popular and easy to use product in the store. Make some up, spread it on crusty bread, melt some mozzarella on top and enjoy the many health benefits of the tomato at the same time.

Hope you enjoy these tips as much as I do and just remember a delicious meal is only a couple of pinches away!

Oil & Vinegar was Featured in Gourmet Retailer: International Concept Targets U.S. Development

2009-12-22T05:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Oil & Vinegar was featured in Gourmet Retailer in an article entitled, “International Concept Takes Aim at U.S. Development.” The article delved into Oil & Vinegar’s growth plans in the U.S. and how we are looking to expand by connecting with the culinary industry and foodies across the nation. Below you will find a portion of the article and a link to the website to read the entire article.

International Concept Takes Aim at U.S. Development

Dec 21, 2009

Oil & Vinegar, an interactive upscale culinary specialty shop packed with international flair, flavor and passion, has positioned itself to captivate American taste buds, as the concept that has successfully maintained five locations on the East and West Coast as well as the Midwest, is now poised to bubble out in surrounding markets as well as other targeted cities where the brand is yet to be discovered.

"For the past 10 years, Oil & Vinegar has focused on becoming a global brand name synonymous with international premium taste and experience, with the majority of the store development occurring in Europe. Today, the brand is relatively unknown in the U.S. marketplace. Our vision is to make Oil & Vinegar a household name, providing food enthusiasts in our local markets the opportunity to experience our unique international concept," said Matt Stermer, CEO of the American arm, who is responsible for expanding the chain here in the United States.

Prior to opening Oil & Vinegar's U.S. headquarters in Seattle, Stermer held a top-level job with Nike. Upon experiencing the brand in Holland, where the Oregon native worked at Nike's international office, Stermer instantly knew this was a concept that would plant him back in the States and thrive. Stermer left Nike with a longing to fulfill his entrepreneurial drive and decided to bring the Mediterranean flair back home to the Pacific Northwest with him. (READ MORE)

Oil & Vinegar was Just Featured in the Charlottesville Daily Progress; Finding a Niche in the Market

2009-12-18T08:13:00.000-08:00

Finding a niche in the marketplace is something that businesses should always try to accomplish. Recently Charlottesville Oil & Vinegar Franchisees, Paul and Bridget Urmanski, were featured in the Charlottesville Daily Progress in an article about local businesses that have distinguished themselves in the marketplace and connected with consumers in a unique way. The article delves into the success that the Charlottesville Oil & Vinegar has had. Also, Charlottesville is an important part of our U.S. growth strategy, as we plan to develop additional Oil & Vinegar locations throughout Virginia and the east coast, using Charlottesville as our regional hub for development. To learn more about the store, here is a portion of the Daily Progress article, with a link to the online article as well:

CBJ: Area Firms Find Niche is Nice

Paul Urmanski, Jack O’Leary and Bridget Urmanski are co-owners of the Oil & Vinegar shop in the Barracks Road Shopping Center. “We have a lot of people come here because there is no place like it, and they bring their friends,” Bridget Urmanski said.

By Bryan McKenzie

Published: December 14, 2009

Small businesses serving small bases of customers in small markets may be the next big thing in retail’s future.

Niche stores targeting limited consumer markets and providing market-specific products and lots of customer service are weathering well the recent economic unpleasantness known as the great recession.

“Many entrepreneurs go into business serving a small segment of a larger market and that sort of niche marketing can be very effective, if you do it right,” said Robert Spekman, Tayloe Murphy professor of business at the University of Virginia Darden Graduate School of Business Administration. “When you compete with the big boys, whether it’s department stores, restaurants, jewelry or whatever market you’re in, their strengths are often their weakness.”

Major manufacturers and retailers most often seek to serve the maximum number of customers, Spekman said. That desire often leaves eddies and pools in the market that are underserved, under-represented or under-serviced.

“When larger companies try to address a larger market, they cannot focus with laser-like precision on any one part of the market that really wants service or a particular product,” Spekman said. “If you can find segments that are under-served, and you can service them very well, you can make money.”

For niche stores, a well-defined, limited customer base may be a strength. In the Oil & Vinegar store in the Barracks Road Shopping Center, the base is treated to broken bread and bowls of herbs drenched in olive oil that beckon beneath track lighting and shelves stocked with a multifarious array of oils.

