Ala Kefak LLC
Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine with an American Twist
Ghost Kitchen Concept • 123 W. Florida St., Greensboro, NC
LLC Established • Building Secured with 5-Year Lease
*All projections are estimates subject to market conditions
Executive Summary
Strategic Overview
Business Overview
Ala Kefak LLC is a Muslim-owned ghost kitchen specializing in authentic Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary American twist. Located in Greensboro, NC, we're strategically positioned to serve the growing demand for halal, high-quality Mediterranean food through delivery platforms.
- 100% Halal-certified ingredients and preparation
- Focus on health-conscious, flavor-rich menu items
- Delivery-first model operating 24/7 to capture late-night demand
- Serving Greensboro's diverse community and university population
Lower Overhead
60% less startup costs than traditional restaurants
Digital First
Optimized for delivery apps and online ordering
Halal Certified
Serving an underserved market of 15,000+ Muslims in the Triad
Scalable Model
Expandable to multiple locations and full-service restaurant
Concept & Menu
Culinary Vision
Menu Highlights
Our menu will bridge authentic Mediterranean flavors with American dining preferences:
- Signature Bowls: Mediterranean grain bowls with customizable proteins
- Fusion Wraps: Shawarma cheesesteaks, Mediterranean burgers
- Traditional Favorites: Falafel, kebabs, hummus variations
- American Twists: Mediterranean nachos, halal wings with tahini ranch
- Family Meals: Shareable platters optimized for delivery
Target Market
- Primary: Muslim families seeking convenient halal options (25%)
- Secondary: Health-conscious millennials and Gen Z (35%)
- Tertiary: Mediterranean food enthusiasts and late-night diners (40%)
Building Conversion Plan
From Mercantile to Business Occupancy
Conversion Requirements: M to B Occupancy
Converting from Mercantile (M) to Business (B) occupancy for ghost kitchen operation:
| Conversion Component | Requirements | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Suppression System | Review existing sprinkler system (may be sufficient) | $2,000 |
| Ventilation/Hood System | Hood installation (existing ductwork) | $4,500 |
| Hood Cleaning Service | Initial cleaning & certification | $999 |
| Electrical Upgrade | 220V for equipment, additional circuits | $3,000 |
| Plumbing Modifications | 3-compartment sink, grease trap service | $1,500 |
| Doors & Security | Glass repair, steel door, locks | $2,419 |
| Health Department Compliance | NSF surfaces, handwash stations | $1,500 |
| Building Permits & Plans | Architectural drawings, permits | $1,500 |
| Flooring | Epoxy or sealed concrete | $3,000 |
| Wall Finishes | FRP panels in cooking areas | $581 |
| Total Conversion Costs (Estimated) | $20,000 | |
Future A-2 Assembly Conversion
Phase 2 expansion to full-service restaurant (A-2 occupancy) requirements:
- Additional fire exits and emergency lighting ($3,500)
- Customer restrooms with ADA compliance ($6,500)
- Dining area buildout and seating ($7,000)
- Enhanced HVAC for customer areas ($3,000)
- Estimated Phase 2 investment: $20,000
Note: All costs are preliminary estimates and subject to change based on actual conditions and requirements.
