Little Ghost navigates tariffs, simplified logistics, & brought a bold new burger concept to Detroit

The Opportunity

In Summer 2025, Four Man Ladder, the team behind Detroit favorites Grey Ghost, Basan, and Second Best, launched Little Ghost, a fast-casual, walk-up-only burger stand in Ferndale.

Little Ghost was more than a spinoff. It was a bold reimagining of what a burger joint could be: design-forward, takeout-native, and unapologetically original. That energy had to carry through every customer touchpoint, including the packaging.

From fry bags to grease paper, branded stickers to burger boxes, the Little Ghost team envisioned a fully custom, elevated packaging system, not off-the-shelf. But custom packaging often comes with tradeoffs: long lead times, high costs, and complex logistics. Four Man Ladder needed a partner who could simplify the process.

That’s where Stitchi came in.

The Challenge

Launching any restaurant is hard. But launching one in 2025—amid volatile global trade policy and rising costs—created a uniquely complex backdrop:

• Tariff Uncertainty: A new executive order in January 2025 triggered investigations into tariffs on imported goods, creating uncertainty and risk for international procurement.

• High Custom Packaging Costs: Launching with fully custom foodservice packaging, across multiple SKUs, posed significant cost pressure.

• Logistical Complexity: With a takeout-only model and limited back-of-house space, Little Ghost needed a solution that could support storage and on-demand fulfillment.

• Tight Timelines: The grand opening was fast approaching. Packaging had to be finalized, manufactured, warehoused, and delivered on a tight schedule.

The Solution

Stitchi stepped in as an embedded packaging partner, not just a supplier. Together, we helped Little Ghost launch with a bold, fully custom packaging experience while minimizing risk and maintaining operational simplicity.

Smart Inventory Planning Amid Tariff Uncertainty

With packaging production based in China, Stitchi helped Little Ghost navigate shifting U.S. trade policy by proactively planning around potential tariff impacts.

• We closely monitored regulatory developments tied to early 2025 executive actions.

• Built forecasting models to estimate demand through the launch window.

• Structured orders and production timelines to get ahead of tariff risk and avoid delays.
  

This allowed the Little Ghost team to stay focused on launch, not logistics, while ensuring all materials arrived on time and within budget.

Fully Custom Packaging, Built for Brand Impact

We worked closely with Four Man Ladder’s operations and culinary teams to develop fully custom packaging across every touchpoint:

• Burger boxes and fry cartons engineered for heat retention and brand visibility.

• Custom-sized SOS bags designed to perfectly fit their stack of items.

• Grease paper, branded stickers, and cups that elevated the customer experience.
  

These were not stock SKUs with logos added. The products were built from the ground up to reflect Little Ghost’s identity and operational needs.

Warehousing & Fulfillment for a Takeout-Only Model

With Little Ghost operating as a walk-up window with no dine-in and minimal back-of-house storage, Stitchi also provided:

• Warehousing of bulk packaging inventory pre-launch.

• Just-in-time fulfillment to keep the on-site footprint lean.

• Ongoing reorders and inventory monitoring for sustained support.

Little Ghost isn’t just another burger spot. It’s a creative statement. We weren’t going to settle for generic packaging, and Stitchi helped us get the custom look we wanted without getting tripped up by cost or red tape. From concept to execution, they made it simple.

The Result

Little Ghost officially opened its walk-up window at 22305 Woodward Avenue in Ferndale on August 5, 2025, to strong buzz and press coverage. Customers didn’t just come for the burger—they got a fully designed experience, from the food to the packaging in their hands.

Thanks to Stitchi, Little Ghost:

• Avoided international shipping delays and tariffs.

• Launched on time and on budget.

• Delivered a packaging experience as bold as its brand.
  

In a crowded food scene, Little Ghost stood out, and Stitchi made sure their packaging did too.