Oil & Vinegar Recently Featured in Crain's Detroit Business: Expansion Plans for the Region

2009-12-16T15:39:00.000-08:00

Recently Oil & Vinegar was featured in Crain’s Detroit Business about our expansion plans into the region. Detroit will be a strong growth market for Oil & Vinegar. Below you will find the article and a link to read the entire article:

Coming soon: Oil and Vinegar

Posted 12/4/2009 4:28 PM EST on crainsdetroit.com

Netherlands-based Oil and Vinegar is looking to enter the Michigan market through Metro Detroit.

The eclectic company aggregates high-quality specialty items from around the world like hot sauces from South Africa and olive oils from Australia.

While the European company has not signed a final contract, a conversation with the CEO of U.S. operations left me with the impression that we will probably see stores opening throughout Southeast Michigan sometime early next year.

I got an even stronger sense that one will open in Somerset Mall sooner rather than later.

“Troy, West Bloomfield, Rochester, Ann Arbor and East Lansing are all interesting to us,” Matt Stermer, CEO of U.S. operations said. “In terms of real estate we look for the upper-scale shopping environment and Somerset Mall always crops up.” (READ MORE)

Oil & Vinegar Franchise Opportunity Featured in Las Vegas Business Press -- Expansion Planned

2009-12-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

Oil & Vinegar was recently features in an article in the Las Vegas Business Press about our expansion into the Las Vegas market. Take a look at this great article below:

CEO of upscale food store hankers for prospect of opening LV stores
BY VALERIE MILLER
11.24.09

The Oil & Vinegar franchise plans to open three Las Vegas locations over the next six years. The upscale culinary and gourmet food store's CEO says the worst economy since the Great Depression has slowed, but not stopped, his national expansion plans.

"We were going to open up five stores this year (nationally), but we have not opened any," CEO Matt Stermer said. "We want a store in Las Vegas. It should open in September 2010."

The Las Vegas Valley remains one of the target markets for the Netherlands-based chain. Other cities on that eclectic must-have list include Detroit, Scottsdale, Ariz., and Washington, D.C.

Five stores are already open in the United States, including one outside Seattle. And sales have survived the recession, Stermer said, dropping only 6 percent in the last year. (READ MORE)

Say Thanks to Your Loyal Customers & Staff This Holiday Season

2009-11-20T07:36:00.000-08:00

As a business owner, it is important to celebrate the holidays with your customers and staff as a way to connect with them on a personal level. Corporate Gifting is a trend that is becoming increasingly more popular and despite the economy it is more important than ever to foster relationships with your loyal customers and employees. The most important aspects with corporate gift giving are personalization, uniqueness and practicality.

At Oil & Vinegar, we offer personalized gifts with customized labels so our guests can share unique, gourmet products with their loved ones, colleagues and patrons, while still branding their company’s logo. We offer a selection of over 40 different types of on-tap olive oils and vinegars from around the world and this allows for variety and personalization depending on the gift receivers likes.

Also, we offer practical gifts that your employees and customers can enjoy on an everyday basis for cooking and entertaining. Also, Oil & Vinegar offers our customized labels with a lead time of only 3 to 4 days. Our labels can be customized with companies’ logos and photos, messages or other holiday greetings. This is a fun service we provide our customers because it is a way to personalize gifts and offer something that the receiver will really enjoy. The best part is the labels are very affordable; individual bottles start at $14, sets start at $26.

To purchase a unique and personalized gift for your customers or staff, please visit a local retail store or www.oilandvinegarusa.com.

Give Us a Call and We Can Help This Holiday Season:

Oil & Vinegar Bellevue: (425)454-8497

Oil & Vinegar Skokie: (847) 763-1446

Oil & Vinegar Charlottesville: (434) 975-5432

Oil & Vinegar Woodlands: (281) 419-6601

Oil & Vinegar Missoula: (406) 549-7800

Oil & Vinegar Charleston: (847) 763-1446

Positive Reports for the Holiday Season

2009-10-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

As the holiday season is nearing in on us, many publications are starting to predict what the season will mean for retailers. Since the holiday season is one of our most popular times of year, we look forward to it, especially being able to provide gifts to our customers and community members to help spice up their holiday. A recent article in the San Antonio Business Journal reported that the holiday season is starting to look up and looks to be positive this year. The business journal also reported about Oil & Vinegar's growth into San Antonio and how our unique concept is looking to expand throughout the state of Texas.

