MICRO-ENTERPRISE UPDATES

We know the visitors to our site are from all across the world and are coming here simply because they have a family or because they are thirsty and seeking inspiration to step out an adventure of their own. Others may have arrived to purchase an e-book and some are drawn in by our entrepreneurial ventures. This specific post is for all of you, but it is dedicated to those who have loved and supported us from the very start. Our roots go back to the heart of the Midwest and began with two business concepts which evolved over the course of the last 7 years in Springfield, MO. ​If you don't already know how we came to be OJWK check out The Story.

Bakery Micro-Enterprise Closed April 1

No, this was NOT an April fool's joke!

After much deliberation we had to step in and close down the bakery micro-business we had created fifteen months prior. There were many factors and circumstances that brought on the official decision, all of which are confidential to the entity which purchased the operation. We know locals who loved Legacy product were saddened by this, but please read on! There is GOOD NEWS!

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To recap... in the summer of 2016 we found out we had to move our bakery/coffee bar out of the building it had been located in due to the sale of the shopping center. That October, we switched to wholesale-only in order to focus on finding a place to move. In January 2017 (when we were due to vacate) we had the last-minute opportunity to move the wholesale production into the kitchen of a local natural foods store. After the first year there as a wholesale bakery, we decided to sell the operation and created a micro-business for one of our employees who had a passion for baking. It worked out really well as his salary would triple with us out of the picture. The reports for the first few months after his takeover, indicated profits even higher than what we had anticipated, so it was definitely a sweet deal for the new owner! It was great for us as well. We were really excited to have more freedom and time for our family.

SIDE NOTE: We had already created two previous micro-businesses, but this third project was very special to us due to its potential for the new owner and our established relationship with him. Entrepreneurial ventures and helping people have always been two of our passions... so it only made sense to share the love and create unique opportunities for others!

It was a simple transition. The buyer created a new LLC and we financed the purchased of the business (starting inventory, equipment, use of intellectual property, branding, etc.) and set up a monthly payment. With plenty of experience handling the baking and delivery aspects, we advised him mainly on the management and operational details of running the business. Then we set the new entrepreneur and venture free!

How did it go? Well... it went great for the first six months. Then we began to feel some problems arise. The product quantities and quality started to decline. There were also budgeting issues, but that wasn't under our control. After reaching out many times to see how things were going and to check on loan payments we became concerned. The owner had planned to obtain an SBA loan to finalize the business transaction with us and to fund a new location. When we were informed he would call it quits, if unable to get the loan, we realized things were more bleak than we had thought. It's not our place to give the details, but the owner did express that it was a series of poor business choices that threw things off kilter and that he wished he would have reached out for more advice. We wished the same, as it had been a beautiful opportunity!

Don't cry or get all depressed on us! There is good news too!

The good news...?!

The good news is that the legacy continues via our baking manuals! Those local Legacy fans who haven't been following OJWK may not be aware that we released Legacy Lore Vol. 1 Bagels (print and e-book) in January 2018 and have since written two more downloadables: Legacy Lore Vol. 2 Doughnuts and Legacy Lore Vol. 3 Fermented Loaves. All baking volumes include recipes for the actual items we produced at our original bakery! We know some of you will be especially pumped to finally get your hands on the recipe for our famous Vanilla Glaze (Vol. 2 Doughnuts)! All three of our current volumes are available online ​and can be viewed/purchased on our Goods page!

We have plenty more fan-favorite recipes to share—Please let us know your vote for Vol. 4 in the comments below!

80 pages that include recipes for 4 bagel flavors!

In no time you'll be devouring hot doughnuts & glaze!

Learn to cultivate wild yeast starter then turn it into the BEST bread EVER!

Mighty Bagel Relocation 

Prior to the Bakery Micro-enterprise we had established two others. The first involved use of our food cart, Mighty Bagel. The second, the Doughnut Micro-Enterprise, included everything needed to start producing and selling traditional doughnuts. We partnered with a non-profit who was eager to bring these new enterprises to the table and who happened to already be on an awesome mission to help others. In fact, they were doing so much in the community that several months in, they had to put the bagel cart on the back burner. The Springfield, MO-based organization loved the idea of an additional revenue stream and the opportunity to employ and empower men from their program, but since they had experienced some staffing changes and were very shorthanded, they informed us they would not be able to meet the minimum use requirement included in our contract.

Placement

Currently we are accepting applications for organizations or individuals who are interested in operating the Mighty Bagel Micro-Enterprise! This cart is ideal for city sidewalk vendor areas, events, farmers' markets, catering engagements or for a consistent food truck park location. Income varies depending on location, but has unlimited potential. The venture requires hard work, dedication and consistency. Organizations who have a heart for helping the homeless and jobless are preferred, but all applicants will be considered. Please email [email protected] for more information!