This entry is simply a VRIO analysis of Jdawgs
- The Question of Value: "Is the firm able to exploit an opportunity or neutralize an external threat with the resource/capability?"
Yes. Jdawgs has been able to neutralize contenders such as nathan hotdogs with their unique jdawg sauce. The sauce has only been imitated by individuals rather than companies or organizations.
- The Question of Rarity: "Is control of the resource/capability in the hands of a relative few?"
The sauce isn't as rare as it once was. Jdawgs now sells bottles of sauce for $10 and there are a number of imitation, Jdawg sauce recipes online. I haven't confirmed whether they taste legit or not but commenters are convinced the knock off sauces are close to the real thing.
- The Question of Imitability: "Is it difficult to imitate, and will there be significant cost disadvantage to a firm trying to obtain, develop, or duplicate the resource/capability?"
A Jdawg is not difficult to imitate considering the buns they use can be purchased at the Provo Bakery and the polish and beef dogs can be purchased at Costco. As mentioned earlier, the sauce can be imitated but the time and cost disadvantage isn't worth it to me to try to duplicate the sauce. Judging on the many imitation sauce recipes it is worth it to others.
- The Question of Organization: "Is the firm organized, ready, and able to exploit the resource/capability?"
Jdawgs is ready and able to exploit the sauce resource. They receive a lot of business from catering big events. However, they haven't protected their company secrets very well. The sources of their dogs and buns are almost common knowledge and the "special sauce" can be purchased or imitated pretty easily.
Conclusion
Jdawgs has a product of value on their hands but it is becoming less rare and is easily imitated. Jdawgs has been organized and able to exploit their resource in spite of easy imitation. They provide a convenience factor that has not been imitated.