Financial Projections
Investment & Returns
Startup Investment Breakdown
| Category | Details | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Building Conversion | M to B occupancy modifications | $20,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment | See detailed quote - includes range, fryers, refrigeration | $18,000 |
| POS & Technology | Ordering system, tablets, integration | $5,000 |
| Initial Inventory | Food, packaging, supplies (1 month) | $12,000 |
| Marketing Launch | Brand development, initial campaigns | $12,000 |
| Licenses & Permits | Business, health, halal certification | $3,500 |
| Insurance & Deposits | Liability, property, utilities | $8,500 |
| Working Capital | 2 months operating expenses | $16,000 |
| Total Initial Investment (Estimated) | $95,000 | |
Equipment Details from All State Restaurant Equipment
Our detailed equipment quote totals $13,823 and includes:
- Three-compartment sink with pre-rinse unit ($1,472)
- One-compartment sinks with faucets ($1,100)
- Reach-in refrigerator and freezer units ($3,100)
- Sandwich/salad prep refrigerators ($2,000)
- 48" gas griddle with stand ($1,725)
- Dual gas floor fryers - 50 lb capacity each ($2,270)
Additional equipment needed (estimated $4,177):
- 6-burner gas range with oven
- Small equipment and utensils
- Storage shelving and prep tables
Estimates based on 24/7 operation and delivery focus
| Quarter | Daily Order Vol | Avg Order Value | Est. Quarterly Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 (Launch) | 35-45 orders | $20 | $81,000 |
| Q2 (Growth) | 50-60 orders | $21 | $113,400 |
| Q3 (Peak) | 65-75 orders | $21 | $145,500 |
| Q4 (Sustained) | 80-90 orders | $22 | $178,200 |
| Total Year 1 Revenue (Estimated) | $518,100 | ||
*Order volume targets reflect our strategy of capturing the late-night (10pm-4am) market segment, currently unserved by competitors.
Estimated Profit & Loss Breakdown
Estimated Annual Revenue: ~$518,000
Variable Expenses (Scaling with Revenue)
- Food & Packaging Costs: ~30%
- Kitchen Labor: ~20%
- Delivery Platform Commissions: ~20%
Fixed Operating Expenses
- Rent: $0 (Included in lease)
- Marketing: $24,000 ($2,000/mo)
- Utilities: $9,600 ($800/mo)
- Insurance: $5,400 ($450/mo)
- Miscellaneous/Maintenance: $6,500
Marketing Strategy
Cost-Effective Growth Plan
Launch Strategy (First 90 Days)
Budget: $15,000 initial + $2,000/month ongoing
Monthly Marketing Investment
Total Monthly Budget: $2,000 (after launch month)
Our marketing budget is strategically weighted towards digital channels ($800/mo) where our delivery-first customers are most active. We have also allocated realistic budgets for community engagement ($300/mo) and influencer partnerships ($400/mo) to build trust within the local market.
Growth Tactics
- Referral Program: 20% off for referrer and referee
- Loyalty Points: 1 point per dollar, free meal at 100 points
- Corporate Catering: Target local businesses for lunch programs
- Platform Optimization: A+ content on DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub
- Email Marketing: Weekly deals to subscriber base
- SMS Campaign: Text-exclusive flash deals
Community Engagement
- Partner with 5 local mosques for Eid al-Adha community events
- Sponsor Muslim Student Association events at UNCG, NC A&T
- Participate in Greensboro Halal Food Festival
- Donate meals to Islamic community center events
- Create family meal deals for Eid al-Adha celebrations
Implementation Timeline
Path to Launch
Planning & Permits
Submit building plans, apply for permits, finalize menu
Construction Begins
Start M to B conversion, order equipment
Build-Out Completion
Install equipment, complete health inspections
Soft Launch
Friends & family testing, staff training
Grand Opening
Public launch with promotional campaign
Evaluate Expansion
Assess performance for A-2 conversion or second location
Kitchen Layout & Equipment Plan
Professional Kitchen Design by All State Restaurant Equipment
Current Project Status
Commercial Demolition Permit Secured
We have obtained our interior demolition permit from the City of Greensboro, allowing us to begin the transformation of our space at 123 W. Florida St. This critical first step enables us to prepare the building for our commercial kitchen installation.
- Permit Type: Commercial Interior Demolition
- Location: 123 W. Florida St., Greensboro, NC 27406
- Status: Active and approved
- Next Phase: Kitchen equipment installation following demolition
Professional Kitchen Layout
Our kitchen design has been professionally drafted by All State Restaurant Equipment Co., optimizing workflow efficiency and health code compliance. View the complete Kitchen Layout Plans.
