Immigrant Food
The future of restaurants where profit meets purpose
Overview
Raised: $597,386
Rolling Commitments ($USD)
Active
05/06/2024
36
3,984%
48%
$11,063
145
2019
Food, Beverage, & Restaurants
Non-Tech
B2C
High
High
Summary Profit and Loss Statement
FY 2023 | FY 2022 | |
---|---|---|
Revenue |
$4,408,087 |
$3,320,597 |
COGS |
$815,936 |
$687,317 |
Tax |
$0 |
$0 |
| ||
| ||
Net Income |
$-343,308 |
$-503,984 |
Summary Balance Sheet
FY 2023 | FY 2022 | |
---|---|---|
Cash |
$1,218,661 |
$640,862 |
Accounts Receivable |
$65,222 |
$32,435 |
Total Assets |
$3,588,013 |
$1,823,718 |
Short-Term Debt |
$774,176 |
$472,241 |
Long-Term Debt |
$2,089,248 |
$1,156,973 |
Total Liabilities |
$2,863,424 |
$1,629,214 |
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Synopsis
Immigrant Food is a burgeoning entity in the food and beverage sector, embarking on a mission to revolutionize the industry with its unique blend of gastronomy and social advocacy. Positioned at the intersection of taste and purpose, the company showcases the rich culinary heritage brought to America by immigrants, offering an innovative menu that transcends borders by uniting diverse flavors for an explosive culinary experience. With a tagline that promises "The future of restaurants where profit meets purpose," Immigrant Food is not just a restaurant; it's a movement towards inclusive and socially conscious dining.
Since its inception in January 2019 by founders Peter Schechter and Tea Ivanovic, Immigrant Food has demonstrated remarkable growth and execution capabilities. The company reported a revenue of $4.3 million in 2023, marking a 33% year-over-year growth with an impressive 15% profitability margin. This financial performance is a testament to the founders' vision and the market's receptivity to a dining concept that celebrates the contributions of immigrants to America's culinary landscape.
Operating out of 3 locations with plans to open a fourth, Immigrant Food has set its sights on national expansion, believing in the scalability of its business model. The company's approach to combining delicious gastronomy with innovative social advocacy has the potential to redefine the dining experience in a crowded market. However, challenges lie ahead, particularly in fostering customer adoption in a landscape where diners may not be accustomed to restaurants offering diverse ethnic foods. The success of Immigrant Food hinges on its ability to maintain high food quality and taste, elements crucial for attracting and retaining customers.
With a current valuation of $7.57 million, Immigrant Food is leveraging a StartEngine crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for working capital, company employment, marketing efforts, and charitable contributions. This funding round presents an opportunity for investors to be part of a company that seeks to profit and make a purposeful impact on society by celebrating the diversity and richness of immigrant cultures through food.
Price
Immigrant Food is raising funds with a pre-money valuation of $7.57 million, which seems conservative and potentially attractive for investors, especially when considering the company's impressive growth trajectory and profitability. In 2023, Immigrant Food reported revenues of $4.3 million, marking a 33% year-over-year growth from 2022, alongside a commendable 15% profitability. This performance is particularly noteworthy in the competitive and often low-margin food and beverage industry.
The revenue multiple of 1.72x, based on the current valuation, positions Immigrant Food as an appealing investment compared to other startups in the Food, Beverage, & Restaurant industry. This multiple is significantly lower than what is often observed in the sector, suggesting that the company is not overvalued. Considering the company's strong growth metrics, current profitability, and recognition from prestigious entities like Forbes 30 under 30 and FastCompany, there's a clear indication of a solid foundation for further expansion.
Market
The U.S. ethnic food market, which encompasses a wide range of international cuisines reflecting the country's diverse cultural background, is experiencing significant growth. This market, valued at approximately $72.89 billion, is driven by changing consumer preferences, globalization and immigration, and rising disposable incomes. However, the market is growing slowly, which could make it difficult for newcomers to gain market shares.
Immigrant Food's innovative approach of combining gastronomies brought by immigrants with other flavors to create unique culinary experiences positions it well within this growing market. The company's 33% year-over-year growth and 15% profitability in 2023 underscore the strong demand for ethnic food and the potential for scalable business models in this sector. However, the market is not without its challenges. The ethnic food industry is noted for its high competition, with numerous players from various segments vying for consumer attention. Establishing a unique market position and differentiating from competitors like Jack in the Box, which also ventures into ethnic food offerings, is crucial.
Additionally, despite the growing popularity, some consumers may have limited exposure and awareness of different cuisines, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for Immigrant Food. Educating consumers about the cultural significance and health benefits of ethnic foods can further drive market growth.
