Innovation

The primary driver of the innovation behind the business has been their commitment to locally sourced ingredients from farms in and around New Jersey. This has promoted economic development and sustainability felt not only in Princeton but also in the surrounding areas that they source from. Many small businesses don’t prioritize sustainability efforts and would source from “big-box” suppliers rather than what is in their own community. This can hinder efforts by locals and does not support the notion of community, responsibility, and social enterprise. Jammin’ Crepes has situated itself as an innovator and disruptor amongst the many eateries in New Jersey by making this a priority. The business has seen significant growth since starting out as a Food Tent in a farmers’ market to now one of the most well-touted businesses in the sustainability movement.

The business has also supported other innovations that might not be as obvious to the average customer. Jammin’ Crêpes does many different small innovations that translate into the big picture. While they prioritize sourcing locally grown ingredients they also try to limit their contributions to landfills. The kitchen waste is composted as well as much of the consumer waste, ensuring minimal waste is going to landfills. This falls in line with their commitment to responsible consumption and production. Having their business located in the heart of downtown Princeton also reinforces their commitment to sourcing locally, providing numerous job opportunities in the community including hospitality & culinary professionals, high school students looking for their first job, and college students who need flexibility in their scheduling. Their commitment to hiring locally reinforces their belief in creating a sustainable and dynamic working culture that is felt not only in the production of their product but in the atmosphere in the restaurant.

Inspiration

Kathy and her business partners’ roots and commitment to sustainability begin at early ages. They each come from early life experiences that emphasized local and seasonal cooking, preserving and composting. Kim grew up with preserving being a big part of her family kitchen while Kathy spoke of how her parents had a large garden, noting that both founders' families emphasized “that they used whatever they grew...making sure that every part of the vegetable was used and that included composting.” Kathy noted with a laugh, “..I thought they were just being cheap but it had a bigger message that I didn’t understand at that time.” Jammin’ Crepes leaders state that it is not only about how you grow and source your product, it is also how one uses all of the components of the vegetable or fruit. She states “the founding principles of our business model were a natural part of our upbringing.” Kathy also shared that she and her business partners share a commitment to sustainability not only focusing on how ingredients are sourced but also how it is being consumed and disposed of.

Overall impact

The humble roots of this business cannot be overstated. As Kathy shared more insight into the founding of the business, she noted that the business “originally started with a Food Tent at one farmers’ market. With time and feedback from our customers, we expanded our Farmers’ Markets presence in 2012. As the response to our presence at the Farmers Market was overwhelmingly positive, it gave us the courage and inspiration to take on the most common question we heard at the markets “Where is your brick-and-mortar?" With this feedback, time to build out a business model and finding the perfect location, Jammin’ Crepes eventually opened a brick & mortar shop in October 2014. The rest, as they say, is history!

We spoke to one of the employees at Jammin’ Crepes, Cameron, who knows first hand the impact that Jammin’ Crêpes has had not only in Princeton but also in the surrounding areas. The business has seen significant growth but not only in their Crepe menu. In addition to serving up Crepes, the business has expanded to selling many of their products in the Retail shelving of the store that they incorporate into their Crepe Menu, established a Food Truck along with their continued Tent presence at local Farmers Markets, and built out their catering business to include their signature 20 layer crepe cakes, Wedding Crepe Cakes and other signature catering offerings. In addition to their product development, they are also committed to hiring a dynamic and ever-growing team of employees and professionals. Their success ultimately comes down to one word for them: culture. As one of their key employees, Cameron shared with us, “It is a tight-knit community... it is the people of the community... we employ high school students and we cultivate their interest in how a company can grow and how you can be a part of it... the founders love what they do and it feeds into the organization and our loyal customers.”

Cameron also shared that it is their humble roots and their mission that drives their sustained growth in the long term. With only one location, the market Tents, a Food Truck and expanded catering services, he states, “Having locally sourced food is extremely important as Kathy has said... it means having part of the community in our lives and food even if it means spending a couple more dollars so that everyone can benefit.” One of Cameron’s finest takeaways for us was how you as a buyer might not see the impact of your support, but others will which is what drives a business’s loyalty, mission, and integrity.

After researching more about Jammin’ Crêpes, we learned about the great way they treat their staff. Staff are provided with medical insurance and Jammin’ Crêpes assists their workers with 50% on their insurance costs. Employees are also given personal time off if needed, creating a great culture in the business and establishing a high reputation for the company, (“Jammin’ Crepes”).

Business benefit

Jammin’ Crêpes is an organization that has implemented responsible consumption and production. The company also participates in the countywide recycling program sponsored by Mercer County. Jammin’ Crêpes recycles all their materials in their store (for example: cardboard, paper, glass, metal, and plastic wrappings). After researching and talking with Kathy we were informed that they compost around 80% to 90% of all their kitchen ingredients. Other environmentally focused initiatives they have undertaken include low flush toilets, low flow water faucets, lights on motion sensors and use of LED lighting. The company’s underlying purpose surrounding these innovations was to give back to their community and maintain a safe environment.

Jammin’ Crêpes is a proud company, comprised of great work, that promotes economic growth by sourcing local farm ingredients to make their delicious and fresh crepes and other products. Their emphasis on local is seen throughout their business, from their products to their storefront to their employees.

Social and environmental benefit

This innovation benefits not only society and fellow customers but also this restaurant's reputation by utilizing locally sourced ingredients that promote economic growth and sustainability in the neighborhood and surrounding communities. Locally sourced ingredients are imperative for most people who are health conscious. Providing these ingredients promotes healthier options and a variety of choices which in turn engenders loyalty among their existing customers and prospects. Utilizing these locally sourced ingredients not only adds to a supportable agrarian economy but also condenses transport and lessens gas spreads. Acquiring ingredients from local farms and suppliers advance sustainability and many farms are able to build up their capital. This helps agriculture since it energizes crop rotation which keeps soil in great condition for future cultivating.

Responsible consumption benefits society and the environment because it helps reduce negative effects from harmful actions to our environment. This affects us not only in our local community but internationally as well. Responsible consumption helps the health of people who live in our society. Additionally, it offers a cleaner environment for animals who are utilized for farmer's needs. Continuing to promote responsible consumption and agriculture is important if we as humans want to avoid drastic climate changes and hardships in agriculture-dependent countries.

Jammin’ Crêpes is a shining example of how three people with a simple and creative innovation can disrupt the status quo and make everyone closer one bite at a time.

References

“Jammin' Crepes.” NJ Sustainability, New Jersey Sustainable Business Registry, 3 Mar. 2017, registry.njsbdc.com/business-profile/431/448/jammin-crepes.

Interviews

Kathy Klockenbrink, Owner & Founder

Kathy Klockenbrink, Owner & Founder