An upscale pastry store thrives by finding new markets

Threatened by a struggling economy where customers are purchasing less and fixed overhead costs, the owner of Cincinnati-based Servatii Pastry Shop & Deli had to make some tough decisions to weather the storm. Instead of cutting back owner Gary Gottenbusch decided he had to grow his business.  He began by taking advantage of the weak real estate market and opening another location, and offering new products to his customers. The results were stunning as Servatii saw their sales rise last year by 15% to $8.5 million.  The company now has business relationships with 10 area hospitals and is working with some local florists and funeral homes. Read full article here.