So I was reading the Tulsa Food Blog today and noticed a "gleaming" artlcle about new cupcake places popping up...maybe its just foreign to me (the food business that is) but it just seems nutso...
Didn't CUPCAKEZ already have a dessert location called Carmel and dump ALOT of money into it right in the Heart of Brookside? There was a chocolate place over there both went under (or moved), seems like alot of overhead for a part of town that is really just happening as far as walking traffic goes during the spring, summer and 3 days a week?(maybe I am wrong)
I think the food network is driving alot of this "hey I have an idea, lets spend 100k to sell cupcakes, its COOL!" without really thinking long term about.."cupcakes...hrmmm..cupcakes..ya prolly don't wanna raid the 401k for cupcakes" How many times a month is someone really going to eat cupcakes, repeat business is the one way for a company to survive no matter WHAT business your in, if it would have been viable on Brookside don't you think Merritt's (No I am not a fan of Merritt's) would have jumped all over it?
cupcakes just aren't that exciting. In the case of "Hello Cupcake" I don't think there was any 401K raiding going on.
Quote from: carltonplace on December 21, 2010, 03:19:33 PM
In the case of "Hello Cupcake" I don't think there was any 401K raiding going on.
Very true LOL
Donuts and bottled water make just as much sense.
I have a feeling the clientele is primarily female.
"Hey Bob, you and the guys wanna go get a cupcake after work?"
Quote from: Gaspar on December 21, 2010, 03:36:11 PM
I have a feeling the clientele is primarily female.
"Hey Bob, you and the guys wanna go get a cupcake after work?"
Back in the day, I was known for picking up a cupcake or two at Arnie's.
Quote from: Conan71 on December 21, 2010, 04:02:51 PM
Back in the day, I was known for picking up a cupcake or two at Arnie's.
And calling one of them by that moniker when you meet them works like a charm.
Quote from: Conan71 on December 21, 2010, 04:02:51 PM
Back in the day, I was known for picking up a cupcake or two at Arnie's.
I guess that's better than fruitcakes, they have nuts.
(http://www.njfishing.com/images/drum_fish.jpg) (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nvWgMkmFQCE/SA1eZ8BS73I/AAAAAAAAA_8/C80DcGILZp0/s400/Toilet+roll.jpg)
Americans will buy anything if you are at the right place at the right time. I wish I had thought of Pet Rocks.
If your set to get out as soon as the fad passes, you could make a bunch of bucks.
Quote from: Red Arrow on December 21, 2010, 04:44:04 PM
Americans will buy anything if you are at the right place at the right time. I wish I had thought of Pet Rocks.
If your set to get out as soon as the fad passes, you could make a bunch of bucks.
I was gonna say that not every business is built to stand the test of time. I think we always picture the small biz owner as wanting to make something that lasts for his family (the corner store!) and/or that grows into something epic and huge (my oil empire!). Sometimes people just open a business for a finite amount of time, or to capitalize on a fad that is destined to fade at some point. Make your money and move on.
BiskitTime.
Drive thrus that specialized in bisquits and gravy. With sausage. Lasted 6 months.
While I don't disagree that the cupcake marketing is leaned toward women and the audience a little limited, there have been cupcake only businesses that have survived.
But more importantly, if you had some money and just wanted a job doing what you like to do, this one sounds ideal.
I met a fishing guide in Florida who told me he didn't make much money, but he got to go fishing everyday.
Quote from: RecycleMichael on December 21, 2010, 09:45:35 PM
While I don't disagree that the cupcake marketing is leaned toward women and the audience a little limited, there have been cupcake only businesses that have survived.
But more importantly, if you had some money and just wanted a job doing what you like to do, this one sounds ideal.
I met a fishing guide in Florida who told me he didn't make much money, but he got to go fishing everyday.
You know how to wind up with a small fortune in the cupcake business?
Start out with a large fortune.
Quote from: Conan71 on December 21, 2010, 09:59:17 PM
You know how to wind up with a small fortune in the cupcake business?
Start out with a large fortune.
You stole that joke from the aviation industry.....and probably some others.
Quote from: Red Arrow on December 21, 2010, 10:44:52 PM
You stole that joke from the aviation industry.....and probably some others.
Auto racing and just about any other hobby or personal business I've had
Quote from: Conan71 on December 21, 2010, 04:02:51 PM
Back in the day, I was known for picking up a cupcake or two at Arnie's.
