Page 36 March 2013 Nothing Bundt Cakes moves into the neighborhood By Amanda Goossen Years ago, just days after I got my driver’s license, my dad sent me on a few errands for my mom’s birthday. Last stop was the new cake shop in town everyone was talking about, Nothing Bundt Cakes in Las Vegas. Nothing Bundt Cakes was started by Dena Tripp and Debra Shwetz, best friends who had developed an out-of-this-world cake idea. After years of working together out of their homes, they had decided to go out on a limb and open a shop. With a killer Bundt cake recipe and a cream cheese frosting that had friends, family and customers requesting even more on the side, they opened their fi rst shop in 1997 to rave reviews. Available in 8-inch and 10-inch sizes as well as mini bundtlets, the cakes were sold with fun, cheerful decorations and a smile. Nothing Bundt Cakes put out a happy vibe that had everyone talking. Now, 16 years later, Nothing Bundt Cakes has grown from a small family run store (where my own sister worked in high school) to a brand with more than 60 franchise stores. And the latest is in the heart of Arcadia. Owner Sue Singer, who decided Arcadia was the perfect spot to open the latest Nothing Bundt Cakes at 4290 E. Indian School, Suite 101, has owned the Scottsdale store for fi ve and a half years. And before becoming a part of this beloved cake family, she was one of its biggest fans. “A friend of mine took me to the store in Ahwatukee and told me I had to try it,” said Sue. “I was immediately hooked.” Sue was working in pharmaceutical sales and began taking Bundt cakes on her sales calls. “It was tough to get through the door at most doctors of fi ces,” she said. “The cakes got me in every time.” In 2006, Sue saw a fl ier next to the register while buying a cake. It was about franchise opportunities. “Years ago while in pharmaceutical and wearing suits all day, I would have never imagined what my life would become,” Sue said. “We live, eat, and breathe Nothing Bundt Cakes.” When Sue’s daughter was born fi ve years ago, Sue took just eight days off. She returned to the bakery with her daughter Tegan by her side, allowing her to sleep in a pack-and-play in her of fi ce. “My employees fought over her.,” she said. “Everyone wanted to hold her.” Now, Tegan is growing up in the bakery. When not at school, she loves to make frosting. “She puts on gloves and helps me stir,” Sue said. Nothing Bundt Cakes has stayed true to their cake sizes and fl avors through the years. Only adding a new fl avor once (red velvet) in 16 years, they recently decided to also make bundtinis, their version of a cupcake. Last week I had my fi rst Nothing Bundt Cake in eight years, when my mom surprised me with my favorite fl avor, white chocolate raspberry. Each bite was as dreamy and delicious as I remembered. Amanda Goossen is mother of a 5-and 7-year old, runs the Arcadia News book club and searches the Valley for the best sweets to share with readers. 28 Crafts on Draft ■ Stone Hearth Pretzels ■ Huge Outdoor Patio 3622 N. Scottsdale Road ■ 480.947.4006 ■ BratHausAZ.com Sun–Thurs 11am–10pm ■ Fri & Sat 11am–Midnight HAPPY HOUR Mon-Fri. 3-6pm. $2 off drafts. $1 off bottles.
Page 37 March 2013 started a business with a friend, and considered becoming a real estate agent. After the economy tanked and the real estate bubble burst, Sonneveldt changed his mind. The job search Nine years ago, Sonneveldt moved to Arizona so his wife, Lynel, could pursue a teaching position. It took Sonneveldt six of those years to fi nd a job. “It was very frustrating,” he said. Sonneveldt recorded 125,000 miles on his car pursuing job leads, and received 250 negative responses. After a member of his church told Sonneveldt he thought he might have Asperger’s or autism, Sonneveldt saw a doctor. “Without a doubt, you have autism disorder,” the doctor told him. He connected with SARRC after the diagnosis. When the idea for The Bene fi cial Bean materialized, Sonneveldt became an active collaborator. He was there from Day One, learning the ins and outs of the business. The Bene fi cial Bean planned to serve coffee, pastries and smoothies, but they needed one more idea for a smoothie. Sonneveldt offered his expertise – making a chocolate and banana smoothie now called “The Jon.” CeCe Russell, the social enterprise manager for SARRC, said Sonneveldt has thrived as a barista. “It has given him great con fi dence,” Russell said. “That’s the thing that’s been great for us – seeing him grow.” “Jon is very, very attentive to customer service,” said Kathy Coster, the manager of support services at Scottsdale Civic Library. The Bene fi cial Bean The idea for The Bene fi cial Bean emerged in 2010. Matador Coffee Company on Union Hills Drive near 32nd Street, hired a SARRC employee and saw how well he fl ourished in the business. The company’s owner approached SARRC, and offered to create a special coffee blend SARRC could sell. SARRC built off the idea, creating Culinary Works, a program dedicated to helping adults with autism fi nd a job, and offered educational cooking programs. Then, The Bene fi cial Bean was opened. The shop sells pastries, baked by Matt Kadell, an autistic business owner who went through the Culinary Works program. “I think it’s a fabulous idea,” said Angela Ventry, a customer whose daughter has Asperger’s. “And the coffee is good.” Emily Winters of Scottsdale visits the library nearly every day. “I never buy less than two pastries,” she said. Barista Continued from page 34 At Brookdale ® Place Paradise Valley, we’ll help you solve your retirement puzzle! From the subtle to the sublime, we provide the services and amenities that promote a lifestyle of happiness, fun and fulfillment. Optimum Life ® helps residents live at their peak level in six key areas or dimensions of wellness: purposeful, spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual and physical. And with Innovative Senior Care SM , residents have access to convenient on-site therapy services. Nearly all the pieces are in place. The only one missing … is you! UÊÊ >ÞÊ,iÃÌ>ÕÀ>ÌÊ } UÊÀiiÊ7 UÊ7>}Ê*>Ì Ã UÊ-V i`Õi`Ê/À>ëÀÌ>Ì UÊ"ÕÌ}ÃÊ>`Ê >ÞÊ/À«Ã UÊ-V>Ê ÛiÌà UÊ-> UÊ7iiÞÊ>««ÞÊÕÀà UÊ/>Ê Ê>`Ê9}> UÊ<ÕL> UÊi>Ìi`Ê* UÊ Ê*` Come for a visit and stay for lunch! 9ÕÀÊÃÌÀÞÊVÌÕiÃÊ iÀi°°° Independent Living Personalized Assisted Living 13240 North Tatum Boulevard Phoenix, Arizona 85032 1-888-396-6692 www.brookdaleliving.com ®Reg. U.S. Patent and TM Office. 00783-ROP01-0812 SC Visit us and see the many ways we can care for your family. Dr. Rob Mirabelli and Dr. Jen Mirabelli Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Board Certified Orthodontist i PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY & OR THODONTICS www.camelbackpedoortho.com 44th Street & Camelback Road 602-595-3531