Finalist Q&A: 613Eats.com

613Eats.com is a restaurant delivery service, which allows restaurants that normally can't provide delivery to offer this option to their customers, allowing them to generate extra revenue. They also provide marketing to these restaurants, which helps them to compete with the bigger chains.

How did you come up with the idea for your business, and what, or who, is your main source of motivation?

Our local economy is supported by tourism which has been hit really hard with the current state of the economy. My husband and I originally visited Cocoa Beach in 1995 and fell in love with the area. We moved to the area and have sat by and watched as several local restaurants have closed and the hotels are suffering tremendously. My husband travels for a living and came across a company like this on one of his assignments. We evaluated how the company worked and realized that this may be something that could help our area. We had to do something to help out.

What is a unique feature of your business?
Not only can we provide delivery for restaurants that can't normally provide delivery we also are able to provide room service for hotels/motels that can not offer it to their customers which provides them with an added amenity to offer their guests to get people to stay with them versus their competition.

What are your thoughts on the connection between small business and the local community?
We are very active members of the community. We are members of the local chamber of commerce, The Visitors and Convention Bureau and a leads group. Our local chamber currently has approximately 1900 businesses which the majority of them are small businesses. This being said it is safe to say that the majority of people in our area are employed by small businesses. Communities are just as reliant on small businesses as small businesses are on the local community. Kind of like a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You can have a peanut butter sandwich or you could have a jelly sandwich. If you have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich you have the complete package....just like small businesses and the local community.

Why should the Idea Cafe regulars vote for you?
By helping us receive the grant not only will our business benefit but also all of the 15 (and quickly growing) other businesses we are partnered with.