I seem to recall seeing a picture of someone with a cupcake very recently. :P
Quote from: Conan71 on December 21, 2010, 04:02:51 PM
Back in the day, I was known for picking up a cupcake or two at Arnie's.
When Arnie's was on 15th street?
Quote from: Conan71 on December 21, 2010, 09:59:17 PM
You know how to wind up with a small fortune in the cupcake business?
Start out with a large fortune.
+1
I know at least 3 people who have seen these cupcake shows and begged their spouse to allow them to dip into retirement/savings to open one. At least one of these people's husbands did a proforma for his wife based on 2 employees. You would have to sell 294 cupcakes a day just to cover the nut. To make it worth while you would have to sell around 400.
To break even, you would have to cook, decorate and sell 13 trays (24pc) of cupcakes every day, run the register and clean up. If you dedicate only 1 minute to mix/pour/cook/arrange/decorate a cupcake (some are quite elaborate) it would take one person over five hours a day to finish them all. You could add a third employee who works all night long, but then you have to sell about 100 more cupcakes. You can only keep a cupcake alive for about 24 hours then it's dry, spongy and the frosting looses it's moisture or bleeds color.
We've visited Kupcakes and Sprinkles. I don't think either have the capacity or time to make and sell enough product to turn a profit. It's not impossible, but really really hard.
The sad thing is that both the existing locations (if they both still exist) didn't have very good quality of cake, so every time someone eats one they think "Wow! Mine are so much better," and they get that little dream in their heads of yachts and Ferraris and weekly pedicures at Ihloff and daily massages from a guy named Bruce.
(http://www.hercafe.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/rich-people.gif)
Great reply Gasper! Thanks for contributing with a decent post on this thread!
Quote from: Gaspar on December 22, 2010, 08:07:15 AM
+1
I know at least 3 people who have seen these cupcake shows and begged their spouse to allow them to dip into retirement/savings to open one. At least one of these people's husbands did a proforma for his wife based on 2 employees. You would have to sell 294 cupcakes a day just to cover the nut. To make it worth while you would have to sell around 400.
To break even, you would have to cook, decorate and sell 13 trays (24pc) of cupcakes every day, run the register and clean up. If you dedicate only 1 minute to mix/pour/cook/arrange/decorate a cupcake (some are quite elaborate) it would take one person over five hours a day to finish them all. You could add a third employee who works all night long, but then you have to sell about 100 more cupcakes. You can only keep a cupcake alive for about 24 hours then it's dry, spongy and the frosting looses it's moisture or bleeds color.
We've visited Kupcakes and Sprinkles. I don't think either have the capacity or time to make and sell enough product to turn a profit. It's not impossible, but really really hard.
The sad thing is that both the existing locations (if they both still exist) didn't have very good quality of cake, so every time someone eats one they think "Wow! Mine are so much better," and they get that little dream in their heads of yachts and Ferraris and weekly pedicures at Ihloff and daily massages from a guy named Bruce.
(http://www.hercafe.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/rich-people.gif)
Donuts take a lot of volume to make money, but you rarely see a donut shop fail.
The one opening next to Lee's & Fleet Feet has substantial family money. I still can't imagine how much it's going to take to service the rent factor on 2700 sq. ft. of nice space. Perhaps they are counting on the family sphere of influence to help out.
Great dissertation though. I watch a lot of Food Network programming, but I simply can't get into the cake and pastry shows, just not my bag.
Here is a link to Sprinkles: http://www.sprinkles.com/ (http://www.sprinkles.com/)
They opened the one in Scottsdale in '06 or '07 and it has managed to survive the current economy. Personaly I have never been and judging by the prices I think I will stay with ones from my local grocer or bakery, although it might partialy explain, other than the founders association with Food TV, how they stay in business, $36.00 for a dozen, and $40.00 for a tee shirt, even with using top grade ingredients I'm quite sure the profit margin is fairly decent.
Quote from: dbacks fan on December 22, 2010, 10:04:11 AM
$36.00 for a dozen, and $40.00 for a tee shirt,
Too rich for my blood but if they can get that, fine.
I have enough hobbies that people think I am crazy for spending the money I do that I don't belittle anyone's choice for discretional spending.
Quote from: Red Arrow on December 22, 2010, 10:42:30 AM
Too rich for my blood but if they can get that, fine.
I have enough hobbies that people think I am crazy for spending the money I do that I don't belittle anyone's choice for discretional spending.
