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Eric from Erics Cheesecakes

MJ DeMarco

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Im no longer a victim. I got a plan now and it going to work. I am going to make it work.

Love the attitude.

Try to keep in mind a branding position. If you went on SharkTank, the first question they might ask is "what makes you not a commodity?" Everyone loves cheesecake, question is, how much do we love yours more than the others?

You're dealing in depth and dimension of a love --- kinda like a pizza-- even the worst pizza is still a damn pizza, I'll eat some of it.

So what can you do to make your cheesecake different, aside from being damn tasty?

For instance, maybe each plate could have a motivational proverb printed on it (think Fortune Cookie) that is exposed after eating?
 
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Ericito

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Love the attitude.

Try to keep in mind a branding position. If you went on SharkTank, the first question they might ask is "what makes you not a commodity?" Everyone loves cheesecake, question is, how much do we love yours more than the others?

You're dealing in depth and dimension of a love --- kinda like a pizza-- even the worst pizza is still a damn pizza, I'll eat some of it.

So what can you do to make your cheesecake different, aside from being damn tasty?

For instance, maybe each plate could have a motivational proverb printed on it (think Fortune Cookie) that is exposed after eating?

Thats an awesome idea. The fortune cookie thing. That will be good for the actual cake slices. The idea im working on could include that concept too. Im going to be crunching numbers and ideas to see how this is going to work, along with working hard and smart.
This is going to be the best cheesecake you ever had. I guarantee and stand behind my product....(or you money back?) Thats a gamble.
I will figure this out.
My list is coming. Had some interruptions.
Im not sure if you read Raven_Shadows comment after purchasing one of my cheesecakes
 

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Thats an awesome idea. The fortune cookie thing. That will be good for the actual cake slices. The idea im working on could include that concept too. Im going to be crunching numbers and ideas to see how this is going to work, along with working hard and smart.
This is going to be the best cheesecake you ever had. I guarantee and stand behind my product....(or you money back?) Thats a gamble.
I will figure this out.
My list is coming. Had some interruptions.
Im not sure if you read Raven_Shadows comment after purchasing one of my cheesecakes
You charged him after he helped you?
 

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You charged him after he helped you?

It was worth the money and the tip. The value I got from it was seeing someone finally "get it". Sometimes I'd pay to see it. :)

And I got a cheese cake from it too.
 
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Christopher777

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Gigi's cupcakes started out the same way. Just recently heard of it's story from The Power of Broke by Daymond John. She was an aspiring country singer that didn't make it. She however had a housecleaning business and a family cupcake recipe. She hustled while building the business, cleaning houses, waiting tables and took out a loan from herself using her credit cards to finance her cupcakes.

From what I make of it, she bootstrapped the whole thing and her network of people from the singing gig and from waiting tables around celebrities was key.
 

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You charged him after he helped you?
It was originally a regular transaction as with all customers. I honestly never expected to gain such a wealth of knowledege
You charged him after he helped you?
Its was more a standard business deal first, and it turned into an education lesson.
I wasn't even thinking about the cake sale after that.
Got me feeling bad now.
 

Ericito

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It was worth the money and the tip. The value I got from it was seeing someone finally "get it". Sometimes I'd pay to see it. :)

And I got a cheese cake from it too.

I kind feel bad now, because that knowledge was worth alot more then a cheesecake.
I owe you big time.
Thanks again
 
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Ericito

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Gigi's cupcakes started out the same way. Just recently heard of it's story from The Power of Broke by Daymond John. She was an aspiring country singer that didn't make it. She however had a housecleaning business and a family cupcake recipe. She hustled while building the business, cleaning houses, waiting tables and took out a loan from herself using her credit cards to finance her cupcakes.

From what I make of it, she bootstrapped the whole thing and her network of people from the singing gig and from waiting tables around celebrities was key.

Wow...Success. I actually met Daymond John. he actually too my daughter and l to dinner in NYC. However it was not pitch time, so l had to squeeze my cheeks. He also does not like cheesecake, but his staff said: "This cheesecake is a game changer". Was it a opportunity for me...maybe/maybe not. But it was about timing.
What im working on now is going to be a game changer. Im going to make it happen.
Thanks for that illustration.
 

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It was originally a regular transaction as with all customers. I honestly never expected to gain such a wealth of knowledege

Its was more a standard business deal first, and it turned into an education lesson.
I wasn't even thinking about the cake sale after that.
Got me feeling bad now.
Okay, I think his birthday is November 12. Remember him.
 

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I built a similar biz (all kinds of gourmet frozen desserts) in the 90's-early2000's and sold biz to a fortune 200 food company. Started with 1 pizza oven and sliced cakes manually. Supplier of the year nationwide for sysco, US foods, all kroger stores, super valu, restaurant chains, mail order catalogs(neiman marcus), fundraising, airlines etc...

