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HELP ME BAKE IT 'TIL I MAKE IT!

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Growing up, my Polish and Ukrainian grandparents meant the world to me. They’ve always been in the middle of my heart, inspiring me to work hard and push forward no matter what obstacles and challenges arise—and there have been many.  

After a series of medical mishaps, I qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Gig work has been a stopgap while I've worked to bring my love for food and my grandparents’ recipes to the larger community at GRUZAR'S. I started by attending Johnson & Wales University’s Baking & Pastry Arts program, where I learned to bake every dish to perfection.


I’ve named my business for my grandparents. GRUZAR’s = GRU for the Polish Grusz family of my grandfather + ZAR for my grandmother’s Ukrainian family the Huzars. GRUZAR’S will offer baked goods, pastries, and ethnic foods that tell the story of my grandparents and our family. I put my soul into the food that bears the GRUZAR’S name. Before long, GRUZAR’S will be synonymous with delicious food and exceptional service.

The pandemic has put many Americans out of work, closed formerly vibrant businesses, and changed our perspectives and habits. It has also created an opportunity for food entrepreneurs to thrive by serving customers who are comfortable ordering online and receiving their food via delivery service. 

This is exactly how GRUZAR’S Bakery & Kitchen works: I prepare the food at home and deliver directly to you. I am in the process of launching GRUZAR’S Bakery & Kitchen out of my apartment. I have recently been licensed with the State of Connecticut’s Cottage Food Operator license, where I can prepare baked goods and pastries. Moving forward, I plan to obtain a commercial kitchen license so that I can bring the Polish and Ukrainian foods to you that my fans have been craving.

I foresee a storefront in the future for GRUZAR’S Bakery & Kitchen, a place that I can call my own and where the GRUZAR’S concept can stretch out and reach its full potential. 

I will, of course, continue to update all campaign contributors regarding these longer-term plan. To get started, though, I need your help.


What I Need

I am looking to raise at least $25,000 to cover the costs of launching GRUZAR’S Bakery & Kitchen. This funding will cover costs that I am facing in Phase I to remain in compliance with cottage food business regulations and promote GRUZAR’S Bakery & Kitchen to a point of viability. Ideally, though, I would like to raise additional capital to help build a more solid financial ground to open a bakery storefront.

Phase I Funding
* New oven purchase
* New production equipment purchases
* Oven installation and kitchen refinishing
* Handyman to move furniture, setup office area, and setup production area
* Logo design, branding, and web design
* Marketing, online advertising, and social media marketing
* Food business, accounting, and legal consulting
* Food packaging and materials
* Food stock
* Food testing expenses
* Menu design and menu stock
* Office equipment
* Cottage Food Operation Licensing
* Liability Insurance

Phase II Funding:
* Transition to Commercial Kitchen License
* Commercial Kitchen sharing rental
* Staffing (as needed)

Phase III Funding:
* Transition to Bakery Storefront
* Storefront Lease
* Kitchen equipment (as needed)
* Staffing


How You Can Help

In addition to making a monetary contribution to this campaign, you can show your support for GRUZAR’S Bakery & Kitchen by sharing a link to the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and any other social media platforms you use. 

If you live in Connecticut or know someone who does, please try some Polish and Ukrainian takeout that is different from anything else out there. GRUZAR’S IS READY TO LAUNCH WITH YOUR SUPPORT!

I appreciate all your support, both monetary and non-monetary, and I thank you for taking the time to read about what I am doing!


Be well, be safe,
Jason
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    Organizer

    Jason Weaving
    Organizer
    New Haven, CT

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