Agreed. If people have the money to spend they can spend it how ever they want. I just happen to be one of those that's in a conservation mode so my discretionary spend is limited.
Quote from: dbacks fan on December 22, 2010, 10:56:40 AM
Agreed. If people have the money to spend they can spend it how ever they want. I just happen to be one of those that's in a conservation mode so my discretionary spend is limited.
I'm in a conservation mode as well, until another cycling gizmo catches my eye. I'm off to pick up another racing frame and fork set I just can't live without. ;D
Quote from: Conan71 on December 22, 2010, 10:02:47 AM
Donuts take a lot of volume to make money, but you rarely see a donut shop fail.
Yeah but donuts are lowwwwww overhead compared to cupcakes. Mass-produced vs. handmade.
I wonder if an "artisan donut" shop could take off?
Quote from: waterboy on December 21, 2010, 07:35:15 PM
BiskitTime.
Drive thrus that specialized in bisquits and gravy. With sausage. Lasted 6 months.
WHY WAS I NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS MIRACLE BEFORE IT CLOSED!?!?!?!
Quote from: dbacks fan on December 22, 2010, 10:04:11 AM
Here is a link to Sprinkles: http://www.sprinkles.com/ (http://www.sprinkles.com/)
They opened the one in Scottsdale in '06 or '07 and it has managed to survive the current economy. Personaly I have never been and judging by the prices I think I will stay with ones from my local grocer or bakery, although it might partialy explain, other than the founders association with Food TV, how they stay in business, $36.00 for a dozen, and $40.00 for a tee shirt, even with using top grade ingredients I'm quite sure the profit margin is fairly decent.
The one in LA survives because they sell to people who regularly pay $700 to buy dinner for two.
Quote from: sgrizzle on December 22, 2010, 03:05:50 PM
WHY WAS I NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS MIRACLE BEFORE IT CLOSED!?!?!?!
You uncovered their marketing flaw. ;)
I've tried cupcakes at some of the well-known tendy cupcake joints in NYC and LA featured on the food and travel channels. Some were ok, but not worth the price (of course, I prefer chocolate over any kind of cake).
Ko Koa had great desserts, after dinner drinks and high prices, but couldn't make it work on Brookside. Carmel retooled the concept slightly at the same location, but lasted even less time. I don't see how a narrower dessert concept makes it in a location with even less foot traffic.
I personally would love it we just got a decent Bakery. I will take fresh bread over a cupcake, any day!
Quote from: sgrizzle on December 22, 2010, 03:05:50 PM
WHY WAS I NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS MIRACLE BEFORE IT CLOSED!?!?!?!
They were actually pretty good! The one I frequented is now an Arby's at 21st & Harvard. They were similar to Braums biscuits and gravy and just as unhealthy. Heck, they even delivered. However, Braum's also has burgers, ice cream products and milk. Biskit Time had....biscuits and gravy.
May have been before your time. Probably late 70's, early 80's.
Quote from: waterboy on December 22, 2010, 05:21:39 PM
They were actually pretty good! The one I frequented is now an Arby's at 21st & Harvard. They were similar to Braums biscuits and gravy and just as unhealthy. Heck, they even delivered. However, Braum's also has burgers, ice cream products and milk. Biskit Time had....biscuits and gravy.
May have been before your time. Probably late 70's, early 80's.
Was it in the old Der Weinerschnitzel A-Frame?
QuoteDer Weinerschnitzel
Yum!! I miss that place. Since Jack in the Box came back to town maybe they will to.
Quote from: bmuscotty on December 23, 2010, 10:37:05 AM
Yum!! I miss that place. Since Jack in the Box came back to town maybe they will to.
http://www.wienerschnitzel.com/franchising_overview.php (http://www.wienerschnitzel.com/franchising_overview.php)
Quote from: bmuscotty on December 23, 2010, 10:37:05 AM
Yum!! I miss that place. Since Jack in the Box came back to town maybe they will to.
Meh...we have so many good coney/hotdog places in town I don't miss it.
Quote from: Hoss on December 23, 2010, 12:47:42 PM
Meh...we have so many good coney/hotdog places in town I don't miss it.
Their Polish sandwich was really good though.
Quote from: Conan71 on December 23, 2010, 10:28:15 AM
Was it in the old Der Weinerschnitzel A-Frame?
Yeah, now that you mention it. I remember someone at KMOD alleging they were "...reporting live from the roof of Biscuit Time..."
