Cider Bellies to Open New Location At Sawyers Dairy Bar!

[Crusty]

Originally Posted by Weekend Pundit

...Sawyer's had to get approval to put up tents at their location for their own use...

Perhaps the state motto should be "Follow the rules or die"

Seriously, I have heard that many businesses --not just Beans & Greens-- must "import" seasonal workers because there aren't enough residents in the Lakes region to fill all the jobs.

And this isn't even a Lakes Region problem. I know first hand that Cedar Point amusement park's need for seasonal workers far exceeds the 80,000 people living in the Sandusky area. They recruit in most midwest states and internationally.

As to the caliber of Beans & Greens employees... While I've not encountered the "owner lady", every person I have encountered has been polite, pleasant, and helpful. I don't usually buy their "imported" vegetables, but the stuff they grow themselves is first rate.

Seven days until I get to try a Cider Bellies doughnut.

[wifi]

Originally Posted by Crusty

....
Seriously, I have heard that many businesses --not just Beans & Greens-- must "import" seasonal workers because there aren't enough residents in the Lakes region to fill all the jobs.

And this isn't even a Lakes Region problem. I know first hand that Cedar Point amusement park's need for seasonal workers far exceeds the 80,000 people living in the Sandusky area. They recruit in most midwest states and internationally.
.....

I think you hit the nail on the head, there aren't enough off season jobs in the area to support all the workers it takes to support the on season. I don't particularly like it, but that is just my small town viewpoint

[SteveA]

Sometimes a post here on Winni.com gets a little lopsided. I think this may be one of them.

First off, the cider donut has been around for a very long time. Google "recipe for cider donuts" and you will get "about 496,000 in .27secs". So any idea that Beans and Greens stole someones idea is simply wrong. They were making donuts and other baked goods long before "Cider Bellies", showed up in the parking lot of Sawyers.

The "owner lady" has a name, she is Martina Howe, she and her husband Andy are, IMHO, a wonderful part of Gilford. She is not in the Public Relations business, she is a business owner and actively runs the actual farming part of the business.

I understand that sometimes she may seem to be a bit abrupt, but I suggest that if you were interupted 100 times a day when you were trying to do your job, you might get a little testy also. I've done it myself, I have a question like " Do you have any more red impatients... " and I spot Martina actively working on some "farming" and just walk over and start asking questions that the staff at the cash register could have answered.

I would suggest that you take a look at the Beans and Greens Facebook page, take a look at the charity and educational programs they support.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beans...stream&fref=nf

They provide our church fair with all sorts of Veggies for our Summer Fair luncheon. They run educational, health awareness programs, and all sorts of things.

Beans and Greens is a great business to have here in Gilford, and the Howe family is a great example of how hard work breeds success.

JMHO..

[jeffk]

Originally Posted by SteveA

...She is not in the Public Relations business, she is a business owner and actively runs the actual farming part of the business. ...

While I liked the rest of your post, a business owner IS in the public relations business whether they want to be or not. The only option is to stay away from the public and let others speak for you. That's probably not a great idea for most owners. There have been several posts taking businesses and its owners to task for exactly this failure. You can be the best there is at your job but if you cannot interact well with others, it will cost you. People may even put up with an "abrupt attitude", but they don't like it.

It was good to hear the other side about B&G

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by jeffk

While I liked the rest of your post, a business owner IS in the public relations business whether they want to be or not. The only option is to stay away from the public and let others speak for you. That's probably not a great idea for most owners. There have been several posts taking businesses and its owners to task for exactly this failure. You can be the best there is at your job but if you cannot interact well with others, it will cost you. People may even put up with an "abrupt attitude", but they don't like it.

It was good to hear the other side about B&G

Reading your comments got me to rethink what I typed. I see your point and agree, I worded that part of my comment poorly.

[Bumble2249]

Originally Posted by SteveA

Sometimes a post here on Winni.com gets a little lopsided. I think this may be one of them.



First off, the cider donut has been around for a very long time. Google "recipe for cider donuts" and you will get "about 496,000 in .27secs". So any idea that Beans and Greens stole someones idea is simply wrong. They were making donuts and other baked goods long before "Cider Bellies", showed up in the parking lot of Sawyers.



The "owner lady" has a name, she is Martina Howe, she and her husband Andy are, IMHO, a wonderful part of Gilford. She is not in the Public Relations business, she is a business owner and actively runs the actual farming part of the business.



I understand that sometimes she may seem to be a bit abrupt, but I suggest that if you were interupted 100 times a day when you were trying to do your job, you might get a little testy also. I've done it myself, I have a question like " Do you have any more red impatients... " and I spot Martina actively working on some "farming" and just walk over and start asking questions that the staff at the cash register could have answered.



