Improving communities through entrepreneurship
Since 1921, Lowe’s has put the communities we serve at the heart of what we do. Investing in neighborhoods across America, revitalizing local parks, supporting communities when disaster strikes, and developing a network of skilled tradespeople to continue those efforts for years to come.
We do what we do to make hometowns better for all.
Introducing The Fresh Cart program
Now, as part of that commitment, Lowe’s wants to help local aspiring entrepreneurs kick start their businesses. To do this, Lowe’s has partnered with REEF to develop the Fresh Cart Program, which will provide selected individuals with the opportunity to own and operate their own food service business at a Lowe’s location.
For those accepted to become Fresh Cart Entrepreneurs, launching their business with follow these basic steps:
- You will be partnered with a Lowe’s store in your area which will serve as your base of operations.
- You will be given access to a fully equipped ‘Vessel’ to run your operations
- You will select your offerings and receive training from food service professionals.
- After that, you will have all the tools you need to make your business thrive.
REQUIREMENTS
Being a Fresh Cart Entrepreneur is a fulfilling yet challenging journey in which your success depends on yourself. That is why we run a selective application process that helps us make sure this is the right opportunity for you. Successful applicants will be required to demonstrate their ability and willingness to live up to the challenge.
Prospective candidates must successfully complete an application process and meet the following requirement:
PASSION
To understand and improve their hometown
COMMITMENT
Day-to-day involvement in the operation of your Vessel
LEGAL RIGHT
A rightful legal entity, in good standing, valid in your selected geography
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
Start your journey today by completing your application through Lighthouse
Lowe’s is utilizing REEF technology to process applications, all applications submitted through Lighthouse will be reviewed by Lowe’s
- Location: We will match you with an eligible store in your neighborhood.
- Vessel: A food cart and associated equipment needed to operate.
- Technology: REEF will set you up with the REEFOS, which will include a tablet that provides you with all your digital capabilities: from taking orders to inventory management.
- Menu Options: Access to a selection of different menu options for you to sell to your customers.
Our selection process is rigorous but also quite simple!
- Create a profile on the Lighthouse App.
- Upload a 2-3 minute video answering a few questions. We want to get to know you!
- Complete two interviews.
That is it for our application process. Easy right?
If accepted to become a FCE the steps are the following:
- Accept the Terms & Conditions.
- Provide your company details, you will need a legal business entity and a bank account.
- Secure your Vessel’s cart’s location from a selection of available Lowe’s locations. From there, you will be provided with menus and content for you to operate.
Done! Now your success is up to you!
Lowe’s will require that you keep a minimum schedule of:
- Mon-Thurs: 8AM-2PM
- Beyond that minimum, you may work as many days/hours as you would like to.
To bring your operations to life, Lowe’s has partnered with REEF. Ulysses is the way REEF provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to fulfill their dreams in an accessible and affordable way.
REEF OS is the operating system that will power your Cart with digital capabilities. Each cart comes equipped with a VDS (tablet), which you’ll use to receive and manage all your orders. We will assist in setting up all your delivery service platforms, consolidating all orders into one convenient location—the VDS. The VDC will also be your inventory management system.
If you would like to redesign your Vessel you will just need to follow some basic guidelines. These can be provided upon request.
Lowe’s is also working on creating the ability for FCE’s to customize the wrap on their food cart, so stay tuned for more information on that!
