Shemar Easter is no stranger to the community, having worked for two local banks, part-time for the county ambulance service and lived in nearby Stephens for nineteen years before settling in Magnolia. Now, the 20 year old Southern Arkansas University business management student is set to become one of the newest business owners in the community.
“(Hot Shots will be) the only delivery service in Magnolia,” said Easter. “There won’t be any competition. Everyone knows me here and this is just another way to provide to the local community without charging them a big surcharge.”
According to Easter, Hot Shots Magnolia Delivery Service will offer delivery to individuals who live within 10 miles of the restaurant they are ordering from. Customers will pay both a 15% surcharge on the total cost of their meal, along with a five dollar delivery fee. According to Easter, his charging method is more affordable than other mobile order delivery companies while also remaining community-oriented.
“Companies like Door Dash and Grubhub upcharge each menu item and they also charge the restaurant,” said Easter. “(My business model) is kind of a win-win situation because I’m not over charging the customer, not charging the restaurant but you are making some capital there.”
Hot Shots Magnolia Delivery Service is tentatively set to start deliveries in late January or early February. Easter said he has high hopes that Hot Shots will succeed in Magnolia since the service isn’t currently available in the community; He said he wants to keep the company local while delivering quality service to members of the community.