This week on Industry Insights with Route Consultant, we sit down with Chad Johnson, VP of Franchise Services at Flowers Foods. With over 30 years in the baking industry, Chad shares his experiences from starting as a bread route operator to advancing into corporate roles. Chad discusses the independent distributor model, the evolution of Flowers Foods, and the critical role of communication in business. 

Discover how Flowers Foods adapts to market changes and supports its independent distributors to build successful businesses. Don't miss Chad's personal anecdotes and insights on the value of hard work and innovation in the bread routes industry.

This week, we're in the studio with Stephen Rhein, owner of Not By Bread Alone, LLC. Stephen shares his story and experience in the bread routes industry, from his days on a truck in high school through expanding distribution territories in Tennessee.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage in today’s consumer market. Many cities and states, particularly on the east and west coasts, are edging ever closer to lowering emissions and adopting a more electric vehicle friendly environment. FedEx Ground has vowed to be fully carbon neutral by 2040. EVs will certainly be a big part of that initiative.

For many entrepreneurs, bread routes offer an accessible and consistent entry point into small business ownership. While much of the focus is often placed on weekly cash flow and brand alignment, one critical question often gets overlooked: What is the equity value of a bread route, and how does the market outlook affect it?

Whether you're buying your first route or planning for a future sale, understanding the equity you’re building and the current market landscape is key to making smart, long-term decisions.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, understanding what drives the list price of a bread route is essential to making a smart purchase. While bread routes may seem simple on the surface—delivering fresh product to retail locations—there are multiple financial and operational factors that affect their market value.

As a route owner in sectors like FedEx P&D, bread delivery, waste management, and Emergency Medical Services, hiring the right drivers is crucial to your operation's success. Proper screening ensures safety, compliance, and reliability. Here’s a friendly and detailed guide on how to effectively screen drivers for your business.

Buying a bread route is one of the most approachable paths to business ownership in the logistics space. These routes are typically low-overhead, high-stability operations with protected territories and consistent weekly sales. But what does the actual buying and approval process look like?

For entrepreneurs exploring the bread route industry, one of the most important operational decisions you’ll make is selecting the right delivery vehicle. The type of truck you use impacts route efficiency, supplier approval, maintenance costs, and overall profitability.

Bread routes are a vital part of the bakery industry, ensuring the timely delivery of fresh bread and related products to retail establishments. If you're curious about how bread routes work and are considering venturing into this industry, this blog is for you. We will delve into the fundamentals of bread routes, covering their structure, operations, and key considerations. Let's explore the fascinating world of bread routes!