Gc3's Competitive Advantage Essay

GC3’s sources of competitive advantage come from their simple strategy of selling quality products at an affordable cost (Great Cups of Coffee, n.d.). This simple strategy has helped the company achieve financial success and increase the drive for expansion. Their Pittsburgh team with their customer service and training program are also valuable resources. They will be valuable id the company is able to use it to their advantage and implement it across all divisions. Also, their willingness to take strategic risks, and provide an overall focus on growth of the organization provides a competitive advantage. By taking risks, the company has demonstrated that it questions where the organization stands and what changes need to be made to sustain success (Hunger & Wheelen, 2011, p. 2). GC3 has been able to turn a small local business into a national chain that provides many different menu items. They also have utilized this to their benefit to help with reduced sales because of seasonal effects. Although, the company has been able acquire other business and expand, their competitive advantage is limited since they lack the HR systems needed in place to create a long-term successful business.

They have taken on two other industries in the recent past, which include the ice cream shops acquired in Pennsylvania and deli shops in Illinois. Some of their major competitors are Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, which Great Cups have rivaled in the specialty coffee section. What needs to be evaluated is GC3’s current standing in all three industries and if they can sustain high revenue or do they need to streamline the products and become consistent with each state, industry and store. GC3 will need to review past ratios and most recent ratios in: Liquidity, Asset Management, Debt Management, Profitability and Internal and Sustainable Growth and estimating what they may look like next