USF students bring JustBaked kiosks to Tampa Bay area businesses

Tampa-based entrepreneur David Chessler sponsored a project at the University of South Florida Muma College of Business which gave students the opportunity to get real world entrepreneurial experience.

This USF entrepreneurial competition had 60 entries out of which Team 11 division’s project, JustBaked Hot Food, made the final three. Team 11 included four USF students that won a budget to place the hot food kiosks at locations in Tampa. The team included: Alberto Celli, chief executive officer, Andrew Seafield, chief operating officer, Maxwell Cooper, chief financial officer and Viviane Kunak, chief marketing officer.

Team 11 saw a need in the vending machine market, for hot food, and came up with the idea to distribute super high-tech kiosks with hot food being served in 45 seconds to a minute.

“Our kiosks provide hot food, 24/7, which will be pivotal for large companies, especially those with overnight workers,” says Viviane Kunak. “This is something that can be more cost-effective for Tampa businesses than running on-site cafes. It may also increase employee satisfaction.”

JustBaked kiosks are cash-free, and mobile app friendly, serving a menu with items like White Castle sliders and cinnamon buns, along with 18 other products.

The Team 11 students saw more than an opportunity to provide hot food to hungry employees. Team 11 identified other business benefits to this concept for Tampa Bay businesses. JustBaked hot food kiosks serve as a free amenity for businesses with complimentary installation, and service, as well automatic notices for restocking, so the kiosk never runs out of inventory.

Local businesses can take advantage of this new amenity by advertising, during cooking time, on the large digital screen that is used for ordering food. Team 11 also offers businesses the opportunity to customize their hot food kiosks by wrapping the machines in specific designs.

Overall, JustBaked kiosks offer an alternative to usual vending machine fare, such as chips, and provides a budget friendly option to replacing on- site employee cafes.

JustBaked kiosks have found popularity in Tampa hospitals, hotels and apartment complexes with Team 11 looking to expand their winning USF project to other locations.

Team 11 is a local example of the benefits of what an early education in entrepreneurship can accomplish, with the guidance of professors and local successful entrepreneurs.

Reflecting on the experience, Maxwell Cooper says, “This business venture is truly groundbreaking for not only our venues, but for us as an enthusiastic group of college students. We are excited to bring a revolutionary, and tested, product to Tampa Bay and our team is gaining experience that we can use throughout our various entrepreneurial careers.”