Bobo’s Oat Bars popular across U.S
BOULDER – In 2003, Beryl Stafford was an unenthusiastic caterer looking for a more lucrative way to support herself and her then 14-year-old daughter, nicknamed Bobo. One Sunday afternoon, Bobo pulled out a cookbook and whipped up oatmeal treats to take to school. Her friends loved them, and their response got Stafford thinking. With a recipe makeover, she could create a better oat bar – one just as delicious – but with ingredients a cardiologist would love.
Now five years later, Bobo’s Oat Bars are sold in stores coast-to-coast, with sales of $500,000 annually. In 2008 so far, the company’s 5,000-square-foot kitchen/packaging/shipping facility in Boulder has shipped 400,000-plus oat bars in nine flavors to customers across the nation. “If I can do it, anybody can,” Stafford said. Until Bobo’s Bars came to be, she had “zero experience.” After graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in history, she worked as a paralegal but retired from the working world when she got married. “ê spent the 10 years of my marriage playing tennis.” The demands of single motherhood and dislike of catering stoked her ambition. “When I got divorced I had to make some money, and I didn’t want to go work at a bank,” she said.
When Stafford came up with the oat-bar idea, she went to her kitchen and got cooking. Her experimentation soon yielded a tasty and healthy treat. The oat bars are vegan and wheat-free and have substitutes for the original less-than-wholesome ingredients.She enlisted an artist friend to design a label and developed four variations of the bar, including the original flavor, coconut, cranberry and chocolate. Her first move was to offer her product to a select number of local shops. The managers at the Brewing Market, Boulder Co-op, Lucky’s and Lolita’s agreed to stock the bars, and customers bought them. Bobo’s was in business. Stafford got going with a small-business loan and then expanded slowly, keeping the financial risk minimal. “As sales grew, I borrowed more and paid off more,” she said.
About six months later, Stafford approached the bakery buyer at the local Whole Foods, and the response was unexpected. “The buyer said to me, ‘I have been buying your bars at the Co-op. I wondered when you’d bring them here. ‘”With that welcome, she made the leap to the big time. Before getting into Whole Foods, Stafford had to tweak her packaging to make it freezer safe, and include FDA-mandated nutritional information and proper UPC codes on the label. She learned the specifics of running her own business as needed. “You figure it out as you go,” she said. “I got advice, attended conferences. I asked questions. In Boulder, the natural-food manufacturers are a tight little circle. Everybody helps each other.”
One marketing tactic she employed early on was in-store product demos to introduce consumers directly to the distinct flavor and consistency of the Bobo Oat Bar – moist and chewy with more of a bakery flavor than the standard foil-wrapped energy bar. What immediately sets her bar apart, she said, is the clear package, which makes it seem like more of a home-baked treat than other oatmeal-containing competitors on the grocery shelf. She also thinks the taste helps. “I hired demo teams and did demos personally every single weekend. I was convinced if customers ate one bite of a Bobo’s bars, they would buy it because they are so yummy. “They are also healthy. One 3-ounce bar contains two servings of heart-healthy oatmeal. The bars are sweetened with sucanat (unrefined cane sugar) and brown rice syrup and are low on the glycemic index. “We call our bars a bowl of oatmeal to go,” Stafford said. To spread the word, she also took her treat on the road, attending the natural-products show Expo West and coffee trade shows.
By 2005, Bobo’s Oat Bars were stocked in regional Whole Foods and Vitamin Cottages and picked up for distribution in the Rocky Mountain area by UNFI, a natural-foods distributor. In 2007, UNFI East started distributing the bars to natural grocers throughout the eastern part of the United States, from Florida to Maine. In December 2008, UNFI West brought Bobo’s to the Pacific coast. The ever-increasing sales have meant that instead of procuring raw ingredients from a broker as Stafford did at the start, she shifted to buying directly from the manufacturers at a better price. Her staff has expanded to six, including four bakers, and baking goes on daily to keep up with demand.
Stafford now focuses on developing new bar flavors at a rate of about one a year, and she also handles direct sales to coffee shops and smoothie stores nationwide. Thanks to her efforts, Bobo’s Oat Bars are now in Nordstrom coffee shops, Seattle-based Emerald City and Smoothie King, a chain of 900 stores based in Louisiana. Jamie Stoller is the manager of the Brewing Market in the Basemar Shopping Center, and she said her customers are steady consumers of Bobo’s Oat Bars. “Many of them can’t eat wheat, and they are grateful for something that suits their diet. “As for the person who started it all, Alex (still known as Bobo to her mother) is 19 and attends college in San Francisco. Stafford sends her Bobos bars by the case to share with her roommates. Like her mother, Bobo’s favorite is the peanut butter bar. But among the customers for Bobo’s Oat Bars, all flavors are a hit, which means business, even in budget-constrained times, is brisk.
