Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with someone who, along with her husband, is considering opening their very own whole grain bakery business. I listened intently as she described in vivid detail how they would display their goods in shelves and on platters on the 
counter, carefully arranging their breads and sweets. One description that caught my attention was the picture painted by the prospective owner as she lifted her hands in front of her, as if holding a delicate vessel. One hand was supporting the bottom and the other cupped around the belly of an imaginary ceramic teapot that she would use to create the “best cup of tea in town”. She didn’t say the colour, but I pictured a warm celery green coloured pot with the scent of a fragrant black tea filling the air. Ahhh…I could definitely see myself enjoying a cup of tea in their specialty bakery.
Step back sixteen years ago, as a friend and I traveled to Victoria, British Columbia to take in
the flavour of the English inspired city. I still remember the mochas that we sipped as we sat at an outdoor table in front of Murchie’s Tea and Coffee Restaurant, on a sunny autumn day. I will never forget the white ceramic cup as big as a soup bowl, swimming with a frothy mix of rich chocolate, espresso and milk. I don’t think I’ve tasted as good a mocha since and certainly not one that was so memorable.
That is the beauty of a Freedom Franchise - entrepreneurs have the best of two worlds, the support of a franchise office that has proven systems and processes to help owners be successful and reigns that are loose enough so that owners can build a business that is a true reflection of themselves. That is very exciting to me! It is exciting for the customers who step into different Great Harvest Bread Companies, purchase the same great tasting bread, and experience a different ambiance in each one… and exciting for local bakery owners who get to choose what memories they will create for their customers every day.
Photos credits:
freedigitalphotos.net “Maid Holding Tea Tray For Guest” by stockimages and “United Kingdom Flag” by Keattikorn
