Saving a kosher fish biz from extinction
As its clientele ages, Springfield Smoked Fish is trying to reinvent its business for modern consumers. What do you recommend? Share your advice here.
From Sheldon Oppenheim, Wellesley, MA I have been buying from Mr. Axler for nearly 5 years and I love his products. My family was in the food business for 35 years so here are my thoughts.
First, in every city there are a few key deli places. In Philadelphia, it is Famous and Casino delis that you need. In Boston, the Butchrie and Barry's Village Deli. Identify these independent, high volume delis.
Second, where are there unserved markets? Make them yours. When I went to school at the Univ. of Iowa, my mom would ship me Lox. There are Temples out there (e.g.NE, IA)that would be interested.
Third, are there wholesale markets like caterers or institutions (e.g. JCCs or Senior facilities or country clubs)? Do they know who you are? The caterers need not be Kosher caterers as smoked fish is chic.
If all goes well, you will get my next order in 6 months.
From henry morristown nj new york is definitely the market they may want to reach, i mean take a look at acme every friday morning they sell to the public for 5 hours and they are packed, this friday a woman drove 120 miles to pick up fresh lox.
and all the catering for the flatbush williamsburgh boro park crowds fuggatehbout it!
From Roy Thomas,Graceville,KY how about introducing this to likes of Weight Watchers, Contours etc.
best wishes – I really hope you turnaround this business.
From p.gaeser nashville Tn Send samples to Jewish Hollywood movie & TV movers & shakers,for product placement.
From Rebekah, Oakland CA I also feel finding a good distributor in major markets with large Jewish communities, like Chicago and Philadelphia, is critical. And second-tier markets that don't get as much "attention" but still want quality Kosher products (think Cleveland, with over 80,000 Jews) could be very lucrative.
From IC, New York, New York My brother lives near Albany and the local Price Chopper has a kosher deli which stocks Springfield Smoked Salmon. The last time I visited I asked the deli operator about the possibility of stocking Brekfish. I'm pretty sure he did not understand the concept of salmon bacon. Alxer should try to get this store to start to stock Brekfish.
Also, I think he could do really well if he found someone to distribute it for him in New York to the upper west side Jewish community. The trick is finding someone who would market it locally.
From Martin Levne Jacksonville Florida We are selling tea and coffee along with mugs and other items with our congregational logo on it. We do this on through our gift shop and web site. Think of all the Sisterhood gift shops that use this idea. They could order it direct and we get our cut out of your sales. It would be displayed on the web site and with the tea, coffee and mugs, etc. we have them in the gift shop. We can offer a lower price in that the consumer buying it on line has to pay shipping where if they come into the giftshop, the shippiing is free. We can do this because it is bulk shipped.
From Edward Iorio, Boston, MA The company could try to manufacture kosher imitation caviar and sell nationally over the internet. Jedwards International, Inc: http://www.bulknaturaloils.com sells kosher fish oil ( along with many other kosher oils ) which can be used to make kosher imitation caviar… They are located in Massachusetts.
From bjkimmelblatt, central, nj >When I think Jewish, culinary arts do not come to mind.<
what? you never ate a corned beef on jewish rye, a knishe, bagels and lox, a potato latke, brisket of beef, tsimmis, or p'tchah?
oy, you don't know what you're missing!
From bj kimmelblatt, Central, NJ The company should link to other Jewish websites and gourmet websites and ask to be linked back.
Buy a spots on websites prior to the holidays.
From John, Ipswich, MA Perhaps it's because of my Irish heritage, but I've never tried pickled herring or many other traditional Jewish dishes.
When I think Jewish, culinary arts do not come to mind.
Certainly samples and smaller packaging would allow me to try something different without investing too much money in a dish I may hate.
Without delving too deep into the old testament, it would be interesting to know what makes your food kosher.
Websites like http://www.allrecipes.com allow posters to create recipe collections. Perhaps you could use these free venues to expand your customer base.
The website still needs work. Your address is not on it! Plus, it has a very clumsy buying process.