Urban Cookhouse Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Urban Cookhouse is a fast-casual restaurant chain founded in 2010 by husband-and-wife duo David and Andrea Snyder in Homewood, Alabama. The concept emphasizes a farm-to-fire-to-table dining experience, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and wood-fired cooking techniques. Signature dishes include smoked meats prepared on Big Green Eggs, scratch-made dressings, and family recipes like their beloved brown sugar brownies. The menu features items such as the Buffalo Chicken Wrap and Grilled Chicken Special, reflecting a commitment to high-quality, thoughtfully prepared meals.

Mission and Vision

Urban Cookhouse's mission is to support local farmers and businesses by sourcing ingredients locally and creating a community-driven dining experience. The vision is to expand this model regionally while maintaining a strong connection to local communities and promoting sustainable practices.

Industry Significance

Urban Cookhouse has gained recognition for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and community engagement. In 2017, the Alabama Retail Association honored the Snyders with the Silver Retailer of the Year award in the Annual Sales $5 Million to $20 Million category, citing their smart expansion and incredible sales per square foot.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Local Sourcing: Emphasize the use of locally sourced ingredients to support regional farmers and ensure freshness.

• Community Engagement: Actively participate in local events and collaborate with area businesses to strengthen community ties.

• Expansion: Grow the brand regionally while maintaining the quality and community focus that defines Urban Cookhouse.

Areas of Specialization

• Wood-Fired Cooking: Utilize Big Green Eggs for smoking meats, imparting unique flavors to dishes.

• Scratch-Made Recipes: Offer house-made dressings and family recipes, such as brown sugar brownies, to create a distinctive dining experience.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Big Green Eggs: Employ these ceramic grills for wood-fired cooking, enhancing the flavor profile of menu items.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Alabama: With multiple locations in cities like Homewood, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Huntsville.

• Tennessee: Including a location in Nashville.

• Texas: A recent expansion into Prosper, Texas.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Specific details regarding Urban Cookhouse's funding history, total funds raised, recent funding rounds, and notable investors are not publicly disclosed.

Utilization of Capital

While exact allocations are not specified, capital has been utilized for:

• Expansion: Opening new locations in various cities.

• Community Engagement: Sponsoring local farmers' markets and hosting appreciation dinners for farmers.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Urban Cookhouse continues to develop its brand by:

• Opening New Locations: Expanding into cities like Prosper, Texas, and Huntsville, Alabama.

• Community Initiatives: Hosting farmers' markets and appreciation dinners to strengthen community ties.

Anticipated Milestones

• Expansion: Continued growth into new markets while maintaining community engagement.

• Community Engagement: Ongoing support for local farmers and businesses through various initiatives.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Big Green Eggs: Ceramic grills used for wood-fired cooking, providing unique flavors to dishes.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Scratch-Made Recipes: Utilizing traditional cooking methods to create distinctive flavors.

Leadership Team

David Snyder – Co-Founder

• Background: Brings expertise in wood-fired meats and a passion for farm-fresh produce.

• Contributions: Co-founded Urban Cookhouse and Farm Bowl + Juice Co., focusing on quality and community engagement.

Andrea Snyder – Co-Founder

• Background: Emphasizes the use of locally sourced ingredients and community involvement.

• Contributions: Co-founded Urban Cookhouse and Farm Bowl + Juice Co., leading initiatives to support local farmers and businesses.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The fast-casual dining industry emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients and community engagement. Urban Cookhouse's focus on these areas positions it well within this market.

Competitor Analysis

• Urban Plates: A health-conscious casual dining chain based in Southern California, offering salads, sandwiches, soups, and meats.

• Koufu: A Singaporean food and beverage company operating a chain of food courts, coffee shops, and casual eateries.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Urban Cookhouse has engaged in partnerships to support local farmers and businesses, including:

• Farmers' Markets: Sponsoring local farmers' markets to connect directly with customers.

• Community Events: Hosting appreciation dinners for farmers to strengthen community ties.

Operational Insights

Urban Cookhouse differentiates itself through:

• Local Sourcing: Emphasizing the use of locally sourced ingredients to support regional farmers.

• Community Engagement: Actively participating in local events and collaborating with area businesses.

• Unique Cooking Methods: Utilizing Big Green Eggs for wood-fired cooking, imparting unique flavors to dishes.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Urban Cookhouse can explore:

• Expansion: Opening new locations in additional cities to increase brand presence.

• Menu Innovation: Introducing new dishes that align with health-conscious trends.

• Technology Integration: Enhancing online ordering and delivery services to meet customer demands.

Contact Information

• Website: Urban Cookhouse official website

• Social Media:

• Facebook: Urban Cookhouse

• Instagram: @urbancookhouse

• Twitter: @UrbanCookhouse