I would suggest that you take a look at the Beans and Greens Facebook page, take a look at the charity and educational programs they support.



https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beans...stream&fref=nf



They provide our church fair with all sorts of Veggies for our Summer Fair luncheon. They run educational, health awareness programs, and all sorts of things.



Beans and Greens is a great business to have here in Gilford, and the Howe family is a great example of how hard work breeds success.



JMHO..

My previous post...


She objects because cider bellies used to sell their product at beans and greens. One day somebody discovered that beans and greens was posing as a business that was still selling cider bellies product, when In reality they had tried to copy the recipe and sell a copy cat. Cider bellies then pulled out immediately from beans and greens. As they should have.







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[Weekend Pundit]

One thought: From reading what some of you have posted, it seems some think that Cider Bellies is a trade name or trademark. But that's what we've always called cider doughnuts since I can remember (almost 60 years), and in fact I recall my grandmother calling them that when she made them.

None of this means that a business can't call themselves "Cider Bellies", just that it's not an exclusive name.

[Bumble2249]

Originally Posted by Weekend Pundit

One thought: From reading what some of you have posted, it seems some think that Cider Bellies is a trade name or trademark. But that's what we've always called cider doughnuts since I can remember (almost 60 years), and in fact I recall my grandmother calling them that when she made them.

None of this means that a business can't call themselves "Cider Bellies", just that it's not an exclusive name.

Ok great. Thanks for the history lesson on cider doughnuts. But the lesson here is that you don't, as a business, blatantly try to replicate a product that is being sold at your place of business, by another business, who originally perfected it. This is cut throat, etc, etc, etc......


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[Weekend Pundit]

Originally Posted by Bumble2249

Ok great. Thanks for the history lesson on cider doughnuts. But the lesson here is that you don't, as a business, blatantly try to replicate a product that is being sold at your place of business, by another business, who originally perfected it. This is cut throat, etc, etc, etc......

Perfected by whose definition? As someone else mentioned, there are hundreds of cider belly recipes available on the 'Net. Heck, I can probably get my grandmother's recipe from my mom or one of my sisters, and she made some of the best cider bellies I've ever tasted.

That being said, if B&G recreated the recipe by trial and error, so what? If it was acquired by nefarious means, then that's a different story. Has anyone claimed they used inappropriate means to recreate the recipe? Not that I've seen.

Yeah, yeah, I know I'm nitpicking, but do you think other businesses haven't tried to recreate successful products or services provided by a competitor?

[Rusty]

This how Cider Bellies Doughnuts are cooked:

[jeffk]

Originally Posted by Weekend Pundit

None of this means that a business can't call themselves "Cider Bellies", just that it's not an exclusive name.

Cider Bellies IS an incorporated business in the state of New Hampshire. As far as I know, NO ONE can sell products labeled with an incorporated businesses name except for that business and it's representatives. No one can sell copied products under the name of the business. I cannot sell dolls that look exactly like Annalee dolls and call them "Annalee" dolls. If the dolls themselves are patented I can't even sell dolls that copy them.

In this case I doubt there is any patent on making cider doughnuts because it is so common. However, if B&G was selling other cider doughnuts under the NAME "Cider Bellies" it is, I believe, illegal and also sleazy business.

I don't know exactly how they were being represented at B&G. If they were simply being called cider doughnuts there was no infringement although there may have been some bad feelings if Cider Bellies was dropped for another brand. I rather doubt this because brand swaps happen all the time. That's normal competition.

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by jeffk

Cider Bellies IS an incorporated business in the state of New Hampshire. As far as I know, NO ONE can sell products labeled with an incorporated businesses name except for that business and it's representatives. No one can sell copied products under the name of the business. I cannot sell dolls that look exactly like Annalee dolls and call them "Annalee" dolls. If the dolls themselves are patented I can't even sell dolls that copy them.

Well, it may not be that clear..

It's easy to see how easy it is, in reality, to "copy" a product.

Example: WalMart sell the "equate" brand of all sorts of products. They simply have a disclaimer on the packaging. They sell knockoffs of just about every type of OTC medicine made.

"Compare to NyQuil (R) Cold & Flu Active Ingredients*"

The little * leads you to this in tiny print on the back of the bottle..

* this product is not manufactured or distributed by Proctor&Gamble, distributor of NyQuil(R)

I would bet, that if Walmart wanted to "copy" Annalee Dolls, and I doubt they would, they could.

[jeffk]

Originally Posted by SteveA

Well, it may not be that clear..

It's easy to see how easy it is, in reality, to "copy" a product.

