Food Service Center

No Comments24 April 19:01

Many ask us what is The Stone Soup Company? What is the difference between this concept and any bistro or diner? Why is it making it and growing with over 1000 restaurants in Tampa?

Top 10 reasons TSSC is making a difference:

10. The product has to be as local as possible. We believe in supporting those that are in our shoes. The Gelato is made here in Tampa. The Cigar City Beer that we carry two varieties of and more to come is brewed here in Tampa. Our coffee supplier is Café Bustello of Florida and a Tampa distributor. Local artwork that gives artist a chance to display without a grand gallery. The bread is made in Ybor city, the list goes on and this pays itself back. Because we are keeping the money in our community and making a local effort.

9. Keeping it small. The ability to manage a smaller place is easier, it allows us to plan for more locations, it allows for a fuller look and employ the K.I.S.S method (keep is simple silly). The largest franchise in the world is Subway. In no way is there really a comparison but they do keep things simple and it works.

8. Coupon management. We have been very effective at managing our coupons and discounts. It is our goal to donate more soup and eventually have enough of a base that couponing is selective and targets our core repeat customers. We like the idea of fresh and reasonable rather that overpriced and heavily promoted.

7. Casual Atmosphere. No table covers, no fancy forks, just simple tables fork knife and spoon if needed. We rather spoon than fork.

6. Family or friend time. TVs in the background and even wifi but the true charm is in the decks of UNO, checkerboards which brings us to #5

5. Old School. Sodas in the glass bottle are showcased, no fountain drinks. From the beginning we hated the thought of 20oz refills. First it was bad for the bottomline and second its not good for you. Old school cooking, old school signs and a throwback to a time when things were more simple. Where families sat together and talked while eating… 1950 meets 2012.

4. 70% cooking 30% bought. So many of the others do the opposite. Big walk in coolers, lots of fryers and a few things are being prepped. We don’t have that luxury nor want it. We shop daily and we cook most of what we have.

3. 7th Avenue. A national landmark and one could say an national gem. A place where immigrants came for years to make it.. one of the most urban areas in Tampa and this is home to the first spot. We are on the street with the likes of Columbia Restaurant, Carmine’s, and next door to King Carona. If we can make it here well in the words of the great one we can make it anywhere.

2. Distribution. Stone Soup is available in 6 ways. Sit down, drive up and drop, walk in take out, 1.5 mile scooter delivery, Delivery service companies for outside the zip code, and lastly Catering. Hence the food service center..

1. B1G1. The ability to track the success of any organization based on the amount it gives to a local community and not the bottom line on a quarterly statement is something that truly defines TSSC. As we strive to having a board of directors one day we will make this a line item on the corporate report. It is the fabric of Stone Soup and can be used as a model across industries.