This Saturday – Food Bloggers – SEO – Video Seminar @ PREP

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PREP Members & anyone interested are invited to join this wonderful event!
You must register by 3 pm Thursday May 31st. Click Here to Register (10.00 fee)

During the morning of June 2nd from 8:30 am to 12:00 noon, Culinary Local, Diva Foodies  and Food Bloggers will kickoff with a series of three sessions. The first is a lively discussion about influencer marketing with our panel which includes folks who represent agencies and brands. Next, you’ll learn tips and tricks about how to be found online – that means SEO. We’ll wrap it up with the hot content tactic – video!

Bonus! At 12:15 pm, there will be a tour of PREP.

SauceHouse Barbecue expands Catering Operation to PREP 2 in Atlanta

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An Athens favorite SauceHouse Barbecue has opened a new catering operation in PREp’s Atlanta campus.

Saucehouse BBQ expands with help of Prep Atlanta! Saucehouse BBQ expanded to Atlanta in 2017 with the help of unique shared and dedicated kitchen space concept called PREP Atlanta.
PREP originally started out as a shared kitchen space that was rent-able by the hour and opened their new concept PREP 2 in 2017 as a way for Restaurateurs, Catering Companies, and Food Trucks to have a kitchen space that was available for rent on a yearly contract versus hourly.

According to Saucehouse founder Christopher Belk “PREP 2 allowed us to gain entry into the Atlanta market by having a catering kitchen available with a hood, walk-in Cooler, 3 tub sink,
and commercial kitchen that was ready to be inspected for health department approval.

Working with PREP and its owners was a very easy and business friendly process and made it easier for Saucehouse to expand into the Atlanta market from Athens than it otherwise would have been.
“Saucehouse recently held their official grand opening held outside of their kitchen space at PREP 2 on April 27th.

Friends and Family were delighted to have a free catered lunch accompanied with a personal private tour of their state of the art kitchen space after eating some delicious BBQ!

For More Information about Saucehouse BBQ:
Website: https://saucehouse.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saucehousebbq/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO3GNogMMnARfa5-brv5qMw

 

 

PREP Cook-Create-Connect is a fully licensed unique shared kitchen concept. Established with one goal in mind, to help build and support small food businesses in Metro Atlanta.
PREP provides state-of-the-art commercial shared kitchen space, test kitchens resources, food procurement and guidance to a talented and creative class of entrepreneurs.
These are specialty food producers, baker, caterers and mobile food service operators, along with the next generation of food artisans. PREP is a privately held company based in Atlanta, GA.
For more information about PREP please call (404) 920-4150
or visit www.PREPatl.com    PREP on Facebook – PREP on Twitter – PREP on Instagram – Truck & Tap – Atlanta Food Truck Catering

Did you know that the more than 50 pieces of artwork that line the walls of PREP are by our very own JR Marranci! Take a look at his website wwwArt-Atlanta.com – Jr’s Abstract Art on Facebook

 

PREP Mentorship Series

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PREP Connect Mentorship Series,
People, Purpose & Passion – The Pathway to Success!
Tuesday,  May 29th, 2018, 9am – 1:30 pm
PREP 3 TRAINING ROOM (LOOK FOR SIGNS)

PREP Mentorship Series for Specialty Food Producers

 

8:30 – 9:30    Breakfast & Gathering:

Serving  Cloudland Coffee – Five Daughters Bakery’s Donuts – Coach Joe’s Waffle Stackers

9:30    From a Concept to Store Shelves – Tony Webster – PREP Member – founder of Salsa Sol Del Rio

9:50    Running with the Big Guys –  John Roonan – Cohen Foods

10:20   Running With Your Story – Scott Lamphere – Corporate Chef, Gordon Food Service

10:40   Life is a Highway, Get Out of the Slow Lane! – Coach Joseph Crosby – Coach Joe’s Market

11:10   Selling Igloos To Eskimos – Nick Carse – Founder of King Of Pops & P10 Foods

11:30   Speaker Panel Q&A

12;30   Thrive Tuesday – Lunch with Gordon Food Service & Product Sampling

PREP Members Click Here to RSVP or message JR Marranci!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Events:

Thrive Thursdays – Gordon Food Service – Every Thursday @ 1 pm,  Julia D’Amico and Lakisha Maven will be show-casing products, brands and recipes in the Shared Kitchen @ PREP. Be sure and come hungry!

