Tools

Midtown Business Going National

Julie Bercik

Story Created: Oct 15, 2009 at 10:38 AM CDT

Story Updated: Oct 15, 2009 at 10:42 AM CDT

The Pike sisters know how to stir up a recipe for success...
Tonya cooks and runs the Butler's Pantry, Teresa owns it.
And now their products are heading to the grocery store.
"Our chicken salad, then we're looking into pasta salad, potato salad, and some of our great stuff out of the freezer too,” said Tonya, General Manager and Cook.
To do this, the family owned business is teaming up with another local family owned business, Columbus Gourmet.
"We really aim to take it to market leaders,” said Bryan Stone, President, Columbus Gourmet. “Currently our products that we manufacture are sold in grocery stores throughout the country, from Publix to Whole Foods and Walmarts in the southeast.”
With more families eating at home, Stone says now is the perfect time to introduce consumers to the Butler's Pantry.
“We have a great opportunity with Butler's Pantry brand, and a product offering to take it into those channels and possible expand to other channels throughout the country,” said Stone.
The thought of people in other states eating her food is simply thrilling for Tonya.
“It's super exciting, I cannot wait.” Said Pike. “ I've got friends and family all over, it saves me the trip."
But before that can happen, a lot of work between the two businesses has to happen. And in the middle of it all, Columbus Gourmet is moving into a new home and is looking for more employees.
“We already began hiring some new employees,” said Stone.
Stone is working with Georgia Department of Labor for recruiting new hires.
If all goes as planned, the Butler's Pantry will be in stores this holiday season.
“Hopefully years from now we'll look back and smile as we're eating in another location, whether it's Texas or Illinois, and think, wow, this started in Columbus, Georgia,” said Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Owner, Butler’s Pantry.