Professional kitchen layout optimized for ghost kitchen operations
Key Kitchen Zones:
- Prep Station: 48" sandwich/salad prep refrigerator for efficient assembly
- Cooking Line: 48" griddle and dual 50-lb fryers for high-volume production
- Cold Storage: 2-door reach-in refrigerator and freezer units
- Sanitation Area: 3-compartment sink with pre-rinse spray
- Service Counter: Optimized for delivery order staging
Equipment Highlights (from All State quote):
- Commercial-grade stainless steel throughout
- Energy Star certified refrigeration units
- NSF-certified food contact surfaces
- 1-year manufacturer warranties on all equipment
- Professional installation and setup included
Design Advantages: The layout maximizes our 1,200 sq ft space while maintaining clear paths for staff movement, dedicated zones for different food types to prevent cross-contamination, and strategic placement of equipment to minimize steps during order preparation.
Menu Development Strategy
Professional Menu Development Process
While our concept is established, the complete menu is still under development. We are taking a strategic, professional approach to ensure quality, consistency, and profitability:
Development Timeline:
- Phase 1 - Chef Recruitment (Weeks 1-2): Onboard experienced head chef with Mediterranean cuisine expertise
- Phase 2 - Sysco Partnership (Week 3): Visit Sysco headquarters to test ingredients, compare authentic imported spices vs. domestic alternatives, and establish supply chain
- Phase 3 - Recipe Development (Weeks 4-6): Create standardized recipes, test for consistency, document preparation procedures
- Phase 4 - Cost Analysis (Week 7): Finalize pricing based on actual food costs, target 30% food cost ratio
- Phase 5 - Quality Testing (Week 8): Conduct blind taste tests with focus groups, refine based on feedback
Quality Commitment: By testing recipes at Sysco's facility with both their standard ingredients and imported authentic spices, we'll determine the optimal balance between authenticity, consistency, and cost-effectiveness. This ensures every dish meets our quality standards while maintaining profitable margins.
Installation Timeline
- Week 1-2: Interior demolition per approved permit
- Week 3-4: Electrical and plumbing rough-in
- Week 5-6: Flooring and wall finishes
- Week 7-8: Equipment delivery and installation
- Week 9: Health department inspection and approval
- Week 10: Staff training and soft opening
Detailed Marketing Strategy
Comprehensive Growth Plan
Digital Marketing Deep Dive
Pre-Launch Phase (Months 1-2)
- Construction Documentation: Weekly behind-the-scenes content showing transformation
- Community Building: Partner with 5+ local mosques and Muslim organizations
- Influencer Identification: Connect with 10-15 micro-influencers (3K-10K followers)
- Email List Building: Target 200+ VIP subscribers with exclusive previews
Launch Phase (Month 3)
- Soft Opening: Invite 50 VIP guests for feedback and reviews
- Influencer Event: Host exclusive tasting for content creators
- Grand Opening Weekend: 50% off first 100 orders each day
- Press Coverage: Target Greensboro News & Record, Triad City Beat, Yes! Weekly
Growth Phase (Months 4-12)
- Loyalty Program: Points-based system with free meal rewards
- Corporate Catering: Target 10 local businesses for lunch programs
- Seasonal Campaigns: Eid al-Adha specials, summer promotions
- Platform Optimization: A+ content on all delivery apps
Marketing ROI Projections
| Marketing Channel | Monthly Budget | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Social Media Ads | $800 | 40-50 new customers |
| Influencer Partnerships | $400 | 30-40 new customers |
| Community Events | $300 | 20-25 new customers |
| Content & Email | $300 | Retention & Brand |
| Local Print | $200 | Local awareness |
| Total Monthly Marketing | $2,000 | 100-120 new customers |
Based on average order value of $21 and 2.5 orders per customer lifetime value.