ServSafe Classes @ PREP Tuesday May 22nd – Contact JR for more info

Building a “One Sheet” Every specialty food producer needs a single document to tell your story.
Develop a sheet with photos, your story,  pricing and details about your product when presenting to Buyers, Markets and more.
This workshop will be hands on using your laptop and MS Word to produce your company’s One Sheet.

Call for Entries –  Specialty Food Producers bring samples of your products for the PREP Mentor Series on Tuesday May 29th to share with other PREP Members and guests.

Call for Entries – Specialty Food Producers bring samples of your products to PREP’s office on Wednesday June 6th for presentation to food broker Cohen Foods.

PREP Members Seminar: How to Show Up on Google (June 2018 date TBD)

Director of Operations Doug Marranci will walk you through how to leverage the high density of food based businesses at our address to help increase your exposure on Google and in internet searches.

CLICK HERE for more info https://www.prepatl.com/google/

PAST PREP Mentorship CONNECT EVENTS

PREP Photography Q&A
No-cost consultation with Atlanta food and lifestyle photographer Kerrieann Axt
CLICK HERE for more info http://voyageatl.com/interview/meet-kerrieann-axt-kga-photography-northern-suburbs/

PREP Members Twitter Workshop
How to put Twitter into action for your brand with President of Bloomberg Marketing Tony Bloomberg
CLICK HERE for more info https://www.prepatl.com/twitter/

PREP Food Safety Training
PREP Members and their staff receive the latest food safety training updates from Dekalb County Department of Environmental Health’s Renita Stroup and the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Betsy Dziadik & Christa Bone
CLICK HERE for more info https://www.prepatl.com/prep-food-safety-training/

Facebook, E-Commerce & Food Photography
PREP Members learn how to maximize their business presence with Facebook, how to set up an e-commerce site using Shopify, and how to craft professional quality food photographs using only a smartphone.
CLICK HERE for more info https://www.prepatl.com/differentlight/

“Building Your Brand” PREP Mentor Series
Two Atlanta area branding experts share tips on how to make the most out of your personal brand.
CLICK HERE for more info https://www.prepatl.com/branding/

PREP Members Seminar: How to Show Up on Google
Director of Operations Doug Marranci will walk you through how to leverage the high density of food based businesses at our address to help increase your exposure on Google and in internet searches.
CLICK HERE for more info https://www.prepatl.com/google/

PREP Members Mobile Food Service Meet & Greet
PREP’s Mobile Food Service Operators and Mentors get a chance to mix & mingle with their fellow food truck owners, learn about Food Costing Tools, and learn strategies for surviving the winter from one of PREP’s veteran food truck operators.
CLICK HERE for more info https://www.prepatl.com/prep-members-mobile-food-service-meet-greet/

Selling Online & Passport to Export Conference
Passport to Export is part of a reginal Global Cities Initiative strategy to help grow companies through exports. It is an informal, candid, roundtable discussion between companies that have export experience and companies that are interested in learning more about exports.
CLICK HERE for more info https://www.prepatl.com/selling-online-passport-to-export-conference/

Business Branding Seminar
Marcus Jackson of Caliber Elite Consulting discusses how to focus and develop your brand.
CLICK HERE for more info https://www.prepatl.com/business-branding-seminar-prep-tuesday-july-26th/

Food Safety Training Class
Dekalb County Department of Environmental Health’s Renita Stroup leads a class on new issues and food safety basics.
CLICK HERE for more info https://www.prepatl.com/food-safety-training-class-at-prep/

 

Twitter Workshop for Food Entrepreneurs – Save the Date!

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PREP Members Twitter Workshop – Thursday April 19th @ 10 am.

Twitter For PREP Foodpreneurs with Toby Bloomberg.