QuoteI personally would love it we just got a decent Bakery. I will take fresh bread over a cupcake, any day!
I agree. Does anyone know a place in town to get good San Francisco style sourdough french bread? I miss going to Fisherman's Wharf and getting a loaf of french bread still hot from the bakery. yum...
Quote from: bmuscotty on December 26, 2010, 03:53:38 PM
I agree. Does anyone know a place in town to get good San Francisco style sourdough french bread? I miss going to Fisherman's Wharf and getting a loaf of french bread still hot from the bakery. yum...
Try here:
http://www.farrellbread.com/
Quote from: bmuscotty on December 26, 2010, 03:53:38 PM
I agree. Does anyone know a place in town to get good San Francisco style sourdough french bread? I miss going to Fisherman's Wharf and getting a loaf of french bread still hot from the bakery. yum...
Sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder. Making me want to go back to SF. There is a place at Ghirardelli Square that looks out over the bay that has some of the best clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. (Insert Homer Simpson drooling)
Quote from: bmuscotty on December 26, 2010, 03:53:38 PM
I agree. Does anyone know a place in town to get good San Francisco style sourdough french bread? I miss going to Fisherman's Wharf and getting a loaf of french bread still hot from the bakery. yum...
I doubt you will find any here that will trully be like what you got there. IIRC, the bakeries there that most remember so much about have yeast cultures that have been going for decades, if not hitting the century mark, giving them a unique flavor that can't really be copied anywhere else.
My sister in Atlanta buys something called 'Leviticus bread' from a local health food store. It's supposed to be based on a recipe found in the Bible, but I haven't found it. Regardless, the stuff is very filling and very satisfying. One sandwich was quite enough, unlike the air bread we have in the grocery store. This stuff had to be kept in the refrigerator because it didn't have preservatives and wouldn't keep long otherwise.
Does anyone know of something similar around here?
Quote from: Ed W on December 26, 2010, 07:36:42 PM
My sister in Atlanta buys something called 'Leviticus bread' from a local health food store. It's supposed to be based on a recipe found in the Bible, but I haven't found it. Regardless, the stuff is very filling and very satisfying. One sandwich was quite enough, unlike the air bread we have in the grocery store. This stuff had to be kept in the refrigerator because it didn't have preservatives and wouldn't keep long otherwise.
Does anyone know of something similar around here?
Maybe you're talking about Ezekiel 4:9 bread? (http://www.foodforlife.com/product-catalog/sprouted-grain/ezekiel-49) You can get it at any Reasor's but the loaves are refrigerated because they're perishable.
Excellent stuff, and very hearty.
Quote from: we vs us on December 27, 2010, 06:42:13 AM
Maybe you're talking about Ezekiel 4:9 bread? (http://www.foodforlife.com/product-catalog/sprouted-grain/ezekiel-49) You can get it at any Reasor's but the loaves are refrigerated because they're perishable.
Excellent stuff, and very hearty.
Thanks! I have to make the daily Reasors run a bit later today, so I'll look for it. Number One Daughter is making taco soup for dinner and I have to get some fresh bread.
Also, a friend and I had breakfast at the Gatsby Grill inside Gardners Books this morning. We had ginormous omelets, outstanding hash browns, and French toast made from real Frenchmen - not the cheap imported ones! I'm stuffed. A nap is in order.
Quote from: Ed W on December 27, 2010, 10:24:19 AM
Also, a friend and I had breakfast at the Gatsby Grill inside Gardners Books this morning. We had ginormous omelets, outstanding hash browns, and French toast made from real Frenchmen - not the cheap imported ones! I'm stuffed. A nap is in order.
Thanks for the reminder. I've meant to try that place out since I read the review in the paper.
Quote from: Townsend on December 27, 2010, 10:26:52 AM
Thanks for the reminder. I've meant to try that place out since I read the review in the paper.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5297341227_06a48b2417_m.jpg)
Here's this morning's breakfast. I'm still stuffed.
Quote from: Ed W on December 27, 2010, 02:47:58 PM
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5297341227_06a48b2417_m.jpg)
Here's this morning's breakfast. I'm still stuffed.
I've just added that to my list for when I get back to Tulsa.
Quote from: Ed W on December 27, 2010, 02:47:58 PM
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5297341227_06a48b2417_m.jpg)
Here's this morning's breakfast. I'm still stuffed.
I don't want to see that again. ;)
Looks like we are getting another Cupcake business in Jenks. Read towards the bottom of the article.
