Dayton, NJ – It was the stunning news of the failed banking industry in October 2008 that turned out to be ground zero for the economic downturn for The Grape Escape. With famed financial institutions disappearing, The Grape Escape hands-on winery had $60,000 in canceled orders on the answering machine within a 48 hour period. It was an immediate impact that clearly indicated the angst that the public now felt towards discretionary spending.
“After we got over the shock of the new economic reality, we sat down in November and wrote out a 20 point plan to combat the downturn in the economy. We essentially declared war on the recession,” said Thomas Nye, CTO (Chief Tannin Officer) and co-owner at The Grape Escape. “Like every small business owner, we couldn’t believe how severe the downturn actually was. The bad news just kept coming. From canceled orders to banks cutting off our line of credit, we experienced the new reality for small business owners and realized we better re-arm and re-load. ”
“We only had two options, either be bystanders to the recession and hope for the best or be as aggressive as we could. Not foolishly aggressive, but aggressive in a way that was efficient, cost effective and smart” said Nancy Nye (Chief Fun Officer) and co-owner.
“The 20 point plan included inexpensive or free marketing ideas such as starting a Facebook page for The Grape Escape and creating new products at a lower price point. We researched different products to bring to the marketplace and after a cost analysis, we decided to launch our “Make Your Own Food” to complement our “Make Your Own Wine” concept. We introduced Bottle Your Own Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar and Make Your Own Mozzarella.”
“We executed on 18 of our 20 points that we originally laid out in November last year and we didn’t realize it at the time, but we set ourselves up for a successful 2009. The response to the food products has been nothing short of remarkable. Aggressiveness was the key to changing our business reality” said Nancy Nye (Chief Fun Officer) and co-owner.
Winemakers and funseekers can now order California grapes for the Fall Crush at (609) 409-WINE (9463) or online at GoGrapes.com. Be sure to visit The Grape Escape’s OPEN HOUSE: Aug 27, between 6:00-8:00 P.M. featuring free appetizers from Christopher’
About The Grape Escape:
Thomas and Nancy Nye are the proprietors at The Grape Escape, which is the first and only winemaking school in Middlesex County, NJ.
The same grapes used in the best wineries in the U.S. are now available to all winemakers. Award-winning grapes are shipped to the Dayton location, from renowned California appellations such as Napa Valley and Sonoma as well as Chile and Argentina in the Spring.
For more information, visit GoGrapes.com