Community Engagement Timeline
- January 2026: Partner with Islamic Center of Greensboro for construction blessing
- February 2026: Launch mural competition with local art schools
- March 2026: Host preview dinner for mosque leadership
- April 2026: Eid al-Adha preparation and special menu planning
- May 2026: Grand opening celebration launching with Eid al-Adha specials
Market Research & Competitive Analysis
Understanding Our Position in Greensboro's Food Landscape
Market Overview - 27406 Area
The 27406 zip code and surrounding Greensboro area presents a significant opportunity for Mediterranean cuisine, with limited halal options and no 24/7 food service providers.
- Population: 35,000+ residents within 3-mile radius
- Demographics: Diverse mix of students, young professionals, and immigrant families with strong Muslim community presence
- Average Income: $52,000 household income
- Food Spending: $3,200 annually on delivery/takeout per household
- Competition Density: Only 5 Mediterranean restaurants within 5 miles
Local Competitors Analysis
| Competitor | Distance | Hours | Avg Price | Strengths/Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jerusalem Market | 1.2 mi | 10am-8pm | $12-18 | ✓ Established brand ✗ Standard hours, Dine-in focused |
| Nazareth Bread | 2.8 mi | 8am-9pm | $10-15 | ✓ Popular bakery ✗ Limited hot food menu |
| Jack's Corner | 0.8 mi | 11am-10pm | $15-22 | ✓ Large dining capacity ✗ Not halal, expensive |
| Mediterraneo | 3.5 mi | 11am-9pm | $18-28 | ✓ Upscale dining ✗ No delivery focus, not halal |
| Baba Ghannouj | 4.1 mi | 11am-8pm | $12-20 | ✓ Authentic Lebanese ✗ Far location, early closing |
Our Competitive Advantages
24/7 Operations
Game Changer: First and only 24-hour Mediterranean option in Greensboro
- Capture late-night market (10pm-4am)
- Serve shift workers & students
- No competition after 10pm
- Est. 25% of sales from overnight
Delivery-First Model
Lower Costs: 60% less overhead than dine-in competitors
- No front-of-house staff needed
- Smaller footprint = lower rent
- Focus on speed & efficiency
- Multiple platform presence
100% Halal Certified
Underserved Market: Only 2 of 5 competitors offer halal
- 15,000+ Muslims in Triad
- Growing demand for halal
- Trusted certification displayed
- Ramadan/Eid specialization
Competitive Pricing
Value Position: $15-25 range beats most competitors
- Family meal deals under $50
- Lunch specials from $10
- Volume discounts for catering
- Loyalty program rewards
Market Opportunity Analysis
Untapped Market Segments:
- Late-Night Diners (10pm-4am): Currently ZERO Mediterranean options available - estimated 15,000 potential customers (college students, shift workers, nightlife crowd)
- Corporate Lunch Catering: 200+ businesses within 2 miles with no regular halal catering provider
- Weekend Brunch Market: No competitors offer Mediterranean breakfast/brunch items
- Health-Conscious Consumers: Growing demand for Mediterranean diet options, gluten-free, and vegan choices
Revenue Projections by Market Segment:
| Market Segment | Time Period | Est. Orders/Day | Annual Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Dining | 11am-10pm | 40-50 | $265,000 |
| Late Night | 10pm-4am | 15-25 | $156,000 |
| Early Morning | 4am-11am | 5-10 | $41,100 |
| Catering | Various | 1-2 events/week | $56,000 |
| Total Projected | $518,100 | ||
24/7 Advantage Impact: By operating around the clock, we capture an additional $197,100 in annual revenue (38% of total) that competitors miss by closing at 8-10pm. This unique positioning eliminates direct competition for 10+ hours daily.
Download Business Plan
Access our comprehensive business plan for detailed insights into Ala Kefak's strategic vision for becoming Greensboro's premier Mediterranean ghost kitchen.
Important Disclaimer:
All financial projections, timelines, and operational details presented in this business plan are preliminary estimates based on current market research and industry standards. Actual costs, revenues, and timelines may vary significantly based on market conditions, construction variables, equipment availability, and other factors beyond our control. This plan is intended for informational purposes and should not be considered a guarantee of future performance or returns.