Tulsa-based franchise brands head to Mideast
Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=46&articleid=20110105_46_E1_CUTLIN741187
Dixie Cream Donut Co. is expanding to Iraq, and the Tulsa area will be getting a taste of gourmet cupcakes from a reality TV baking star as growth continues at franchising company Beautiful Brands International.
Tulsa-based Beautiful Brands signed a deal with a company in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to put Dixie Cream Donut Co. stores in Iraq, Syria, Qatar, Jordan and the UAE.
The deal could put 100 stores in the region and continue to expand the Beautiful Brands footprint internationally.
"Some companies are afraid of going into Iraq and other countries in the Middle East," said David Rutkauskas, president and CEO of Beautiful Brands. "But we see a lot of opportunity."
Beautiful Brands already has a Middle East presence with six Camille's Sidewalk Cafe locations in Bahrain and 12 Freshberry frozen yogurt restaurants in Saudi Arabia. Plans also call for Dixie Cream restaurants in Egypt.
The new deal is with Emirates Associated Business Group, a UAE company with primary holdings in communications, construction and real estate.
It will be the first venture into restaurants for Emirates Associated Business, but its does have a retail presence with a company that sells women's jewelry and clothing, according to its website.
The deal with the Dubai group will give the restaurant an edge on real estate deals, Rutkauskas said.
The first Dixie Cream Donut Co. location in the region could open in June, most likely in Iraq.
The potential
for stores in Syria is made possible by the recent lifting of some U.S. trade sanctions stemming from Syria's alleged ties to terrorist groups.
Dixie Cream locations in Qatar could give the doughnut chain a major presence in the oil-rich Persian Gulf country, which last month was chosen to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup of men's soccer.
Dixie Cream is owned by Tulsa-based Daylight Donut Flour Co. and marketed and franchised by Beautiful Brands, the owner of Freshberry and Camille's Sidewalk Cafe.
The first modern and only Dixie Cream store opened in Jenks in October 2009.
Meanwhile, Kansas City-based Smallcakes has joined forces with Beautiful Brands for a planned store in Jenks.
Smallcakes, owned by Jeff and Brandy Martin, has two stores in the Kansas City area with a third on the way.
Smallcakes has grown in popularity, with Jeff Martin making an appearance during the first season of "Cupcake Wars," a Food Network reality baking show. The cupcakes have also been featured on talk show "The View."
The first area Smallcakes store will likely be a co-branded location with the Jenks Freshberry frozen yogurt store, and the two companies are considering adding a co-branded location at other Freshberry or Camille's Sidewalk Cafe restaurants.
Martin was in Tulsa on Tuesday examining the setup of the Jenks location.
The bakery sells 15 kinds of cupcakes with flavors such as birthday cake, campfire smores and hot fudge sundae.
The deal calls for Beautiful Brands to market and franchise the concept.
Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=46&articleid=20110105_46_E1_CUTLIN741187
Beautiful Brands must be doing something right other than the food. I'm guessing low franchise fees.
Cupcakes and donuts are why Merritt's Bakery exists! Why mess with success?
Quote from: sgrizzle on January 05, 2011, 11:49:03 AM
Beautiful Brands must be doing something right other than the food. I'm guessing low franchise fees.
No, actually if you throw enough stuff against a wall something will stick.
By outward appearances, Camille's has experienced some domestic and international growth/success. The rest of Beautiful Brands brands don't seem to have done as well. By pushing the cupcake concept, it seems like they've arrived at the party right before it ends.
Quote from: DTowner on January 05, 2011, 03:19:05 PM
By outward appearances, Camille's has experienced some domestic and international growth/success. The rest of Beautiful Brands brands don't seem to have done as well. By pushing the cupcake concept, it seems like they've arrived at the party right before it ends.
Actually numbers from the inside suggest more Camille's have closed than opened. They never show any real growth. There were about 80 to 100 at the time my source was laid off from BB. Same number of operating units as there had been over the last 4-5 years.
That's too bad, but not surprising. Beautiful Brands appears to be one of those local companies that the Tulsa World acts more like a PR agency than a newspaper.
Quote from: DTowner on January 05, 2011, 08:15:34 PM
That's too bad, but not surprising. Beautiful Brands appears to be one of those local companies that the Tulsa World acts more like a PR agency than a newspaper.
No, the owner of BB is very good at PR. A consummate
snake oil salesman.