As a foodpreneur you’re following your passion. But passion alone does not make a successful business.

The food space is crowded and competition is fierce. No matter how delicious your product is customers will purchase only if they know you exist.

 

On a small business owners’ limited budget digital and social media tactics become increasingly important. In 240 characters Twitter can be one of your most important resources to tell your story, build awareness of your product, nurture customer loyalty with the ultimate goal ~ to make the cash register ring!

This is a working session where you’ll not only learn how to use one of the most popular social media tools but leave with a framework of a Twitter Roadmap that will help you put Twitter into action for your brand.  We’ll discuss how to grow your followers with content and engagement. We’ll explore how to create a tweet, the important aspects of your Twitter page, hashtags and more!

Seating is limited – Click Here to RSVP for Twitter Workshop

Bring your laptops and mobile devices and Tweet along!

Click Here for more info about Toby Bloomberg

 

Diva Foodies – www.divafoodies.com

Twitter – @DivaFoodies – https://twitter.com/DivaFoodies

 

 

PREP Cook-Create-Connect is a fully licensed unique shared kitchen concept. Established with one goal in mind, to help build and support small food businesses in Metro Atlanta.
PREP provides state-of-the-art commercial shared kitchen space, test kitchens resources, food procurement and guidance to a talented and creative class of entrepreneurs.
These are specialty food producers, baker, caterers and mobile food service operators, along with the next generation of food artisans. PREP is a privately held company based in Atlanta, GA.
For more information about PREP please call (404) 920-4150
or visit www.PREPatl.com    PREP on Facebook – PREP on Twitter – PREP on Instagram – Truck & Tap – Atlanta Food Truck Catering

Did you know that the more than 50 pieces of artwork that line the walls of PREP are by our very own JR Marranci! Take a look at his website wwwArt-Atlanta.com – Jr’s Abstract Art on Facebook

 

Olympus Greek Teas – Flavor of Georgia Contest Winner!

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PREP is Proud of our Finalists in the Flavor of Georgia Contest!

The annual contest, conducted by the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development, is a chance for food businesses to showcase their new products.

A team of food industry experts and grocery buyers rated the products on qualities including innovation, use of Georgia theme, market potential and flavor.

Governor Nathan Deal, Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black and UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean and Director Sam Pardue congratulated the category and grand prize winners during Flavor of Georgia Day, part of Georgia Agriculture Awareness Week at the Georgia Freight Depot in Atlanta.

 

“We had over 125 products submitted this year and some of the toughest competition we’ve seen in the contest’s 12-year history,” said Sharon P. Kane, Flavor of Georgia contest coordinator. “The 33 products represented are truly the best of the best.”

PREP Member Olympus Greek Mountain Teas won best of category for beverages.

Other finalists included Tru Truffle White Truffle Oil,  and Meal Mate’s “Hollingsworth Butter Pecan Tart”

Showcase events like the 2018 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest help entrepreneurs spread the word about their products. Many participants have landed spots in regional and national grocery chains like Whole Foods, Ingles, Fresh Market, Earth Fare, Kroger and Harvey’s.

Category winners received an award and membership in the state Department of Agriculture’s Georgia Grown program, statewide notoriety and bragging rights. All winners and finalists earn the right to have their products stamped with the 2018 Flavor of Georgia logo. They also gain exposure to grocery buyers and food industry professionals who judge the final round of the contest.
PREP Cook-Create-Connect is a fully licensed unique shared kitchen concept. Established with one goal in mind, to help build and support small food businesses in Metro Atlanta.
PREP provides state-of-the-art commercial shared kitchen space, test kitchens resources, food procurement and guidance to a talented and creative class of entrepreneurs.
These are specialty food producers, baker, caterers and mobile food service operators, along with the next generation of food artisans. PREP is a privately held company based in Atlanta, GA.
For more information about PREP please call (404) 920-4150
or visit www.PREPatl.com    PREP on Facebook – PREP on Twitter – PREP on Instagram – Truck & Tap – Atlanta Food Truck Catering

PREP Food Safety Training

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Food Safety Training Classes
Tuesday, March 27th & Wednesday, March 28th

Class size is limited – RSVP (Click Here) Early!

