There have been some exciting advancements over the past several weeks and the positive sales trends in 2021 have our team looking forward to improved revenues across all divisions of the company from last year.  We wanted to share some of those details and hope you find this update informative.  

Unit Level Sales:  We've been very encouraged by sales in January.  We've seen increased sales YoY in several of our locations.  A good portion of these sales are due to increased take out and delivery orders.  Fortunately, our concept caters extremely well to that shift in consumer demand.

Product Development:  We've been exploring several ways to reduce COGS through alternate packaging types and sources.  This includes packaging in both our stores as well as our production facility, resulting in a noticeable decrease in COGS in 2021.  We have already validated the HPP (High Pressure Processing) with our juices for wholesale to universities and other third party accounts, increasing our sales reach.  We are now weeks away from validating that same HPP process with our salad dressings, giving us increased economies of scale at the production facility as well as better product management and quality control for current and future franchised and licensed locations.  All juices and dressings that go through the HPP process are preservative free, made fresh, with the same high quality ingredients up to our standards.  

Franchise & License Sales:  We recently hosted a "Discovery Day" with a wonderful prospect from out of state. Discovery Days give prospects an in-depth look at the VJC concept and business model.   The agenda includes:  Meeting the Founders and our History,  Company Culture, Technology, Marketing, Construction Management, Operations, Training, and lots of amazing food.   This prospect is currently reviewing the Franchise Agreement with a strong likelihood of closing our 5th franchise sale in the next week or two.  We look forward to hosting more candidates in the upcoming months.

Pipeline:  We are continuing to move a number of potential franchisees through our sales process.  Strong prospects include groups from Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, and another University location in North Carolina.   We'll be exited to update everyone on their progress, particularly when we execute new agreements.

Republic Raise:  The campaign continues to move ahead nicely and has extended our exposure to investors outside our network and local market.  We've received some solid investments since our successful opening day and are on pace to cross the $150,000 soon.   With more than two months in the campaign, the current goal seems very achievable.   

Our best to everyone and Happy Valentine's Day.  We look forward to sharing our next round of updates.  Thank you for all the support and confidence from everyone in "Our Village".

Lonnie,  Nate, & Clyde      Founders