Discussion 2

From the scenarios, Lena explained to Chris and Erica that they need to determine how the surrounding restaurants in their selected location can impact their business. Suggest the key steps they should take to make this determination, and recommend at least three strategies they can use to differentiate their business from the other restaurants. Chris and Erica have to consider whether existing businesses will compact their new startup in a positive or negative way. Lena recommended that Chris and Erica perform a formal SWOT analysis, this will help them better understand the competitors in surrounding area. Completing the SWOT analysis will help them make sound decisions on ways to boost profits, and bring in a steady stream of revenue. The analysis will help them in determining their strengths and weaknesses as well as those of their competitors. By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of their competitors, this will give Chris and Erica an advantage when their Corner Café is actually open, and allow them to craft a customer experience that will exceed customer expectations. Considering their menu, the quality and quantity of their product, and price will determine if their café will be able to attract customers. Erica made a great decision to use local produce for fresh produce, this is not only a way to support the community but it can also attract customers. Because we live in a more health conscious society, using the fresh produce will give Corner Café a competitive edge. Offering a menu that offers fresh, organic, unprocessed food contributes to this social factor and gives Chris and Erica an additional advantage.
Three strategies to differentiate Corner Café from other eateries would be branding their location, communicating the difference, and customer service. Branding will allow Chris and Erica to make the Corner Café their own by creating a unique décor, a signature dish, uniform, and logo. This gives customers a visual and feel of what makes