I could name a few other companies, but hey thats America, if you can sell it people will eat it up with great PR
Quote from: Conan71 on January 05, 2011, 11:54:30 PM
No, the owner of BB is very good at PR. A consummate snake oil salesman.
Nothing wrong with the owner promoting his business within reason, but the friendly treatment a select few companies have received from the local media, especially some of those with such obviously questionable business models (i.e. CFS/Bartman), does a disservice to their readers. It would be nice if the local media asked a few tough questions about some of the local darlings before they implode (i.e. Arrow Trucking, SemGroup, et al.).
I have to say the best cupcakes I have ever had are from Jilly's in St. Louis. They are huge and even after 7 hours in a car they are delicious and heavanly...like no cake or cupcake before or since. They are a cupcake bar and cafe...so it's not just amazing cupcakes.
Would be interesting to know more about SemGroup failure. They put in a section of Turner turnpike west of Sapulpa that has been the best section on that road in decades. It is still very good after more than 4 years. They used to have billboards up at beginning and end, but those are gone.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on January 06, 2011, 12:47:41 PM
Would be interesting to know more about SemGroup failure. They put in a section of Turner turnpike west of Sapulpa that has been the best section on that road in decades. It is still very good after more than 4 years. They used to have billboards up at beginning and end, but those are gone.
SEM didn't put it in, they manufactured the "Nova Chip" asphalt which was used on the product. Blue Knight Partners, to my knowledge, still makes the product.
Kivisto made some bad "bet the company" moves while he was all hopped up on sugar as a result of eating too many cupcakes.
LOL, Kivisto came up in conversation at dinner tonight. The fellow I was dining with worked at SEM's corporate office and had some interesting insight into what happened. He's still not convinced that Tom Kivisto will escape wearing an orange jump suit. Sounds like Kivisto's greatest gift was being smart enough to create such a convoluted web of deceit that even if there were blatant criminal acts, it's going to take years to unravel. So far I think we are on year three.
Kivisto was a degenerate gambler. He overestimated how great a trader he was and underestimated how quickly Wall Street could break his donkey.
From Cupcakes to Semgroup..this is how the world turns LOL
Quote from: zstyles on January 07, 2011, 09:16:25 AM
From Cupcakes to Semgroup..this is how the world turns LOL
And on to Marshall's beer as per forum protocol.
Turnpike needs more of it. A lot more!
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on January 07, 2011, 12:51:41 PM
Turnpike needs more of it. A lot more!
Apparently there's a new scorched spot near mile 189 westbound that can use a patch.
Noticed today that the Hi Cupcake sign has come down.
And there's a "Space Available" sign in the window (not sure if this sign ever came down).
Did this fall through?
Edited to correct Hi Cupcake, not Hello Cupcake...
who knew!
I'm going to rush to open Salude Cupcake, and Hola Cupcake
Quote from: BKDotCom on January 26, 2011, 01:41:49 PM
Noticed today that the Hello Cupcake sign has come down.
And there's a "Space Available" sign in the window (not sure if this sign ever came down).
Did this fall through?
Per their FB page they were to open this month...I'm guessing from your post that is not so much.
Quote from: Townsend on January 26, 2011, 01:45:06 PM
Per their FB page they were to open this month...I'm guessing from your post that is not so much.
What do you call a business that closes before it opens?
Quote from: swake on January 26, 2011, 02:08:02 PM
What do you call a business that closes before it opens?
A premature press release.
Was "Hello Cupcake" the one opening in the Blue Dome? I'm confused. Too many kitschy concepts. I see in the paper this morning a specialty spice store has opened in The Farm.
I must say that I am not surprised by this at all. I just don't think that this would have been a big hit had it opened. It probably would've been popular for a few weeks and then fallen through. Hopefully some thing else will take their place soon.
Goodbye Cupcakes....
Would love to know if anyone hears anything, wasn't it called HI cupcakes?
Quote from: zstyles on January 26, 2011, 05:05:37 PM
Would love to know if anyone hears anything, wasn't it called HI cupcakes?
Yep. That's the name
For those doubters of making a living selling cupcakes, here is a read for you
http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/26/pf/second_act_cupcakes.moneymag/index.htm (http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/26/pf/second_act_cupcakes.moneymag/index.htm)
$1.6 million in profits later.
Quote from: joiei on January 27, 2011, 09:57:27 AM
For those doubters of making a living selling cupcakes, here is a read for you
http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/26/pf/second_act_cupcakes.moneymag/index.htm (http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/26/pf/second_act_cupcakes.moneymag/index.htm)
$1.6 million in profits later.
