Update June 18, 2013
Vespr Craft Coffee and Allures (626 N. Alafaya Trail, Suite 105) had its soft opening to the public Wednesday May 15, 2013. We showed you their selection of sweets and snacks as well as their coffee and tea displays. They sell selections from local dessert purveyor Iced Bakery (Website | Facebook) including their red velvet brownie. We were curious how the partnership began, so we spoke with the owners of Iced Bakery, Rod Gambassi & Marc Adams.
Through the power of social media! Eduardo Siu, the owner of Vespr Craft Coffee contacted us after seeing various writeups on local blogs about our business. He told us he was drawn to the photos of our products and in particular our Nutella™ Bomb Cookies.
2. How did you decide what to serve? Was it your decision? The owner?
2. How did you decide what to serve? Was it your decision? The owner?
We had a tasting meeting with Eduardo. We brought samples of ten of our 25 products. He was looking for very specific items to compliment his coffee and tea offerings. We suggested our Nutella™ Bomb Cookies, our Red Velvet Brownies and our Dulce de leche & brown-sugared Bacon Magic Bar. Those items are our best sellers at our markets and go great with coffees and teas.
3. Do you sell your products elsewhere?
Our products are available every Monday evening at the Audubon Park Community Market and every Thursday evening at the Edgewood Farmer's Market. Iced Bakery also has a pop up (tent) at local events such as Fiesta in the Park, Taste of Oviedo and other creative festivals. Our artisan baked goods are available online and our wedding cakes, dessert buffets and special occasion cakes are always available for those special events.
4. What's one locally-made (in Orlando) product you love?Coming from the Pacific Northwest, we are very used to a mix of great food. Fortunately for us and others, Orlando is becoming more food attentive. Restaurants, food trucks and special foodie events give us a lot to choose from. The Lumpia from Over Rice Food Truck is one of our current must-haves. It's light, crunchy and delicious!
5. What's one piece of advice you'd give a small food business wanting to get into local shops?Before even getting into shops, realize who your customer is. Think about the person who buys or is most likely to buy your product. This makes it easier to target shops with similar clientele. The success is then shared between the retailer and your business.
5. What's one piece of advice you'd give a small food business wanting to get into local shops?Before even getting into shops, realize who your customer is. Think about the person who buys or is most likely to buy your product. This makes it easier to target shops with similar clientele. The success is then shared between the retailer and your business.