All PREP Members are permitted.

All permitting authorities require continuing and ongoing documented food safety training.

This is your opportunity to have one or all of your staff take food safety training updates.

Food Safety is of utmost importance, protect the public, and protect your business!

Two training sessions.  You may participate in either class.

Please try to make it to one of these!

Tuesday, March 26th @ 10 am – Renita Stroup – DeKalb County Environmental Health

Wednesday, March 27th @ 10 am – Betsy Dziadik & Christa Bone – Georgia Department of Agriculture

RSVP (Click Here)

Classes will be held at the conference room in front of PREP 2.  You can park at PREP and walk out of the back into PREP 2.  Walk towards exit gate and you are in front of 3781 Presidential Parkway.

 

PREP Cook-Create-Connect is a fully licensed unique shared kitchen concept. Established with one goal in mind, to help build and support small food businesses in Metro Atlanta.
PREP provides state-of-the-art commercial shared kitchen space, test kitchens resources, food procurement and guidance to a talented and creative class of entrepreneurs.
These are specialty food producers, baker, caterers and mobile food service operators, along with the next generation of food artisans. PREP is a privately held company based in Atlanta, GA.
For more information about PREP please call (404) 920-4150
or visit www.PREPatl.com    PREP on Facebook – PREP on Twitter – PREP on Instagram – Truck & Tap – Atlanta Food Truck Catering

Did you know that the more than 50 pieces of artwork that line the walls of PREP are by our very own JR Marranci! Take a look at his website wwwArt-Atlanta.com – Jr’s Abstract Art on Facebook

Gary Black GA Agriculture Commissioner Visits PREP!

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PREP hosts Gary Black & House Ag Committee Members

 

PREP was proud to host a pre-legislative session tour of our campus with Gary Black, Members of the Georgia House of Representatives Agriculture Committee and Georgia Grown.

“The Georgia Grown program is a marketing and economic development program of the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Their No. 1 goal is to aid our agricultural economies by bringing together producers, processors, suppliers, distributors, retailers, agritourism and consumers in one powerful, statewide community. Georgia Grown is here to help new agribusinesses grow, and established agribusinesses thrive.”

Many PREP producers proudly display the Georgia Grown logo on their products letting buyers know that there is a story behind their products.  PREP Members are at the forefront of the Local and Clean Food Movement!

House Agriculture Committee Members visiting PREP included: Rep. Tom McCall (Chairman),  Rep. Susan Holmes, Rep. Sam Watson, Rep. Dominic LaRiccia, Rep. Clay Pirkle, Rep. Jodi Lott, and Kathryn Epps on behalf of Rep. Bubba Epps.

 

 

 

PREP Cook-Create-Connect is a fully licensed unique shared kitchen concept. Established with one goal in mind, to help build and support small food businesses in Metro Atlanta.
PREP provides state-of-the-art commercial shared kitchen space, test kitchens resources, food procurement and guidance to a talented and creative class of entrepreneurs.
These are specialty food producers, baker, caterers and mobile food service operators, along with the next generation of food artisans. PREP is a privately held company based in Atlanta, GA.
For more information about PREP please call (404) 920-4150
or visit www.PREPatl.com    PREP on Facebook – PREP on Twitter – PREP on Instagram – Truck & Tap – Atlanta Food Truck Catering

Did you know that the more than 50 pieces of artwork that line the walls of PREP are by our very own JR Marranci! Take a look at his website wwwArt-Atlanta.com – Jr’s Abstract Art on Facebook

PREP Industry Night @ Buckeye’s Getaway! Monday March 19th

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PREP Takeover of Buckeye’s Getaway Industry Night!

On Monday, March 19th, Have a Drink on Us!

Take some time out of your busy schedule to come and socialize with our team, and have a couple of drinks on us!

This is an awesome time to get to know your fellow PREP Members and a way to reward you and your staff for a job well done!

We will throw out a couple of platters of chips and wings, however, this is also a time to show off your Mad Food Skilz if you want to bring a dish, or your specialty food products to share with the crowd.

