From strawberries to s’mores, funnel cake business dishes out dessert in Las Vegas

Denette Braud owns Funnel Cake Cafe and has won the Urban Chamber of Commerce 2013 “Micro Business of the Year” and Bite of Las Vegas “Best Bites” awards.

Describe your business.

The Funnel Cake Cafe is a mobile business specializing in gourmet funnel cakes, from the traditional strawberry and whip to the not-so-traditional bacon, banana split, peach cobbler, s’mores and more. We work festivals, corporate events, parties, fundraisers and more.

What are the biggest challenges running a food truck?

Funnel Cake Cafe

Address: 9360 W. Flamingo Road #110-253, Las Vegas

Phone: 702-518-8175

Email: [email protected]

Website: funnelcakecafe.com

Hours of operation: Varies

Owned/operated by: Denette Braud

In business since: 2006

We had many more challenges when we operated from a pop-up tent. We see a food truck as a blessing. But I would say finding locations to make ourselves available on a daily basis is the biggest challenge. Luckily, we stay pretty busy catering private parties and corporate events, but they are not open to the public and therefore limit sales.

What are some of your favorite events to work?

We favor the larger events that draw thousands of people for the best exposure, such as Foodie Fest, Taste & Sounds of Soul, Life Is Beautiful, Bite of Las Vegas and First Friday.

What is your business philosophy?

Our philosophy is simple: Serve a quality product and take good care of our customers. We consider our customers VIPs; we can’t survive without them, so it’s important to show our appreciation by providing them the best quality and service they deserve.

What’s the most important part of your job?

It’s most important to keep our loyal customers happy and generate new customers by keeping the Funnel Cake Cafe in the public eye while also giving back to the community through our “Care 2 Share” program, in which we donate proceeds to individuals and nonprofits in need.

What is the hardest part about doing business in Las Vegas?

The location limitations on food trucks.

What is the best part about doing business here?

The energetic lifestyle of Las Vegans and the small-town mentality. We have been able to brand ourselves and get to know great people who have become loyal customers and will travel anywhere in the city to find us. Their continued support and friendship are the bests part about doing business in Las Vegas and what make us successful.

What obstacles has your business overcome?

The recession was the biggest obstacle to overcome. We were continually challenged to keep the business running while people were losing jobs, homes and spending less.

How can Nevada improve its business climate?

Eliminate some of the costly fees of doing business and work closer with small businesses to help promote more growth all around.

What have you learned from the recession?

Not to give up and give into it; instead, position your business accordingly. We kept our prices low, negotiated better rates when possible and offered more specials to make it more affordable for families to go out and enjoy dessert.

Tags: The Sunday
Business

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