“In this down economy, people are still buying oat bars,” Beryl Stafford said. “That’s a good thing.”
Reference:
http://www.bcbr.com/article.asp?id=97907
About the Author
As the Founder and CEO of Bobo’s Oat Bars (www.bobosoatbars.com), Beryl’s devotion to creating products that resonate with consumers is an integral part of her popularity nationwide. From bloggers who celebrate her brand to retailers who seek to carry her merchandise to parents who praise her innovative and wholesome creations, Beryl makes Bobo’s Oat Bars for an increasingly diverse clientele.
Bikini Baristas
|
|
Gevalia Signature Blend Decaf Coffee, T-Discs for Tassimo Hot Beverage System, 16-Count Packages (Pack of 2) $29.99 16 Individual T Discs. Exclusively for Tassimo System. Gevalia Kaffe Signature Blend is a super-premium coffee created especially by our Master Taster. Years of blending and tasting expertise have culminated in this robust, delightfully dark blend. Made from prized Arabica beans from East Africa, Central and South America, the smoothness of this special coffee makes it our Master Taster’s preferre… |
|
|
Business Wire : Oregon Borders Books and Music Stores are the Nation’s First to Feature Seattle’s Best Coffee Cafes. $5.95 … |
|
|
Seattle’s Best Coffee Best Blend Coffee $30.99 0% 18 / Box 195890 2 oz Best blend uses beans from Indonesia and Central and South America. This coffee is an excellent introduction to Seattle’s Best Coffee. Best Blend Coffee Box Coffee No Regular Seattle’s Best Coffee Seattle’s Best Coffee, LLC US www.seattlesbest.com |
|
|
Seattle’s Best Coffee Henry’s Blend Coffee $30.99 0% 18 / Box 195892 2 oz Best blend uses beans from Indonesia and Central and South America. Henry’s blend has a great full body, a slightly heavy texture, deep dark brown color, and a nutty-sweet aroma. Whether used for drip or espresso, Henry’s is easy to recognize by its full, sweet aroma. Box Coffee Henry’s Blend Coffee No Regular Seattle’s Best Coffee Seattle’s Best Coffee, LLC US www.seattlesbest.com |
|
|
Seattle’s Best Coffee Breakfast Blend Coffee $30.99 0% 18 / Box 195891 2 oz Breakfast Blend Coffee is light-bodied and light-roasted. Offers a rich, full flavor from blending. Beans come from shade-grown organic plantations in Costa Rica, Sumatra, Guatemala and Peru. This coffee is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and roasted at a certified organic facility. Breakfast Blend is certified organic by Washington State Department of Agriculture. Box Breakfast Blend Coffee Coffee Light/Mild No Regular Seattle’s Best Coffee Seattle’s Best Coffee, LLC US www.seattlesbest.com |
|
|
Seattle Seahawks Coffee Table $299.99 The Seattle Seahawks coffee table features your favorite NFL team logo carved and painted displayed under an oval glass top. The dimensions are 46″ w x 30″ L x 19.5″ h. The table is a perfect size for entertaining in any game room- family room or den. The legs and frame supporting the logo top are constructed from solid birch wood.  Officially Licensed by NFL. |
|
|
Seattle’s Best Coffee 18 2.0 oz Bags $30 No matter where in Seattle you go, you can always count on a good cup of coffee. With Seattle’s Best Coffee shops on almost every street, you can enjoy a cup of refreshing coffee in the heart of Seattle, or down on the docks to view the spectacular ocean. Seattle’s Best Coffee Blend is their award winning signature blend that is enticing with a highly memorable aroma that proves irresistible to many. Roasted blend of Indonesian, Central, and South American coffees makes this medium roasted co |
|
|
Coffee shop in the Belltown area of Seattle, Washington, USA $29.99 Janis Miglavs Coffee shop in the Belltown area of Seattle, Washington, USA – Photographic Print |
|
|
Seattle’s Best Coffee 12-oz. Ground Coffee, Hazelnut $9.95 Coffee Character Profile -Hazelnut: Nutty, Sweet and Indulgent. It’s a fine rich coffee that sometimes pretends to be a dessert. |
|
|
Seattle’s Best Coffee 12-oz. Ground Coffee, Cinnamon $9.95 Coffee Character Profile -Cinnamon: Sweet, Rich and Aromatic. It’s like your grandma baked you a cinnamon bun and then turned it into a cup of coffee. |
|
|
Seattle Mariners Coffee Table $269.99 Please Note: Due to the Size of this item, it is not eligible for Expedited shipping. Show your team spirit by having this beautiful coffee table. Made from select hardwoods with a full color team logo. A great way to finish off your game room. Team colors and logos are precisely reproduced. Dimensions : 17 H x 44 W x 24 D |
|
|
Seattle $12.87 Seattle |
|
|