Buckeye’s Getaway is a cafe located in the tall office building on the road behind PREP 2.

This place has been here for many years, and you will find out what it is like to take a step back into the 70’s
(Billboard Top 100 for February 1975)

Please RSVP so we can get an estimate and let them know what to expect.

Get ready to REPRESENT!

Click Here to RSVP

Buckeye’s Getaway

3300 Buckeye Road
Suite G-64
(Inside Buckeye Tower)
Atlanta, GA 30341

Facebook, E-Commerce & Food Photography – PREP Mentor Series

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PREP Mentor Series training classes
Wednesday March 7th

Facebook Marketing for Food Entrepreneurs
Set up an e-commerce site using Shopify
Photography Workshop using your mobile phones

Click Here To RSVP!

1. Facebook Business 101 – 10 am

facebook marketing shared kitchens

If all that you know about Facebook is what you see to the left, this is the class for you.  We will show you how to create a facebook page and a Facebook business page.  This session will last about 30 minutes with 30 minutes for questions and answers.

Bring your laptop or tablet, loaded with photos and information.  If you can turn on a computer, you can follow along as we walk you through this step by step!

1. 1 Facebook Advanced – Maximizing your business presence – 10:30 am

Food trucks catering shared kitchens facebook seminar

Facebook seminars presented by JR Santos, PREP Co-founder and Director of First Impressions.

There is little doubt that your first encounter with PREP was on the internet.  All of PREP’s marketing and social media is done in-house by JR and Doug Marranci.  With combined experience of 28 years of internet marketing and search engine optimization, we will walk you through creating your online Facebook presence.

This is a non-technical class.  
Anyone can do it!

This second session will dive into developing your Facebook Business Page, linking and using the tools to maximize the exposure that Facebook can bring to your business.

Internet marketing is constantly changing and evolving.  Following some simple steps will help keep you ahead of the curve, and contribute to your success in 2018!

This seminar is for PREP Members Only
and requires an RSVP.

2. Set up an e-commerce site using Shopify 11:00 am – Noon

Rick Herbst (PREP Member) Nonna’s Family Kitchen – Nonna’s on Facebook

Rick uses Shopify for Nonna’s Family Kitchen and will show you how to get started using this platform.  Bring your laptop, get signed up, start a free trial,  and learn about options available on Shopify so you can bring your products and services to life!

Starting a Food Business in Georgia

3. Social Hour (light snacks will be provided) Noon – 1 pm

4. Photography Workshop (using your mobile phones) 1 pm – 2 pm

JR Santos and Scott Lamphere (Gordon Food Service) will show you how to really take a look at your food and products and create professional quality photographs using simple plating techniques,  backgrounds, still objects and easily available iPhone & Android Apps.  This class is for EVERYONE (beginners). A Lightbox, studio lighting and backgrounds will be available.  Bring a product or plate of your food, and we will help you bring your concept to life!

 

*. Automobile Detailing while you learn!

Special PREP Member offer from Bobby’s Shine Shop
Bo White, owner of Bobby’s Shine Shop will be at PREP during our Mentor Series Training Class, offering PREP Members
Superior Automobile Cleaning Services.  Have your car or Food Truck detailed while you are learning! Bobby’s on Facebook Contact Bobby @  (762) 217-5801 directly and drive off with your spotlessly clean car! (weather permitting)

Seating is limited RSVP Today

Click Here To RSVP!

Start out your day by going to The Little Farmhouse Café in the front of PREP 2,
and have a cup of coffee on us!
Just say PREP Mentor Series  www.mrdFoods.com

The seminar will be held at Suite 136 in the office right outside of the rear gate
at PREP 2.  Look for the signs (3781 Presidential Parkway,)

PREP Cook-Create-Connect is a fully licensed unique shared kitchen concept. Established with one goal in mind, to help build and support small food businesses in Metro Atlanta.
PREP provides state-of-the-art commercial shared kitchen space, test kitchens resources, food procurement and guidance to a talented and creative class of entrepreneurs.
These are specialty food producers, baker, caterers and mobile food service operators, along with the next generation of food artisans. PREP is a privately held company based in Atlanta, GA.
For more information about PREP please call (404) 920-4150
or visit www.PREPatl.com    PREP on Facebook – PREP on Twitter – Truck & Tap – Atlanta Food Truck Catering

Did you know that the more than 50 pieces of artwork that line the walls of PREP are by our very own JR Santos! Take a look at his website wwwArt-Atlanta.com – Jr’s Abstract Art on Facebook

“Building Your Brand” PREP Mentor Series – Wednesday February 14th!

