We recently spoke with the founder of Gourmet2Go, a brand new website and App that delivers high quality independent food producers products to your front door. George Thwaytes’ new business has got off to a flying start and we couldn’t be happier for such an inspirational brand. Let’s find out more…
Tell us about the journey that led you to launch your brand Gourmet2Go…
I had a job in a law firm after I left school and I studied law online. At the beginning of the pandemic I was laid off and I had to look into other options. I decided to complete my levels 5,6 and 7 in business management and finance. During this time I launched a business – SDQR using QR codes in restaurants/bars for customers to order food and drinks without contact with staff.
I met a chef during this time and he told me he was frustrated with his Gourmet high class food being advertised alongside kebab shops etc on the current delivery apps. I went away and started my market research and designed an app for high quality restaurant food. We launched early 2021. When lockdown ended we saw a shift in people ordering restaurant food. I decided to make a change and did some market research, we found that there was no delivery app which offered independents the chance to showcase their amazing produce across the UK for an affordable price. I went away and redesigned the app. We came up with Gourmet2Go boxed up.
Gourmet 2 go is committed to bringing our customers the highest-quality, mouth-wateringly tasty produce all over the UK, from small, independent suppliers. We taste-test every single product before it goes live as we want to make sure that it meets our exceedingly high standards. Whatever you’re looking for, a luxury gift or a gourmet night in for yourself – Gourmet2Go has you covered.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?
Biggest challenge I have faced so far is creating a business from scratch on my own. Every decision I make is difficult and without relying on others help I have to ensure it’s the best for the customer and for the supplier. Funding is also very difficult for a startup and I’m constantly worrying about getting further and looking at ways to fund.
I have started to overcome this by ensuring I make the right decision and to always check before I make decisions with family and close friends
If you were to describe your business mantra in three words, what would they be?
Delicious produce (delivered) nationwide
What advice would you offer anyone interested inventuring into the world of gourmet food distribution?
Let us do it with you. Join us and let us help you on your journey!
Talk us through an average business day in your life…
I wake up around 3-4am as my development team are in India and they are six hours ahead of me. I walk my dog, do some press ups, have a jog and then sit down and evaluate the plan for the day with development.
I spend the first few hours of the day contacting my team in India and ensuring we are all on the same boat.
After I have completed this task I usually write my plan for the day down on a white board and ensure the tasks I write down are easily achievable in one day.
In the morning I will then write to my suppliers updating them on any new developments, checking they are all okay and seeing how we can improve their sales.
In the afternoon I will go through all the payments from the day before, creating average sales plans and then ensure all payments are allocated to the correct supplier and payouts are organised at the right time.
In the latter part of the day I will sit down and look at ways to improve my business and how I can increase sales and revenue, this will include reaching out to friends/family for advice and researching different competitors and how they do it.
The day always ends with a long walk, cook a delicious meal (I love cooking) and sit down with my book to try and switch off!
Business can be an upward struggle at times, what do you do to stay positive?
Look at how we’ve pivoted and where we were to start, sometimes looking back at positive reviews about our products and what we’re doing. Always look back at how far you have come since you started the business is always a way to stay positive! Talking to people both new and old about my business also helps me to stay positive!
What is your go to quote when lacking motivation?
In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.
How much is social media playing a role in the success of your newly launched business?
Massively, although we have only just launched our website, we are starting to create a bigger more bold marketing campaign whereby people cannot ignore what we do. Social media is huge in all aspects of business and for us; we are showcasing some of the most amazing food and drink products from around the UK and we have to show how good they taste by grabbing one’s eye!
However, it’s important we don’t rule out our events, PR and word of mouth which play a huge role for us!
How do you want people to feel when they first order from your website and App?
Happy and satisfied that they know what they’re going to receive from us. That it was such a simple process that they will use us again. When the produce arrives it’ll make them want to order again and again.
Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list and why?
This is difficult but I think I will go for Thailand. I have a love for food and a passion for different cultures. They produce some of the most amazing dishes and I really went to experience their lifestyle, food and culture.
What’s next for you and Gourmet2Go?
We hope to grow to a size where we are ready to take investment on to grow the sales even further and hope to launch in different countries starting with India.
Where can people find out more about Gourmet2Go?
You can check out our website Gourmet2Go where you can order the finest produce from around the UK and read a little more about us, follow us on all social platforms, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, tik tok & Twitter or read about us on google!
You can also download the app today or use the website and receive 5% off your first order by inputting the Houseofcoco5 into the discount box.
Comments are closed.