As Oil & Vinegar has settled in the U.S. we have put in place a new growth strategy and are gearing up for U.S. growth this year. One of the markets we have strategically targeted to enter is San Antonio, where we plan to partner up with the local entrepreneur to grow our brand in their community. The article below details our brands strategy for growth in San Antonio and the state of Texas, where we are strongly looking to expand and excited to spice up the holiday season for all that are involved.

-Matt Stermer

New report predicts retailers may avoid a Blue Christmas
San Antonio Business Journal - by Tricia Lynn Silva

Things may be looking up.

Earlier this week, New York-based industry group the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) released its 2009 Holiday Sales Outlook.

The bottom line? A better bottom line for retailers come this shopping season.

“This year’s holiday-season spending will be a lot better than last year,” says Michael P. Niemira. Chain store sales for the 2009 November-December shopping season are expected to reach $104.6 million — a 1 percent increase from the $103.6 million reported by chain stores for the same period in 2008.

A significant increase? No, but it could “signal better times ahead for 2010,” ICSC states.

“The wear and tear of the recession and financial crisis on the consumer psyche is slowly giving way to renewed hope, optimism and, most likely, gift buying,” adds Niemira, who is the chief economist and director of research for ICSC.

In recent years, many consumers participated in what ICSC calls buy-it-for-yourself shopping. This phenomenon went into high gear on Black Friday — the Friday after Thanksgiving — when deals were rampant.

But over the course of 2009, deals have been easier to find — as retailers worked to get warm bodies in their doors despite the current recession.

As a result, many buy-it-for-yourself shoppers have already been, well, buying for themselves.

Not to despair. As ICSC states in its latest report, that means that the upcoming holiday bargains could be just the thing to prompt more gift giving to others.

Taking a cue from the holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street, ICSC asks if retailers will need a miracle of their own to see positive sales figures come 2009.

Maybe not, but a little help couldn’t hurt.

“Should you see Kris Kringle at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, put in a request for one anyway!” ICSC concludes.

Oil & Vinegar

A concept hailing from the Netherlands is out to spice things up in the U.S. — especially Texas.

Gourmet culinary shop Oil & Vinegar is on the hunt for franchisees to spread the concept across the Lone Star State. The company currently has a single store in Texas, at The Woodlands Mall in the Houston area. But the company sees San Antonio as its starting point in expanding its concept.

“We will use ... San Antonio as our focal point for Texas ... ,” says Matt Stermer, CEO of Oil & Vinegar and a Seattle-based franchisee for the firm. From there, the company will “balloon to surrounding areas throughout the state.”

To date, there are five Oil & Vinegar stores in the U.S. Outside of the United States, the company boasts more than 60 stores — spread out over such countries as the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Germany and South Africa.

For more than a year, the U.S. has been a prime focus for expanding the brand, Stermer says.
Markets like San Antonio and Houston will be key to Oil & Vinegar’s growth in Texas — a state that Stermer defines as “very culinary-oriented.”

The Oil & Vinegar shops feature a wide array of cooking products, many with a Mediterranean flair — from bottled and “on tap” oils and vinegars, to flavored pastas, herb mixes and fondue chocolates.

Locally, the goal is to have two to three stores up and running in greater San Antonio over the next five years. As for possible sites, Stermer says that the company is not so much focused on the product type as the frequency of shoppers. “It all comes down to high foot traffic,” he says.

The average ticket at Oil & Vinegar runs about $30 — making its products ideal for gift giving or a little bit of shop-for-yourself luxury. “(Consumers) may not be buying a $1,500 Louis Vuitton handbag, but they’ll easily spend $30 on a nice bottle of vinegar or oil,” Stermer says. “This is luxury at a relatively low price.”

Women Entrepreneurs-An influential Demographic

2009-08-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

As the number of woman entrepreneurs grows throughout America, they are becoming a very influential sector in the marketplace with a valuable and powerful voice.

As a franchisor it is difficult to ignore this particular demographic, as consumers, franchisees, and corporate executives. Seventy-five percent of Oil & Vinegar’s International corporate office is made up of women, and the COO of the U.S. Division of Oil & Vinegar, Debbie Gokhan, is an integral part of our team. With so many female perspectives guiding our brand, we also have a great way to connect with women on a personal level.

When recruiting franchisees that fit the brand; selecting people who are passionate about your concept is a key differentiator. At Oil & Vinegar, we see that women show a strong passion for our concept; the atmosphere of the store, the products, the experience we offer to customers, and even the lifestyle we are able to provide translates into an offering that many women entrepreneurs find desirable.