Example: WalMart sell the "equate" brand of all sorts of products. They simply have a disclaimer on the packaging. They sell knockoffs of just about every type of OTC medicine made.

"Compare to NyQuil (R) Cold & Flu Active Ingredients*"

The little * leads you to this in tiny print on the back of the bottle..

* this product is not manufactured or distributed by Proctor&Gamble, distributor of NyQuil(R)

I would bet, that if Walmart wanted to "copy" Annalee Dolls, and I doubt they would, they could.

Yup, if the dolls themselves are not patented I could put a statement saying, "Compare to Annalee dolls". Compare but NOT the same thing. The reason that Walmart, and many others, can make knock-offs is that the components are so common (like cider doughnuts) that they cannot be protectively patented, or the patents have expired. So all sorts of people can sell Acetaminophen, but only McNeil can label it "Tylenol". And if there is a problem with Walmart's knock-off brand, McNeil has NO liability. The public has to decide if a knock-off really does "compare" to a Name Brand.

As I expressed, we don't know if this was a vendor, B&G, switching brands or a vendor falsely labeling their products. The first case is normal business. If someone is upset about it, it's silly. The second case is illegal and a sleazy business practice.

Quite a difference and we on this forum just don't know.

[Rob1221]

Hi everyone,
I've been reading all the posts that have been written and thought I would reply to a few of the comments.
First, I want to thank everyone for their continuous support! My business has seen so much success in the past four years and I am so grateful to live in an area where people are so supportive and genuinely want to see small businesses succeed. Also, I wanted to especially thank the community of Gilford who have been nothing but welcoming and downright excited about our arrival these past few weeks. It truly makes some of the early mornings easier to adjust to when there are smiling faces ready to greet you each day.
Second, as much as people would love to create rumors or rivalries to make life a bit more interesting I'm here to squash many of these, sorry! Yes, a complaint came into the town about the Sawyers site plan and yes, I have heard that Beans and Green initiated that complaint; however they were well within their right to do so! Since then the town has approved the site plan and we are now up and running, leaving the past as just that, the past. We have no ill-will or grudge with Beans and Greens over this matter and you will never hear me or my staff speak poorly about Beans and Greens. They too are a small business trying to find their way and success in this area and I respect that.
Finally, Beans and Greens did sell Cider Bellies Doughnuts last year. However, I made a business decision to stop wholesaling my product to them, the reasons behind that decision will remain between Beans and Greens and I. I have heard that they are now selling cider doughnuts and I welcome the competition. We live in the United States where our economy is founded on this very idea. I in no way own exclusive rights to cider doughnuts and would never deter anyone from creating their own version of this product! I simply own my name and my recipe, thats it.
For me, it's great that so many people love my product and I love hearing all the compliments that stream in throughout the day but I also appreciate the fact that if someone doesn't like my product there are other options out there for them to choose from. I'm in this business to make people smile and provide the best doughnuts I know how to make but I understand that I cannot please everyone and hopefully my competitors will succeed in pleasing the people that I may not be able to.
Our community it just that, a community, and its important to stand together, support one another and work together so this is a great place for everyone to live and find success in.
Thanks again for all your support you have no have no idea how fun and exciting this journey has been for me! If you have further comments or questions for me specifically please feel free to contact me at ciderbelliesdoughnuts@yahoo.com. Please do not write me on this forum as this is my husbands account and I may not get the message or he may not be able to respond to topics that concern Cider Bellies.
Jessica Stephens, Owner, Cider Bellies

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Rob1221

Hi everyone,
I've been reading all the posts that have been written and thought I would reply to a few of the comments.
First, I want to thank everyone for their continuous support! My business has seen so much success in the past four years and I am so grateful to live in an area where people are so supportive and genuinely want to see small businesses succeed. Also, I wanted to especially thank the community of Gilford who have been nothing but welcoming and downright excited about our arrival these past few weeks. It truly makes some of the early mornings easier to adjust to when there are smiling faces ready to greet you each day.
Second, as much as people would love to create rumors or rivalries to make life a bit more interesting I'm here to squash many of these, sorry! Yes, a complaint came into the town about the Sawyers site plan and yes, I have heard that Beans and Green initiated that complaint; however they were well within their right to do so! Since then the town has approved the site plan and we are now up and running, leaving the past as just that, the past. We have no ill-will or grudge with Beans and Greens over this matter and you will never hear me or my staff speak poorly about Beans and Greens. They too are a small business trying to find their way and success in this area and I respect that.
Finally, Beans and Greens did sell Cider Bellies Doughnuts last year. However, I made a business decision to stop wholesaling my product to them, the reasons behind that decision will remain between Beans and Greens and I. I have heard that they are now selling cider doughnuts and I welcome the competition. We live in the United States where our economy is founded on this very idea. I in no way own exclusive rights to cider doughnuts and would never deter anyone from creating their own version of this product! I simply own my name and my recipe, thats it.
For me, it's great that so many people love my product and I love hearing all the compliments that stream in throughout the day but I also appreciate the fact that if someone doesn't like my product there are other options out there for them to choose from. I'm in this business to make people smile and provide the best doughnuts I know how to make but I understand that I cannot please everyone and hopefully my competitors will succeed in pleasing the people that I may not be able to.
Our community it just that, a community, and its important to stand together, support one another and work together so this is a great place for everyone to live and find success in.
Thanks again for all your support you have no have no idea how fun and exciting this journey has been for me! If you have further comments or questions for me specifically please feel free to contact me at ciderbelliesdoughnuts@yahoo.com. Please do not write me on this forum as this is my husbands account and I may not get the message or he may not be able to respond to topics that concern Cider Bellies.
Jessica Stephens, Owner, Cider Bellies