Team
Immigrant Food, co-founded by Peter Schechter and Téa Ivanovic, is a unique food and beverage industry player, combining innovative gastronomy with social advocacy. Serving as CEO Schechter brings a wealth of experience from various sectors. However, his specific industry experience in food and beverage is limited to the five years since Immigrant Food's inception. His diverse background, however, has likely contributed to the company's fresh approach to combining culinary experiences with social causes. Schechter's leadership is complemented by Ivanovic, who holds multiple roles as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, and Chief Marketing Officer. Despite being a first-time founder, her full-time dedication and multifaceted role within the company suggest a deep commitment to its success and operational efficiency.
Differentiation
Immigrant Food distinguishes itself in the highly competitive food service industry by focusing on a unique blend of gastronomies brought by immigrants to the United States and a mission of innovative social advocacy. This approach not only differentiates Immigrant Food from traditional ethnic and fusion cuisine establishments but also aligns the brand with a socially conscious consumer base interested in supporting businesses that promote cultural diversity and inclusion.
While the market includes indirect competitors in the form of fusion food restaurants, Immigrant Food's direct comparison to a fast-food chain like Jack in the Box highlights its unique position. Unlike Jack in the Box, which offers a broad range of fast-food items with a focus on convenience, Immigrant Food curates a menu that tells a story of cultural integration and history, providing an "explosive culinary experience" that transcends borders. This not only sets Immigrant Food apart in terms of menu offerings but also in the overall dining experience and brand ethos.
The company's impressive traction, with $4.3 million in revenue in 2023 and a 33% year-over-year growth, underscores the market's receptivity to its innovative approach. Recognitions from Forbes 30 under 30, FastCompany, and esteemed immigrant advocacy organizations further validate Immigrant Food's impact and potential for national growth. With three locations and a fourth opening anticipated, Immigrant Food is poised to expand its footprint and influence in the US ethnic food market.
However, it's important to note that while Immigrant Food's model is innovative and has shown significant growth, the food and beverage industry remains highly competitive with low barriers to entry. The success of Immigrant Food will depend on its ability to maintain its unique value proposition, continue to engage its target market effectively and navigate the challenges of scaling in a highly saturated market.
Performance
Immigrant Food has demonstrated impressive performance and growth in the highly competitive food, beverage, and restaurant industry. 2023 the company reported $4.3 million in revenue, marking a significant 33% year-over-year growth from 2022. This growth is particularly noteworthy in an industry known for its low margins and high competition. Additionally, Immigrant Food achieved a 15% profitability margin, which is commendable for a company in the growth phase and indicates efficient operational management and a strong product-market fit.
The company's innovative approach to combining gastronomies brought by immigrants with other flavors to create unique culinary experiences has resonated well with its target market. This approach differentiates Immigrant Food from traditional competitors and aligns with growing consumer interest in ethnic foods and socially conscious businesses.
Immigrant Food's achievements have not gone unnoticed. It has been recognized by prestigious platforms such as Forbes 30 under 30 and FastCompany, as well as esteemed immigrant advocacy organizations. These accolades serve as external validations of the company's impact and potential for further growth.
Financially, Immigrant Food is in a solid position, with $1.2 million in cash as of the latest reporting period. This financial stability, combined with the company's proven ability to generate and grow revenue while maintaining profitability, positions Immigrant Food well for future expansion and operational initiatives.
Risk
Immigrant Food operates in the highly competitive food, beverage, and restaurant industry, facing several unique risks. While the company has demonstrated impressive growth, achieving $4.3 million in revenue in 2023 with a 33% year-over-year growth, it remains in the pre-profit phase with a net income of -$343,308 in the most recent fiscal year-end. This indicates that despite its revenue growth, Immigrant Food has not achieved profitability, a crucial milestone for long-term sustainability.
The company's innovative approach to combining immigrant gastronomies into an exciting culinary experience sets it apart in the market. However, the competitive landscape is described as "extremely competitive," including direct competitors like Jack in the Box and a broad category of fusion food restaurants. This high level of competition risks market share and customer retention as consumers have numerous options for dining and takeaway.
Immigrant Food has identified a need to scale production and sales distribution for a long time, which are critical components to national growth and achieving economies of scale. Scaling in these areas could pose operational and financial challenges, especially considering the company's current monthly burn rate of $28,609.00.
Lastly, the food and beverage industry is known for its low entry barriers, allowing new competitors to enter the market easily. This could further intensify competition and pressure on prices and margins. Despite these risks, Immigrant Food's unique value proposition and positive market acceptance highlight its potential. However, investors should carefully consider these risks in relation to the company’s growth strategy and path to profitability.