Out of our five U.S. franchises, four of them are run by couples, where the women’s initial interest sparked their journey with Oil & Vinegar. It is a great business venture to enter into as a couple or even an entire family because it is a business opportunity that can be run together. Our Missoula franchisees are a family of four and all of them have a hands-on role in the business. It has been a great way for them to develop family bonds at the same time.

Woman entrepreneurs often unite in other venues, which makes them great brand ambassadors for our company. Debbie Gokhan, COO and Chicago franchisee, connects with women in her community whenever the opportunity presents itself through networking, community groups, women events, and charity events. As a franchisee, getting involved is an extremely important part of achieving success in your local market and the network of women is a strong market to tap into as well as become a part of.

At Oil & Vinegar we believe it is critical to our success to recognize the relevant demographics which best fit our brand; we can conclude that the Oil & Vinegar concept connects with women on a business and a personal level. This is a powerful demographic segment for us and we spend equal time focusing our efforts on recruiting from this demographic as we do in others.

Factors to Survive and Thrive In A Down Economy

2009-07-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

Many may think that our premium-quality culinary items are “luxury products” and as such, may be less attractive in the tough times our country is facing, with families cutting costs and looking for a bargain. The truth in the matter is that when the economy is rocky, any specialty retailer must give customers a valued product, where they feel they are getting more for their money. At Oil & Vinegar we strive to ensure our customers appreciate and value our quality offering, which includes product, packaging, and service—plus are completely satisfied with their shopping experience. There are a few factors for specialty retailers to remember in order to keep your customers coming back and attracting new customers as well, especially in this economic climate.

Focus on the Shopping Environment—make sure that the atmosphere that your client enters into is flawless and one where they are stress free and relaxed. Customers will value your service/products more if they envision your store as a clean, fresh and a beautiful setting. As Oil & Vinegar we make sure that we have the freshest ingredients out for sampling, new displays of gift items constantly changing, flavorful tastes and smells engulfing our consumers, and a smiling employee guiding them through an international culinary experience.

Exceptional Customer Service is a Must—in any upscale retail environment, a key part of the experience and value is the service and expertise given. It is even more important to give your consumer the attention they deserve in order to make them feel appreciated and as they have received more for their money. This experience is something that they will think of and remember in the future resulting in repeat visits and recommendation to others.

Reward for Loyalty –instead of dropping price or offering discount promotions to attract existing or new customers, be creative in rewarding customers for their loyalty. Deliver value to that loyal customer through gift with purchase promotions, rewards points programs, exclusive product offers, and other value-added incentives. The Oil & Vinegar “Passionate About Taste” Rewards program includes all of these elements as well as incentives for loyalty members to refer friends and family to shop at the store. All of which delivers added value to the guest experience.

Offer Product Samples—part of our store experience is using each of one’s senses to fully experience Oil & Vinegar. We want to create an interactive, open environment where our customers are able to try our products before their purchase, which will ensure their satisfaction with the product they select. This is also a great way to attract new customers into your location and allow them to experience what your offering is all about and educate your consumers on your product selection and brand. The best way to convince a customer to buy is to let them try and their taste buds will make the decision.

These are the Key Factors for Success in a tough economy and building a customer base that will stay loyal to you, despite the economic conditions. At Oil & Vinegar we are set to ride out any crisis by maintaining a focus on delivering a value proposition which makes us stand out from competition. No matter what business you are involved with, it is essential to prepare for a rocky economic climate and adjust your services accordingly.

Advantages Weigh out Obstacles -Taking an International Concept to the States

2009-07-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

While many franchise concepts grow within the Unites States and then expand internationally, not many take the opposite approach, such as we did at Oil & Vinegar. Launching an international concept in the food industry here in the states has its obstacles. US requirements surrounding product packaging and labeling, customs regulations, consumer preferences, and business practices in general are all areas where differences impact how our international model is applied in the US market. Now that most of these hurdles have been cleared, we possess a huge competitive advantage toward dispersing through the U.S.

With the overflowing number of chains flooding our streets, whether it be fast-food, fast-casual, or coffee, burger or sandwich chains –they all resemble each other in being “American” and in many cases, a copy of one another. With Oil & Vinegar, we offer a concept that diverts from our fellow franchised brands, we have a unique place in the market. Customers visit us for an international experience and because they know that we can transport them to a global atmosphere.

