RaiseCapital.com

Don't Be Afraid To Adjust Your Vision
by RaiseCapital.com | Posted on December 18, 2009

How does a small business go from concept to a successful enterprise?

Let’s take a look at Healthy Fast Food, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: HFFI).  The company was started in November of 2005.  The original purpose was to operate a franchise restaurant owned by EVOS USA, Inc.  EVOS is an “alternative fast food place” offering healthier fast food.

HFFI raised $544,878 in net proceeds to operate an EVOS franchise in Henderson, Nevada.  The restaurant opened in October of 2006.  They entered into an agreement with EVOS to develop other franchises in a 12-state area on an exclusive basis.

HFFI then raised an additional $1,552,127 for these additional restaurants.  The company then moved on to an IPO where they raised and additional $4 million.  The proceeds were intended to be used to open six more EVOS restaurants in the Las Vegas area.  However, HFFI was losing money with its EVOS restaurants and came across the concept of U-Swirl Frozen Yogurt.  HFFI acquired the rights to U-Swirl Frozen YougurtSM.  Then, HFFI took an extremely risky move and terminated its franchise rights with EVOS. They eventually had to write off over $1 million in losses relating to the discontinuance of the EVOS restaurants 

So how did this bold and swift change in direction turn out?

On December 18, 2009 U-SWIRL Frozen Yogurt stores was honored with the 2009 Best of Business Award in the "Fast Food Restaurants and Stands" category by the Small Business Commerce Association.

The SBCA 2009 Award Program recognizes the top 5% of small businesses throughout the country. Using consumer feedback, the SBCA identifies companies that it believes have demonstrated what makes small businesses a vital part of the American economy. The selection committee chooses the award winners from nominees based off information taken from monthly surveys administered by the SBCA, a review of consumer rankings and other consumer reports. Award winners are a valuable asset to their community and exemplify what makes small businesses great.

U-Swirl continues to expand into other Sun Belt markets such as Phoenix and is poised to have a big 2010. 

The lesson here is that as a small or new business owner, you must have flexibility and vision and if seizing an opportunity means veering off from your original vision then so be it.  Rigid thinking can be the death of a new business.

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