Neon Sign of Coffee Cup at Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington, USA $24.99 Connie Ricca Neon Sign of Coffee Cup at Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington, USA – Photographic Print |
|
|
Coffee Cup Neon Sign on Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington, USA $19.99 Lawrence Worcester Coffee Cup Neon Sign on Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington, USA – Photographic Print |
|
|
Neon Sign for Coffee, Post Alley, Seattle, Washington State, USA $19.99 Aaron McCoy Neon Sign for Coffee, Post Alley, Seattle, Washington State, USA – Photographic Print |
|
|
Seattle Mariners Coffee Mug – Felt Style $20.86 Seattle Mariners Coffee Mug – Felt Style Drink your coffee in style with this officially licensed coffee mug! The ceramic mug features a wrap around team design in bright, vivid colors. The ceramic mug holds 15 fluid ounces. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted. |
|
|
Seattle Seahawks Coffee Mug – Helmet Style $20.86 Seattle Seahawks Coffee Mug – Helmet Style Drink your coffee in style with this officially licensed coffee mug! The ceramic mug features a wrap around team design in bright, vivid colors. The ceramic mug holds 15 fluid ounces. Product enhancements by the product manufacturer may result in the item(s) being slightly different than they appear in the images posted. |
|
|
Seattle’s Best Coffee 12-oz. Decaf Whole Bean Coffee, Level 3 $9.95 Coffee Character Profile -Decaf Level 3: Balanced, Smooth and Full-Flavored. Similar to Seattle’s Best Blend. It’s two parts great coffee, one part relaxation. What is the Level System? Ever notice how there are a thousand different names for coffee and about a million different ways to describe it? Well, we decided to simplify everything – by describing our coffee in levels. Level 1 being our lightest and mildest and level 5 being our boldest and darkest, with unique blends at every level in between. A system that makes super delicious premium coffee also super easy to get to. Whatever level you choose, enjoy. |
|
|
Seattle’s Best Coffee 12-oz. Decaf Ground Coffee, Level 3 $9.95 Coffee Character Profile -Decaf Level 3: Balanced, Smooth and Full-Flavored. Similar to Seattle’s Best Blend. It’s two parts great coffee, one part relaxation. What is the Level System? Ever notice how there are a thousand different names for coffee and about a million different ways to describe it? Well, we decided to simplify everything – by describing our coffee in levels. Level 1 being our lightest and mildest and level 5 being our boldest and darkest, with unique blends at every level in between. A system that makes super delicious premium coffee also super easy to get to. Whatever level you choose, enjoy. |
|
|
Seattle Mug $42.45 Seattle Mug This is an Officially Licensed gift set containing a 15oz Glass Mug, a 15oz Ceramic Coffee Mug and a 2oz Square Shot Glass all decorated with hand-crafted metal Team Logos. |
|
|
VNV Nation Tickets $61 Buy VNV Nation, tickets. Tickets for 11/23/2011 at Showbox at the Market in Seattle, WA are available. Ticketliquidator.com gets you in! |
|
|
Seattle’s Best Coffee 12-oz. Ground Coffee, Level 3 $9.95 Coffee Character Profile -Level 3: Balanced, Smooth and Full-Flavored. Similar to Seattle’s Best Blend. Quick on the draw, you’re ready for just about anything. Adept at problem solving, you might be found playing chess, building a tree house or negotiating a business deal. Flavor Profile: Medium-bodied, medium acidity, nutty nuance and a clean finish. What is the Level System? Ever notice how there are a thousand different names for coffee and about a million different ways to describe it? Well, we decided to simplify everything – by describing our coffee in levels. Level 1 being our lightest and mildest and level 5 being our boldest and darkest, with unique blends at every level in between. A system that makes super delicious premium coffee also super easy to get to. Whatever level you choose, enjoy. |
<!–
hopfeed_template=””;
hopfeed_align=”LEFT”;
hopfeed_type=”IFRAME”;
hopfeed_affiliate_tid=””;
hopfeed_affiliate=”dmark1153″;
hopfeed_fill_slots=”true”;
hopfeed_height=280;
hopfeed_width=336;
hopfeed_cellpadding=5;
hopfeed_rows=20;
hopfeed_cols=1;
hopfeed_font=”Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, Sans Serif”;
hopfeed_font_size=”9pt”;
hopfeed_font_color=”#000000″;
hopfeed_border_color=”#FFFFFF”;
hopfeed_link_font_color=”#3300FF”;
hopfeed_link_font_hover_color=”#3300FF”;
hopfeed_background_color=”#FFFFFF”;
hopfeed_keywords=”coffee OR nation OR seattle”;
hopfeed_path=”http://dmark1153.hopfeed.com”;
hopfeed_link_target=”_blank”;
//–>
