Anna Smith, the owner of Grazed and Confused in Brownwood, Texas, believes her journey to success began with a simple Facebook post. When her stepmom shared a photo of an adorable lunch box, Anna commented on it, prompting her sister to suggest that she create something similar. Inspired by this idea, Anna invested $150 to launch the “Lunchie Munchie,” a boxed lunch delivery service. She started with just ten boxes, all of which sold out instantly. As demand grew, she quickly increased her output to 20 and then 25 boxes, each batch selling out just as fast.

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With her growing popularity, Anna soon found herself short on space and relocated to a storage building, where she set up a commercial kitchen. This expansion allowed her to offer catering and charcuterie services. Eventually, Anna and her husband, Joe, decided to take a bold step and leave their jobs to fully commit to their business. They moved into their current restaurant space, where Grazed and Confused now thrives, offering an array of catering and charcuterie options. As their customer base grew, they hired a full team to meet the demand.

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Recently, facing a shortage of seating for customers, Anna thought creatively and collaborated with “Urban Roots,” a business leasing the back part of their building. This partnership not only added 24 additional seats but also created a charming garden shop atmosphere.

Anna credits the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for its invaluable support, which included assistance with her business plan, financial forecasting, and ongoing guidance throughout her journey. With the help of the SBDC, she was able to acquire the financing she needed to open the restaurant. She is grateful for their proactive follow-up and the crucial role they played in her success.