Ep 3. Downward Dogs and Proper Pigs

In the third episode of Cleveland Hustles season 1, titled "Downward Dogs and Proper Pigs," the four investors, including basketball legend LeBron James, are back with a new challenge for four Cleveland entrepreneurs. The mission this time is to come up with a concept that combines a yoga studio with a juice bar and a butcher shop.

The entrepreneurs start brainstorming and come up with different ideas. Some of them suggest creating a studio where people can enjoy yoga classes and purchase fresh juice and locally sourced meat afterward. Others propose combining everything into a single location, where they can serve pre-packaged meals with juices and offer yoga classes in a different area, creating a one-stop-shop for health enthusiasts.

The entrepreneurs meet with James and the investors, who challenge them to create an enticing brand that appeals to the local community. They also emphasize the importance of keeping customer experience top of mind while creating their concept, which includes creating a unique atmosphere that encourages customers to linger and enjoy the space.

The entrepreneurs break down into teams and start working towards their final pitch. Two of the teams decide to build a physical space, while the other two opt for an online presence. One team hits a setback when their proposed location falls through, forcing them to reconsider their options and find a different location.

As the deadline approaches, the entrepreneurs finalize their concepts and prepare to present them to James and the investors. When they gather for the pitch, each team presents their unique take on the yoga-juice-butcher mashup. One team creates a witty brand name and an appealing atmosphere, complete with a juice bar and an elevated butcher shop. Another team develops an online platform that brings together local suppliers to provide fresh ingredients for customers, along with home yoga sequences and meal prep tutorials to complete their wellness lifestyle.

James and the investors assess the teams' presentations and award the project to the most viable and well-rounded concept, taking into consideration each team's ability to generate revenue, attract customers, and provide a positive customer experience.

In the end, the winning team gets the opportunity to execute their concept and receive funding from James and the investors, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in the fast-paced world of Cleveland entrepreneurship.