Day: March 7, 2022

Its booming tech industry is one of Atlanta’s best-kept secrets. Home of the world-renowned Georgia Tech, it came as no surprise when Atlanta became a hotspot rapidly growing with entrepreneurs launching their tech startups. Jasmine Crowe, founder and CEO of Goodr, is among the fresh minds behind the new generation of black entrepreneurs fueling Atlanta’s dynamic rise. 

Jasmine Crowe is a serial entrepreneur driven by her mission to address some of the most pressing problems in the country. Goodr, currently valued at $12 million, is a food waste company that connects local Atlanta restaurants to nonprofit organizations that can use excess food to address hunger and food waste in the community. 

“This dashboard platform that we’ve built allows customers to get real, tangible insights on the food waste that they’re constantly wasting so that they can make better decisions on their food production,” shared Jasmine Crowe in an interview. “We’re also able to show them who the food goes to, which kind of causes and nonprofits that they’re supporting,” she added.  

Jasmine was inspired to build Goodr after her life-changing experience while volunteering with Sunday Soul, a homeless initiative in Atlanta focused on helping the elders of the homeless population.

With the eye-opening experiences, Jasmine Crowe realized that she could do something to help address the lack of support in ending hunger and reducing food waste. She spent a substantial time researching about the issue and found that no one saw the void as an opportunity to make a change. Hence, she stepped up with a nonprofit startup posing a solution to the problem. After four years of launching, Goodr has helped feed the poor and hungry with quality food that local food establishments would have otherwise thrown.  

“I had friends and family members that were experiencing hunger, [and] that really made me think I had to move forward,” Jasmine Crowe told CNBC. Goodr stands by its mission to “Feed more, Waste Less.” But despite the company’s altruistic mission, the CEO shared that she has had her fair share of nos. Instead of letting the naysayers weaken her spirit, Jasmine used those who doubted her and her advocacy to continue. 

“I probably took over 200 meetings to raise the first million dollars for Goodr. I was told: ‘This sounds like a nonprofit,’ ‘Hunger is already being solved,’ ‘Your team isn’t experienced enough and too young,” said Jasmine Crowe. Fundraising for the company was not a period she thoroughly enjoyed. Still, it taught her how the differences in background and even race impact people’s perspectives on supporting such a startup. Through it all, she learned to be more objective and strategic.

“As a black female founder of a tech company, it wasn’t an easy feat getting people to believe in my business. I heard ‘no’ so many times, but I didn’t get defeated because what I was fighting for was worth it: I believe that everybody deserves to eat.”

Since its founding in 2017, Goodr has expanded to serve communities outside of Atlanta. The platform is currently helping restaurants and organizations in Charlotte, North Carolina, Philadelphia, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle. The company is also continually looking for new markets to expand to. Jasmine Crowe intends to bring Goodr nationwide and establish it as a household name. Amid COVID-19, Goodr has been pivotal in helping individuals and families who have lost their source of income and are suffering to get through day-to-day struggles. 

To learn more about Goodr, visit its website.

Sources:

https://www.inc.com/magazine/201902/cameron-albert-deitch/atlanta-georgia-black-entrepreneurs-networking-mailchimp-2018-surge-cities.html

https://en.everybodywiki.com/Jasmine_Crowe

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/19/goodr-ceo-jasmine-crowes-advice-to-build-a-successful-business.html

Image source: Dunkin Donuts

Every day, over two billion cups of coffee are consumed globally. This staple drink not only boosts mood and helps increase productivity but also serves as a socialization tool, with countless individuals hanging out with others and talking over a steaming cup of cappuccino or a cold brew. From towns to major cities, the United States is home to numerous roasters, family businesses, and chains. Among the powerhouses that currently dominate the coffee industry is Dunkin’, a multinational donut and coffee establishment founded by William Rosenberg in 1950. Over fifty years after its launch, it continues to rise in relevance worldwide. 

What once started as a single donut shop in Quincy, Massachusetts, is now a powerhouse with over 9,800 shops. While Dunkin’ managed to take center stage for its tasty donuts, its signature coffee propelled this widely acclaimed venture to greater heights. In 2019, its supremacy in the rest of the food industry was reflected in its move to rebrand, and the name change was intended as a nod to its expansion and the diversification of its food selection. “By simplifying and modernizing our name while still paying homage to our heritage, we have an opportunity to create an incredible new energy for Dunkin’, both in and outside our stores,” the strategic mind behind this mogul shared in a release. 

Today, Dunkin’ stands as a go-to destination for millions of coffee lovers and people in need of a pick-me-up. Driven to provide a consistently smooth and delicious cup of high-quality coffee, it upped its game by introducing espresso to its inventory of offerings in 2003. Five years later, it captured the patronage and loyalty of a new wave of caffeine drinkers when it dropped a reformulated recipe in 2018.

In recent years, Dunkin’ succeeded in solidifying its reputation even more solidly by being the brand of choice for many influencers, high-profile personalities, and celebrities. Youtube vloggers, whose ability to guide viewers’ purchase decisions is beyond remarkable, are often seen on their videos driving to the nearest Dunkin’ store and choosing from its expansive selection. The 2020 World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers has recently announced that this long-running company is now the franchise’s official coffee and donut partner under a multi-year collaboration. 

Offering coffee at a competitive price does not translate to subpar drinks in the case of Dunkin’. Its coffee is ground and brewed from 100% Arabica beans, ensuring that every customer is provided with a fresh taste with every sip. With more branches set to appear all over the world in the future, the coffee industry leader is bound to remain at the forefront. 

In the coming years, Dunkin’ looks forward to capitalizing on advancements in technology, using new espresso machines, and perfecting its recipe to offer nothing but the best to customers. Armed with ambitious plans, it assures drinkers globally that it will serve the coffee they know and love in a wider variety of formats, blends, and flavors. 

Learn more about Dunkin’ by visiting its website.

References:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/09/01/coffee-americas-favorite-brands-starbucks-dunkin/113594612/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/andyswan/2018/07/26/dunkin-beats-starbucks/?sh=55897ebe41ef

https://www.dunkinathome.com/about-us