Taking a global concept to the states requires important systems to be put in place and ensure that products/services are properly adjusted to meet the consumer, as well as regulatory, requirements. Holidays, consumer behavior and taste, retail competition and other country-specific market factors differ from one country to the next requiring us to adjust our marketing campaigns and product selection/ introductions from our European colleagues. The greater number of formal and informal holidays celebrated here in the USA offer us a significant opportunity to exploit the gift proposition aspect of our business model, but also the home use component. Most holidays are centered around food and gifts, where Oil & Vinegar is a great source for both. Whether it be Independence Day, Mother’s/Father’s Day, Christmas, Hanukkah, or various birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, summer BBQ’s, dinner parties—these are all occasions where gourmet food is a key ingredient.

While our franchise does have challenges being an international concept with products and ingredients from all parts of the world we know that this is what makes us different and stand out among competition. We also have come into a market that is almost vacant and we are happy to be able to fill this sector for our consumers who are excited about delicious spices, herbs, sauces, dips, vegetables, pastas, and products and service that cannot be found anywhere else. This is what makes us unique, as a business owner you should ask yourself what makes you stand out.

Insights Into Living the Brand

2009-07-14T08:03:00.000-07:00

As a franchisor, it is important to live, breath, and love the brand you are managing and the concept you are offering because the only way to bring on new franchisees that feel that same passion, is to inspire them. As CEO of Oil & Vinegar, I feel particularly lucky to be representing and developing a brand that I feel a strong connection with.

In addition to being CEO, I am also the owner of the Bellevue Washington Oil & Vinegar shop and this gives me a leg up when I am approaching potential franchisees. I have the advantage of understanding what it takes to be successful and the type of franchisee who will succeed as a part of our team. Despite one of the worst economic climates facing our countries, I experienced success as a business owner. Some of the factors that went into my results, were drive, networking, and living the brand in all aspects of my life.

Each franchisee that enters our system must be prepared to work hard and stay driven in order to drive results. Putting in long hours and fully dedicating yourself to growing your business in your community is a mandatory commitment to ensure success.

Networking yourself and your business is one of the most crucial factors into driving consumers to your store and generating revenues. Franchisees starting their business in a market with little or no brand awareness need to make their brand recognizable to their local communities. Joining groups, clubs, and business organizations is a great way to connect with your community and get the needed support to grow within. As a franchisee myself, I have gone through a trial and error process and now I can tell my fellow franchisees what the best strategies are—employ the given system and strategies and results will follow.

Your life is the business. You need to be passionate about it in order to succeed—which will in turn inspire your employees and customers. Taking the time to speak with each customer that comes in and fully let them experience the Oil & Vinegar brand is what makes us stand out above competition. While speaking with consumers, showing passion is a must and this is what will spark your repeat customers that fall in love with the products, service and ultimately the brand, just as you did.

Becoming ingrained in the brand and the business model by starting from the ground level provides me with a high level of credibility with potential franchisees whom are considering joining the Oil & Vinegar family.

Unique Experience and Concept Offers Opportunities for Growth

2009-07-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

Despite claims that this is the worst economic climate since the Great Depression, there is still room for growth and opportunities for each and every business willing to make that extra effort to differentiate them self from competition. Consumers are still spending, companies are still growing, and franchisees are still investing in their own business.

we are expanding an International company, Oil & Vinegar, throughout the U.S., I am excited about growing a completely unique concept here in the states, one that will fill an untapped market. Oil & Vinegar is a gourmet, culinary retailer with ingredients and products from the four corners of the globe.

On top of a unique product offering, what really makes us stand out above competition is the personal, unique experience at our stores. When customers enter our stores we want them to feel like guests and fully experience our international culture and flavor. Our on-tap oil’s and vinegar’s are ready for sampling, with our employees’ expert advice, we invite consumers to mix different flavors together to create their perfect mixture combination. Also, our herb blends, appetizers, and sauces are showcased throughout the store for sampling so that when choosing cooking or gift products you can customize it to your preferences.

Prior to joining Oil & Vinegar, I worked at Nike International offices, where I found myself gravitating toward entrepreneur roles such as new positions, new regions for growing Nike’s markets, and new people. After leaving Nike, I finally fulfilled my entrepreneurship desire by becoming a franchisee for Oil & Vinegar, which has given me a wonderful chance to explore the brand and understand it enough to launch its growth here in the states.

Being a part of a one-of-a-kind concept fuels my passion to grow throughout the U.S. and bring a concept that has spread throughout Europe to communities here in America. In order to grow a brand in a shaky economy, one must distinguish themselves from competitors and that is what we are doing here at Oil & Vinegar.