Press Releases
Grand Traverse Pie Company Honored as One of
"Michigan 50 Companies to Watch"
(February 6, 2008) – Grand Traverse Pie Company, LLC has been recognized as one of the "Michigan 50 Companies To Watch," an awards program sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation.
Grand Traverse Pie Company will be honored at an awards ceremony during the third annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business event, April 24 in Lansing.
"Michigan 50 Companies to Watch is a unique awards program designed to shine the spotlight on second-stage companies," says Mark Lange, executive director of the Edward Lowe Foundation, a not-for-profit operating foundation based in Michigan. The foundation's mission is to "champion the entrepreneurial spirit" by encouraging entrepreneurial cultures in communities throughout the country and helping second-stage companies learn from each other.
"When it comes to a robust economy, second-stage entrepreneurs play a critical role because they generate new jobs and sustainable growth," Lange says. "And yet, they’re not often recognized or appreciated for the impact they have on the economy or the community."
Grand Traverse Pie Company welcomes patrons with "fresh baked" aromas flowing from the open air, from-scratch kitchen. The GTPC is a full service Bakery Café in the growing "fast casual" sector occupied by Panera and Corner Bakery. The big difference is that in addition to creative breakfast, lunch, and dinner offerings, it's all about PIE at GTPC. Over 30 varieties of fruit, cream, meringue, and key lime pies are available EVERY DAY, made from scratch, on-site at each bakery Café. Grand Traverse Pie makes for a perfect ending to any meal, event, or gathering. Each Grand Traverse Pie Company location also offers catering for any size of special event or business meeting.
GTPC will drive an economic impact of over $25 million to Michigan this year alone.
The Importance of Pie to the Michigan Economy:
- Employing over 400 "Michiganders" by the end of 2008 Franchise & Corporate wide.
- The company uses ONLY Michigan fruits – Cherries, Apples, and Blueberries – Over 1 Million Pounds of fruit will be utilized in 2008.
- $12 million in gross sales in its Michigan wide system.
- Michigan companies growing together! GTPC partners with multiple other Michigan companies to support their growth objectives. Family owned companies including Smeltzer Orchard Company in Frankfort, Food for Thought of Honor, Stafford Smith of Kalamazoo, Lipari Foods of Warren, and Alfie Embroidery of Traverse City.
"The agriculture economic impact alone is significant not only to Northern Michigan, but the entire state", stated GTPC creator Mike Busley. "Michigan is the Grand Traverse Pie Company's discriminator. Our customers not only are loyal to us because of our hand-crafted pies and well prepared café cuisine, but because we are passionate about growing in Michigan!" continued Busley.
Companies nominated for the "Michigan 50 Companies to Watch" list must be second-stage companies, defined as having 6 to 99 full-time-equivalent employees and generating $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants. In addition, the companies must be privately held and headquartered in Michigan.
Winners were selected by judges from the banking, economic development, entrepreneurship development and venture capital communities. Judges evaluated the nominees’ demonstrated intent and capacity to grow based on one or more of the following:
- Employee or sales growth
- Exceptional entrepreneurial leadership
- Sustainable competitive advantage
- Other notable factors that showcase the company's success
National City is the lead sponsor for Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Other supporters include Clark Hill PLC Attorneys at Law, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America and Dynamic Edge.
Information about the 2008 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch program can be found at http://Michigan.CompaniesToWatch.org. For information about Michigan Celebrates Small Business, visit http://MichiganCelebrates.biz.
Visitors to any of the thirteen destination cafés, famous for its cherry pie, will experience all of the sights and sensations of an active "real food" kitchen. Guests are even invited to taste a sample of something "just out of the oven" – maybe something from the list of all-time pie favorites including Grand Traverse Cherry Crumb, West Bay Blueberry, Glen Haven Peach, or even Tall Ship Blackberry Peach Crumb.
Thirteen (13) GTPC Franchise locations include:
- Ann Arbor (734) 997-9702
- Brighton (810) 225-7437
- Burton (810) 742-9743
- East Lansing (517) 203-3304
- Grand Rapids - Kentwood (616) 977-7600
- Mt. Pleasant (989) 779-2743
- Norton Shores (231) 799-3399
- Okemos (517) 381-7437
- Petoskey (231) 348-4060
- Sterling Heights (586) 323-2743
- Terre Haute, Indiana (812) 235-1582
- Traverse City (231) 922-7437
- Troy (248) 680-9707