Nope, the story says they
just turned their first profit on $1.6mm in sales over five stores. Most operations would have folded up already if it took that long to turn a profit.
"In 2010, Just Baked opened its fifth store, and turned its first profit on $1.6 million in sales."
Either they started with a pile of cash or they've got a really ballsy banker with a lot of patience.
I wish anyone well who starts an enterprise like this. Just seems pretty trendy to me. Of course that's what people said about a small hamburger stand in San Berdoo.
Quote from: Conan71 on January 27, 2011, 10:15:17 AM
Of course that's what people said about a small hamburger stand in San Berdoo.
I still don't think that place is going to make it!
Quote from: Gaspar on January 27, 2011, 10:19:14 AM
I still don't think that place is going to make it!
LOL :D
Like New York style bagels, brick oven pizzas, artisinal breads, etc. of the past, stand alone cup cake shops apprear to be a maturing food trend that will fad away. Like the previous trends, a few of the well run and high quality operators will survive, in part by broadening their product line, and the trendy product will get aborbed into our food conscious by other providers. I suspect the owners of this joint realized that the trend was already fading or the locations was less than ideal (probably both), and pulled the plug before sinking any more money and time into the effort.
Maybe this space could be taken by a store that sells only bacon and bacon related products.....
No one answered my original question, was this "Hi Cupcake" next to Lee's that is not going to happen or "Hello Cupcake" out at 81st & Harvard?
Quote from: Conan71 on January 27, 2011, 12:14:45 PM
No one answered my original question, was this "Hi Cupcake" next to Lee's that is not going to happen or "Hello Cupcake" out at 81st & Harvard?
Holy...there's an 81st and...well now I'm not sure. I only knew of the "Hi Cupcake" by Lee's.
So I might've hurt and not helped this thread.
My apologies.
Over
My bad... it's the "Hi Cupcake" blue dome location that definitely looks iffy.
original Tulsa World article:
http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=46&articleid=20101028_46_E1_CUTLIN195401
website: http://www.hicupcake.com/
says opening January 2011..
Still has earthen floor... going for that rustic cupcake trend.
Think there's room for a Salude Cupcake and Hola Cupcake in this market?
bout as confusing as
Cherry Berry
Fresh Berry
Peach Wave
Orange Leaf
etc
Quote from: BKDotCom on January 27, 2011, 12:35:44 PM
Think there's room for a Salude Cupcake and Hola Cupcake in this market?
Awesome!
Well, that's interesting because Elizabeth Ellison would have plenty of backing. Maybe the business accumen of her mother and stepfather intervened before it was too late.
I'm not surprised they missed their opening date - every business does. According to their blog - http://hicupcake.wordpress.com/ (http://hicupcake.wordpress.com/) - they had floor issues but the landlord was going to take care of it. However that was three weeks ago. I'm guessing they're changing locations or they just got frustrated and threw in the towel.
QuoteCherry Berry
Fresh Berry
Peach Wave
Orange Leaf
Peachwave is amazing!
This might turn out like the stand alone baked potato restaurants of the 1980's. I liked them a lot, but not enough people did to keep them going.
Well the sign is down and there is very little progress, but..
That blog post isn't that old and I did peek in the window for a closer look yesterday and saw a couple PVC pipes coming out of the dirt where a kitchen might end up (or something).... So who knows.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on January 28, 2011, 07:05:26 AM
This might turn out like the stand alone baked potato restaurants of the 1980's. I liked them a lot, but not enough people did to keep them going.
You've heard about the restaurant on the international space station? Great food, no atmosphere.
Quote from: Conan71 on January 28, 2011, 08:56:18 AM
You've heard about the restaurant on the international space station? Great food, no atmosphere.
Yeah, I've heard their business plan is kind of pie in the sky and not grounded
Quote from: swake on January 28, 2011, 09:43:08 AM
Yeah, I've heard their business plan is kind of pie in the sky and not grounded
Also they have very limited parking spaces for customers.
I hear the bathrooms suck too.
This sounds like a great place to talk about the incoming weather.
Snowklahoma is going under the gun of Snowmeggedon tonight. It has already started in OKC area. Got about an inch of ice pellets with a little bit of rain. And it has only been coming down about 45 minutes!
I think we are gonna get a snowlonoscopy with this.
(All the above complements of KTOK, OKC talk radio this afternoon on the way out of town.)