and that, folks, is how it is done!

[Charlie T]

Originally Posted by Rob1221

Hi everyone,
I've been reading all the posts that have been written and thought I would reply to a few of the comments.
First, I want to thank everyone for their continuous support! My business has seen so much success in the past four years and I am so grateful to live in an area where people are so supportive and genuinely want to see small businesses succeed. Also, I wanted to especially thank the community of Gilford who have been nothing but welcoming and downright excited about our arrival these past few weeks. It truly makes some of the early mornings easier to adjust to when there are smiling faces ready to greet you each day.
Second, as much as people would love to create rumors or rivalries to make life a bit more interesting I'm here to squash many of these, sorry! Yes, a complaint came into the town about the Sawyers site plan and yes, I have heard that Beans and Green initiated that complaint; however they were well within their right to do so! Since then the town has approved the site plan and we are now up and running, leaving the past as just that, the past. We have no ill-will or grudge with Beans and Greens over this matter and you will never hear me or my staff speak poorly about Beans and Greens. They too are a small business trying to find their way and success in this area and I respect that.
Finally, Beans and Greens did sell Cider Bellies Doughnuts last year. However, I made a business decision to stop wholesaling my product to them, the reasons behind that decision will remain between Beans and Greens and I. I have heard that they are now selling cider doughnuts and I welcome the competition. We live in the United States where our economy is founded on this very idea. I in no way own exclusive rights to cider doughnuts and would never deter anyone from creating their own version of this product! I simply own my name and my recipe, thats it.
For me, it's great that so many people love my product and I love hearing all the compliments that stream in throughout the day but I also appreciate the fact that if someone doesn't like my product there are other options out there for them to choose from. I'm in this business to make people smile and provide the best doughnuts I know how to make but I understand that I cannot please everyone and hopefully my competitors will succeed in pleasing the people that I may not be able to.
Our community it just that, a community, and its important to stand together, support one another and work together so this is a great place for everyone to live and find success in.
Thanks again for all your support you have no have no idea how fun and exciting this journey has been for me! If you have further comments or questions for me specifically please feel free to contact me at ciderbelliesdoughnuts@yahoo.com. Please do not write me on this forum as this is my husbands account and I may not get the message or he may not be able to respond to topics that concern Cider Bellies.
Jessica Stephens, Owner, Cider Bellies

And Great Donuts. Good luck to you Jessica. You've addressed this to perfection

[chipj29]

VERY well said! I wish you luck with your business. It sounds like you know what you are doing.

[Weekend Pundit]

Originally Posted by chipj29

VERY well said! I wish you luck with your business. It sounds like you know what you are doing.

What he said!!

[BroadHopper]

the other day and my opinion the donut was small and the price was high. I would rather arrive early for a Goody Good donut! Better than Brothers!

[Bumble2249]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

the other day and my opinion the donut was small and the price was high. I would rather arrive early for a Goody Good donut! Better than Brothers!

Not!


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[SteveA]

Originally Posted by Charlie T

And Great Donuts. Good luck to you Jessica. You've addressed this to perfection

Wonderful response Jessica! Classy..

Best of luck..!!!

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by jeffk

I don't know exactly how they were being represented at B&G.

And that seems to pretty much sum up the information everyone here is operating on.

If somebody has some specific examples, it would be helpful.

If B&G decided to sell their own cider donuts because they thought they could make them better, cheaper, faster, whatever, that is all part of doing business.

I have no personal connection to B&G or Cider Bellies (but, I *do* like donuts), but so far this sounds mostly like stuff that goes on every day in retail. Sellers are looking for cheaper/higher-margin alternatives to popular products.