Who we are:
Sea & Soil is a worker-owned sandwich shop and bakery that operates using a sliding scale system. Our focus is creating unique sandwiches using seasonal and sustainable ingredients on our own naturally-leavened bread, baked from the same starter for over 12 years. We have been in business for 2.5 years functioning as a catering and pop-up operation. We are opening our doors at 102 President street with the hopes of building a sustainable worker-owned business that can be a model of just and equitable employment while serving the community with good food and coffee. We will primarily be a take-out spot with some seating inside and outside.
What We Need & What You Get
Our goal is to raise $15k to support us in making essential changes to the space including:
- Upgrading the electrical to support our equipment - $4,000
- Counter build-out - $1,000
- Coffee equipment & Install - $4,000
- Operating costs: $6,000
Perks we’re offering!
$100 - Choice between Sea & Soil shirt OR $20 gift certificate
$500 - Choice between Sea & Soil Cap & shirt OR $50 gift certificate
$1,000+ - Choice between Sea & Soil shirt, cap and enamel camping mug OR $100 gift certificate
The Impact
We believe that what we are doing brings value to the world and helps to shift the service industry landscape by being a worker-owned, sliding scale business. Workplaces should be run democratically and workers should see the fruits of their labor. Through worker-ownership, every worker at Sea & Soil has a choice to be an integral part of the co-op’s decision making process. While currently operating as a partnership, as we grow every worker will have the opportunity to become a worker-owner after a one year trial period. Our labor will be tied up with the success of the co-op, support for each other and supporting ourselves. One worker, one vote.
Food is a human right. In order to square the circle of accessible food, sustainable ingredients, and just compensation for the workers, we use a sliding scale pricing system. Patrons can choose a price that feels comfortable to them, selected from a pre-set range of prices.
For the last 2.5 years we have successfully operated as a pop-op and catering business. We have steadily built a customer base at our pop-up in Grand Army Plaza where we average sales of $1200-1400. Between us we have over 30 years of experience in the service industry: in the kitchen, behind the counter, and as founders and operators. Our excitement for this next step is grounded in our belief that our many years of experience will be a guide to success and longevity for Sea & Soil.
Risks & Challenges
As with any food service business we face an array of challenges that we feel well-equipped to overcome. Below are some of the risks that we will be facing and how we plan on addressing them.
Fluctuation in commodities prices
- We have created a wide range of delicious sandwich options and rotate them through our available menu. This allows us to make choices from an artistic and seasonal perspective, but also leaves room to make business oriented decisions for the benefit of the customers’ wallet and our bottom line.
Running a business with a very small staff
- Sea & Soil has been a two person operation for the majority of its existence. While we are excited to grow our worker-owner membership, we have already proven time and again that even working under constrained conditions we can create large quantities of mouth-watering food in a timely and efficient manner.
Opening Sea & Soil without a large capital reserve
- This may be our largest challenge, but we are used to working on a shoestring budget and one of our central ideals is to grow organically, always being ready to take on opportunities to grow but never expanding outside of what the moment is naturally offering.
Establishing our presence in a new neighborhood
- When we first found this space we were exhilarated by the beauty and feel of the neighborhood, but also a little nervous that we are on a residential street on the far side of the BQE. However, we have been met with such an incredible reception from our neighbors in the area as we’ve been getting the space ready that most of these fears have dissipated. We feel we are adding something different in what we offer, and have experienced excitement from our neighbors who have commented on the need for more interesting grab and go food items, pastries and coffee.
Other Ways You Can Help
Please share our campaign with your community!