Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate application of the contemporary business model of pop-up, or temporary, business locations in the food and beverage industry. Currently, entrepreneurs are using this business model to enter into the market without committing significant resources typically required when creating a permanent business. Despite the emerging popularity of this business strategy, the literature on this phenomenon remains sparse and there is a lack of theoretical cohesiveness when describing the pop-up food-related business model and where it fits within the entrepreneurship process. Thus, it is important that researchers identify how and why entrepreneurs utilize the pop-up business model, whether it is effective, and how others can use this process when pursuing their own business venture. This study used a grounded theory research design to achieve the research objectives. A total of 26 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with current and past pop-up food and beverage entrepreneurs were conducted to ascertain the challenges, benefits, and opportunities derived from using the pop-up business model. Based on the data collected, this study offers several implications. First, a framework, including themes and sub-themes, was developed to explain how the pop-up food and beverage business is used as a business model. Second, this dissertation found that food and beverage entrepreneurs use pop-up businesses differently than do other industries. Third, an organizational life cycle of the pop-up business model was developed, which deviates from organizational life cycle studies in other industries. From a practical perspective, this dissertation's framework provides current and future entrepreneurs with best practices for using the pop-up business model. Overall, the findings of this study provide a unique perspective of firm creation that can potentially reduce the negative perceptions of opening a food-related business in the hospitality industry.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2020

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Okumus, Fevzi

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Degree Program

Hospitality Management

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0007963; DP0023104

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0023104

Language

English

Release Date

May 2025

Length of Campus-only Access

5 years

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Campus-only Access)

Location

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

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