Small Business Administration: Presto Dinners / Waypoint House B&B

The Valley Today

In this episode of 'The Valley Today,' host Janet Michael sits down with co-host Carl Knoblock, Virginia District Director for the Small Business Administration, and guests Jonathan and Rachael Worsley, owners of Waypoint House Bed and Breakfast and Presto Dinners, to discuss their businesses and strategies for expanding their reach.

The discussion begins with a warm welcome, introducing the guests and providing a background on their businesses. Jonathan and Rachael share their experiences running Waypoint House Bed and Breakfast in Berryville and their prepared meal business, Presto Dinners. They emphasize the convenience of their services, offering frozen comfort food meals made from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

As the conversation progresses, they delve into the challenges of marketing and reaching new customers. Janet and Carl provide valuable insights and suggest various strategies, including leveraging social media, email campaigns, and targeted advertising. The importance of appealing to specific demographics, such as college students, older adults, and even international travelers, is discussed in detail.

Carl introduces the concept of using interns and students for market research and promotional activities, highlighting the benefits of engaging younger generations who will soon become potential customers. He also discusses the potential for expanding into new markets such as assisted living facilities, colleges, and even correctional facilities, emphasizing cost-saving opportunities for these institutions.

The conversation takes an interesting turn as Carl mentions the Commonwealth of Virginia's Step Grant program, which provides funding for marketing and exporting initiatives. He encourages Jonathan and Rachael to explore this opportunity to further expand their customer base, particularly among international travelers and specific ethnic communities in the DC area.

The episode wraps up with a focus on the potential for franchising Presto Dinners, with Carl advising on the importance of maintaining quality standards and following a model similar to Chick-fil-A's rigorous training and supervision of franchisees. The guests express their enthusiasm for the suggestions provided and acknowledge the importance of taking gradual steps to grow their businesses effectively.

Learn more about Presto Dinners on their website: https://www.prestodinners.com/ and follow them on Facebook.

Learn more about Waypoint House Bed & Breakfast on their website: https://waypointhouse.com/ and follow them on Facebook.

The nomination period is still open for the SBA's Small Business Person of the Year award. Click here to learn details and find application information.