7A – Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

1. Opportunity
There is currently no place in Gainesville that provides people with the opportunity to get breakfast food in a customizable, fast-food set up and is open 24 hours.  After going out, many people seek comfort foods such as pancakes, waffles, eggs etc but there is not a place that is open really late and is in the areas that people go out at.  Also, there is an increasing trend with places that are set up like Chipotle, Grill Fresh, Bolay and other places that allow the customers to customize their meals with a variety of options.

2.  Background Info
The who:  College students/ Millenials
The what: There is a lack of convenient breakfast places that are open 24 hours and are in a fast-food, customization set-up
The why:  Restaurants may not have the start-up capital and resources to open up a place that is open during late hours and has fresh foods.

3. Tests
Testing the who:  I believe that there are others who have this need besides college students.  Professors and professionals in the Gainesville area may also be interested in grabbing a quick breakfast that isn't bagels and don't feel like waiting for their food.  Additionally, parents may want to take their kids to Stacked because it allows picky eaters to get exactly what they want.  The food is also very kid friendly and is perfect for any type of meal or snack.

Testing the what: The boundaries of this need include the facts that people may be very hesitant of the freshness of breakfast food at a counter-style place and there may not be a large enough customer base to stay open 24 hours.  The amount of hours that the restaurant is in operation can be changed over time if necessary.  For example, most Gainesville bars close by 2 AM and the restaurant can close at 3 AM and open back up at 6 AM if necessary.  This concept could be managed over time but ideally the 24 hour setting allows people that have late nights and/or early mornings to have various options.

Testing the why:  There is a great need for a place like this because there are no 24 hour breakfast places that are served in a counter--style setting, meaning customers do not need to tip and can go in and out of the restaurant in a timely manner if needed.  People can go to this restaurant if they are catching an early flight, going out to bars, having a late night with friends, studying for a test, want a cute and easy brunch, want a place that has options for everyone, and so much more.  In America, breakfast food is often viewed as a food that people can find at least one thing that they like which makes it an easy place to go with friends.

4. Interview Findings:

UF finance sophomore (male)

• The first person I interviewed explained how he is up at very late hours of the night because he likes to do a lot of his studying for exams in the evening.  He often uses food delivery services such as Bite Squad and Uber eats rather than driving somewhere to get something to eat.  He explained that another ideal location for the place would be near Midtown because then people studying at Library West can get a quick meal after preparing for exams.

UF Pre-Med Junior (female)

• The next girl that I interviewed emphasized her desire to find a breakfast place that doesn't require her to sit and have a whole meal late at night.  She said that sometimes she just wants some pancakes after a night out and doesn't want to have to sit and have a waiter.  Additionally, she explained how most restaurants near campus are not 24 hours and that even the ones that are open late close around 2-3 AM.

Santa Fe Engineering sophomore (male)

• I also decided to interview my friend that goes to Santa Fe because he also lives close to Downtown and goes to many of the popular Gainesville places.  His main concern during the interview was that the food may be expensive since it is customizable and wanted to make sure that there were plenty of options for people that wanted snacks versus full meals.

Santa Fe Business sophomore (male)

• Another Santa Fe student explained how he is a big breakfast foodie and was surprised that a concept like this had not opened already.  He said that this restaurant's main competitor would be IHOP but recognized that IHOP has a totally different atmosphere with waiters and a more outdated set-up.  He also said that it can be sometimes difficult to get exactly what he wants at IHOP because he has to change around the meals since he is a picky eater.

UF Pre-Vet Junior (female)

• My final interviewee explained how she loves trendy brunch places and wants a new counter place that is also trendy.  She runs her own food account and explained how it would be cool to showcase the different options depending on what time she went to eat.  

5. What I know now that I didn't know before

• I now recognize that it may be better to be open for 24 hours on some days rather than others.  For example, on a Sundays it may make more sense to operate from 8 AM- 1 AM and on Fridays and Saturdays the restaurant can be open all day and night.  I am excited to work with this concept more over time since I am genuinely interested in the idea and may choose to pursue it later on.