Bullish Outlook
Immigrant Food's concept uniquely positions it within the highly competitive food, beverage, and restaurant industry by tapping into the growing interest in ethnic and immigrant cuisines. By offering a menu that celebrates the gastronomies brought to America by immigrants, the company caters to the expanding palette of American consumers. It embeds a social advocacy mission into its business model. This innovative approach can attract a broad customer looking for new culinary experiences while supporting social causes.
With a reported revenue of $4.3 million in 2023, demonstrating a substantial year-over-year growth of 33%, Immigrant Food showcases strong financial performance and operational efficiency. The 15% profitability margin, despite being in the growth stage, further underscores the company's capability to manage costs effectively while scaling its operations. This financial health is a solid indicator of the company's potential for sustainability and profitability in the long run.
As demonstrated by its move to open a fourth location, the company's expansion plans suggest a strategic growth trajectory aimed at capturing a larger share of the US ethnic food market. This decision to expand, backed by a proven track record of successful openings, reflects the company's strong execution capabilities and the market's positive reception to its offerings.
Moreover, Immigrant Food operates in a unique niche that combines the appeal of ethnic cuisines with a strong narrative around immigration and community. This differentiation could be a significant driver in attracting customers looking for more than just a meal but an experience that aligns with their values. In a crowded market, this unique selling proposition can be a powerful tool for building customer loyalty and brand recognition.
Finally, the company's ability to raise funds through crowdfunding platforms demonstrates the confidence and interest of a wide range of investors. This provides the necessary capital for expansion and operational needs and validates the company's business model and growth strategy. With a $7.57 million pre-money valuation, Immigrant Food is well-positioned to leverage its current momentum for national expansion and potentially explore opportunities for franchising or additional funding rounds to accelerate its growth.
Bearish Outlook
The food and beverage industry is notoriously competitive, with low barriers to entry but high barriers to success. Immigrant Food, despite its innovative approach to combining various international cuisines into a unique culinary experience, operates in an environment where consumer preferences shift rapidly and competition is fierce. The concept of fusion food restaurants is not new, and while Immigrant Food has managed to carve out a niche for itself, sustaining growth and expanding its customer base in the long term may prove challenging. The approach of mixing various ethnic foods into a single menu, although innovative, may limit its appeal to a broader audience accustomed to more traditional dining experiences.
Moreover, Immigrant Food's financial situation raises concerns about its ability to sustain operations and expand without encountering financial strain. With a monthly burn rate of $45,000 and a net income position of -$343,308 for the most recent fiscal year, the company's path to profitability seems uncertain. While the company has demonstrated significant revenue growth, achieving profitability is crucial for long-term sustainability. High capital intensity and ongoing cash burn could necessitate further fundraising, which could dilute existing shareholders or put additional financial pressure on the company.
In summary, while Immigrant Food presents an intriguing concept with its diverse and innovative menu offerings, the harsh realities of the food and beverage industry, combined with financial vulnerabilities and the potential for increased competition, suggest a cautious approach for investors considering this opportunity.
Executive Summary
Immigrant Food is pioneering a unique concept in the food and beverage industry by offering a menu that celebrates the gastronomies brought to America by immigrants, blending them with other flavors for an innovative culinary experience. With a tagline "The future of restaurants where profit meets purpose," the company has demonstrated significant growth, boasting $4.3 million in revenue in 2023, which reflects a 33% year-over-year increase from 2022. This growth has been recognized by prestigious awards and recognitions from Forbes 30 under 30, FastCompany, and esteemed immigrant advocacy organizations.
The company operates in the highly competitive US Ethnic Food market, which is driven by changing consumer preferences towards unique and diverse culinary experiences, globalization and immigration bringing a diverse palette of ethnic foods to the forefront, and rising disposable incomes allowing more expenditure on dining out. Despite these positive drivers, the industry does face challenges such as high competition and limited consumer awareness and exposure to different cuisines.
Immigrant Food has successfully opened three locations and is looking forward to opening its fourth restaurant, indicating a strong execution capability and a scalable business model. However, the company faces the challenge of introducing a novel concept to consumers who may not be accustomed to restaurants offering a wide range of ethnic foods. The quality and taste of the food will be critical in overcoming this barrier and ensuring the company's continued success.
Despite operating in an extremely competitive environment with low barriers to entry, Immigrant Food has managed to carve out a niche for itself by leveraging its unique value proposition and tapping into the growing trend of ethnic and fusion cuisines. The company's current crowdfunding campaign aims to raise funds for working capital, company employment, marketing efforts, and charitable contributions, highlighting its commitment to social advocacy alongside its business operations.
With a pre-money valuation of $7.57 million, Immigrant Food presents an interesting opportunity for investors looking to participate in a company that combines profit with purpose, offering a fresh take on the traditional restaurant model. As the company continues to expand and refine its offerings, it has the potential to become a significant player in the ethnic food market, provided it can effectively navigate the challenges of customer adoption and competition.
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