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PREP Mentor series
“Building Your Brand”  Save the Date!

PREP Atlanta Shared Kitchens

Wednesday February 14th!
PREP is excited to announce our Mentors for this seminar!

“HOW BRIGHT IS YOUR BRAND BULB?” 10 am and 2 pm – Scott Lamphere, Culinary Specialist and Corporate Chef  Gordon Food Service 

“Branding 101” 11:30 am Meyer Janet, Branding Expert,  PREP Member “Cotton Cravings”

1-2  pm – Time for Q&A and getting to know your PREP Community Members, refreshments will be available!

This Mentor Series Seminar will be held at the office building in front of PREP 2.  Using the pedestrian gate, or the driveway at the back of PREP,  turn left and exit the rear gate.  As you pass through this gate, you will see the PREP sign on the suite right in front of you.

Click Here to RSVP

This seminar is offered for PREP Members only!

Presenter Bios:

Scott Lamphere
Culinary Specialist / Corporate Chef
Gordon Food Services, Southeast

Scott is a native Texan who grew up in West Texas where his family was involved in both the farming and ranching community as well as their family owned restaurant business.  Fun fact:  His Grandparents’ restaurant is known for “inventing” the Chicken Fried Steak in Dawson County over 75 years ago.

Scott is self-taught and well mentored in all types of professional kitchens and culinary settings.  For 22 years, he worked as a Healthcare Sales and Marketing Executive in the Pharmaceutical and Hospitality arenas.  During this time he also honed his skills while owning a Culinary Consulting Firm called,

Small Town Kitchen Tablewhere he has worn several hats as a Culinary Consultant, Chef Instructor / Caterer, Cookbook Editor, Kitchen Coach and is a Certified Sensory and Tasting Judge for National, Regional and Local food and beverage competitions.  

He serves on the Board of Directors for several food and beverage non-profit organizations and is a Volunteer Event Chef for The Giving Kitchen, Georgia Grown, 7 Bridges Mission, Mercy Chefs, Taste of Atlanta, and Les Dames de Escoffier.

In addition to being a regular Chef-Instructor with The Cook’s Warehouse, he is a member of IACP, Southeastern Foodways, The Culinary Trust, The Hospitality Syndicate and FoodService Resource Associates, LLC

 

Meyer J. Janet B.Com, MBA, CA(SA),CPA(ISR)

  • – CFO of large retail chain in South Africa
  • – Director of Suzuki Distributors
  • – Franchise holder of major fashion and sporting apparel brands
  • – Management consultant to major corporations in the toy and the wine industry
  • – Partner in UK executive search practice
  • – Partner and founder of Design Plus a licensing and branding boutique in 1995 in USA Clients include: Coca Cola, Taco Bell, Anheuser Busch, KFC, Kellogg’s, Post Cereals, Hormel, Kikkoman, Super Pretzel and ICEE.
  • – Long standing member of LIMA (licensing industry merchandisers association)
  • – Contributor to articles in LIMA publications and Entrepreneur Magazine
  • – Partner in Cotton Cravings LLC

Branding 101 Synopsis

  1. 1 The dream- concept- Reason vs Passion
  2. 2 The Unique Selling Proposition
  3. 3 Brand name, Graphics etc.
  4. 4 Scanning the market and matching Threats and Opportunities to Strengths and Weakness
  5. 5 Mission Statement and setting of goals
  6. 6 Brand positioning
  7. 7 Brand Equity and Message
  8. 8 Getting the message to market and staying on message
  9. 9 The Extended Product and living up to consumer expectations