How does this thread sound like a great place to talk about weather?
Quote from: zstyles on February 02, 2011, 10:06:05 AM
How does this thread sound like a great place to talk about weather?
you're about two days late, aren't you?
Quote from: Hoss on February 02, 2011, 10:14:29 AM
you're about two days late, aren't you?
Is that better/worse than a day late and a dollar short?
LOL ...what? There's bad weather out there?
Quote from: zstyles on February 02, 2011, 10:30:28 AM
LOL ...what? There's bad weather out there?
Depends on where there is.
Goes under the Rant part of the topic. That always opens it up to that wide wonderful world of infinite possibilities.
Heard those really horrible plays on "snow" on the Fox radio, OKC. Just had to put them in somewhere. Even Fox can come up with some good "Groaners".
Ok, why does a chicken coop only have two doors?
Ready for this?
Because if it had 4, it would be a chicken sedan!
Yeah,....watching too much Heidi Klum today.
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on February 02, 2011, 11:31:48 AM
Ok, why does a chicken coop only have two doors?
Because if it had 4, it would be a chicken sedan!
Yeah,....watching too much Heidi Klum today.
Where is it you're stranded? I want to be sure never to get stuck there.
Quote from: Red Arrow on February 02, 2011, 11:41:06 AM
Where is it you're stranded? I want to be sure never to get stuck there.
Oklahoma Shitty.....Hah...
OKC. Was stranded. Got out today and made my way to McDonald's! Chipotle BBQ 1/3 lb burger. 4 hours ago and it is still churning. But sometimes you just gotta have a gut bomb!
Stranded is about right. Overwhelmed by Fox on KTOK, 1000 AM. They are about the same as KRMG. Same script, anyway.
Anyway, am again loose on the roads of Oklahoma! Look out Tulsa! I may just head your way! Bringing whatever it was that infected me back home. Oh, wait, I was just there Monday, so must have caught it there!
Just when you thought the cupcake craze was about ready to die off. Not so to enterprising and creative chef types. Hope one of ours tries this out or is it too big city for Tulsa?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703960804576120453548957890.html?mod=dist_smartbrief
I hope the new place on Brookside (Sweeties) is open late and doubles as a coffee shop. There is a good place in downtown OKC called Sara Sara that is a good place to go after dinner and have a cupcake (or two) and a cup of coffee in a nice setting.
Quote from: joiei on February 03, 2011, 04:35:04 PM
Just when you thought the cupcake craze was about ready to die off. Not so to enterprising and creative chef types. Hope one of ours tries this out or is it too big city for Tulsa?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703960804576120453548957890.html?mod=dist_smartbrief
Saw that, now THAT is a great way to diversify your offerings!
Quote from: heironymouspasparagus on February 02, 2011, 04:41:59 PM
OKC. Was stranded. Got out today and made my way to McDonald's! Chipotle BBQ 1/3 lb burger. 4 hours ago and it is still churning. But sometimes you just gotta have a gut bomb!
9 out of 10 times I'm disappointed in various "chipotle" dishes I order out, especially at chain restaurants.
And what's the deal with the weak signal at KTOK? I lose it at about Wellston and I can get the "KMR" all the way to I-35 and about I-40 in OKC.
KTOK is stupid. Sorry, punk transmitter. I often get it until Stroud or Bristow, though. Will usually lose it at midway travel stop, just west of Stroud exit.
KRMG is good even to Moore and Norman sometimes. Not always.
You won't be excited by the McD version, but had to try it. Also tried their other Angus stuff when it first came out ??couple years ago?? Haven't bothered again. Angus is an overhyped marketing crock. It's a cow. Even better beef comes from mix of Angus and Hereford called "white face baldies". Everyone has seen them - all black except for the face, which is white. Looks like a larger black Hereford. Have raised them before and cannot be beat for all purpose beef cow - just no milk.
Saw a "Space Available" sign in the window. Looks like we won't be buying cupcakes here.
Quote from: carltonplace on February 07, 2011, 11:19:45 AM
Saw a "Space Available" sign in the window. Looks like we won't be buying cupcakes here.
Which one?
The spot between Dilly Deli and Fleet Feet
Quote from: carltonplace on February 07, 2011, 12:31:58 PM
The spot between Dilly Deli and Fleet Feet
Hi, Cupcake? Maybe they realized that location was not the best for cupcakes? I think Utica Square or Cherry Street fits that business model better.