I doubt I'd want to start one from scratch today though. But I'd get a partner who is a customer, a restaurant chain/hotel chain owner, or another compatible food manufacturer. As far as food regulation, dept of ag usually gives small biz leniency and increasingly lean on you as you get bigger. If you are small, you aren't going to get many people sick if you do screw up. Maybe they've become much more rigid...but not so sure about that. Look at the explosion of direct food delivery meal plans. There are tons of people making them at home and small kitchens and selling them not worrying about a food inspector. Dept of Ag usually has bigger fish to fry.

Exhibit in regional/state trade show to get some market feedback. Go walk the National Restaurant show usually in May and see what's there and also the IDDBA for grocery/retail trade show.
 

Ericito

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I built a similar biz (all kinds of gourmet frozen desserts) in the 90's-early2000's and sold biz to a fortune 200 food company. Started with 1 pizza oven and sliced cakes manually. Supplier of the year nationwide for sysco, US foods, all kroger stores, super valu, restaurant chains, mail order catalogs(neiman marcus), fundraising, airlines etc...

I doubt I'd want to start one from scratch today though. But I'd get a partner who is a customer, a restaurant chain/hotel chain owner, or another compatible food manufacturer. As far as food regulation, dept of ag usually gives small biz leniency and increasingly lean on you as you get bigger. If you are small, you aren't going to get many people sick if you do screw up. Maybe they've become much more rigid...but not so sure about that. Look at the explosion of direct food delivery meal plans. There are tons of people making them at home and small kitchens and selling them not worrying about a food inspector. Dept of Ag usually has bigger fish to fry.

Exhibit in regional/state trade show to get some market feedback. Go walk the National Restaurant show usually in May and see what's there and also the IDDBA for grocery/retail trade show.
Thanks so much. Im very happy for your success. That is inspirational. Yes the new route l decided to take is going to be a cheesecake game changer. I been working out the details all weekend and now executing the product. A couple of days of baking and all should be fine. I am no longer worried about the USDA as they already held me down long enough. So once l get this into action, it will either be s huge sucess or huge failure. But im willing to give it my all. It wont take alot of work, but the method and product will be a winner. Im sure cause l believe in myself.
I actually may be able to do that restaurant networking also. But l will give this a shot first.
Thank again for the advice.
 
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B V Marlon

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Just a thought, I seem to recall that you've converted your garage into the cheesecake kitchen? Is it separate from the house? Could you get it classified as a commercial facility as it's separate? The gist that I'm getting from this page:
NCDA&CS - Food & Drug Protection - Food Program
is that the rules mentioned apply to kitchens located within a domestic home. Now, if it was a separate facility with separate access, that just happened to be on the same plot of land..... Even attached to the house might not be a problem if you couldn't directly access the facility from the house.

Assuming that works, you'd then need to follow whatever guidelines are in place for small processors, make sure that everything was designed and constructed with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines in mind and that you're compliant with the rules around paperwork and inspections. The NCAGR website states that inspections and licensing is required, you'd need to speak to them to find out what they'd need. If your cheesecakes are baked, then they're pretty low risk from a food safety point of view.

Alternatively, looking here:
NCDA&CS - Food & Drug Protection - Food Program - Starting a Food Business

Could you not classify yourself as a catering operation? That would most likely have less onerous requirements than a registered food processor and would allow you to supply cafes, restaurants and the public, I would have thought.

From a lover of cheesecake (it's implicated in my marriage), I wish you very success.
 

Ericito

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Just a thought, I seem to recall that you've converted your garage into the cheesecake kitchen? Is it separate from the house? Could you get it classified as a commercial facility as it's separate? The gist that I'm getting from this page:
NCDA&CS - Food & Drug Protection - Food Program
is that the rules mentioned apply to kitchens located within a domestic home. Now, if it was a separate facility with separate access, that just happened to be on the same plot of land..... Even attached to the house might not be a problem if you couldn't directly access the facility from the house.

Assuming that works, you'd then need to follow whatever guidelines are in place for small processors, make sure that everything was designed and constructed with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines in mind and that you're compliant with the rules around paperwork and inspections. The NCAGR website states that inspections and licensing is required, you'd need to speak to them to find out what they'd need. If your cheesecakes are baked, then they're pretty low risk from a food safety point of view.

Alternatively, looking here:
NCDA&CS - Food & Drug Protection - Food Program - Starting a Food Business

Could you not classify yourself as a catering operation? That would most likely have less onerous requirements than a registered food processor and would allow you to supply cafes, restaurants and the public, I would have thought.

From a lover of cheesecake (it's implicated in my marriage), I wish you very success.
Thanks for that information. I checked on that. I was told if l want to do that then l have to certify under the commercial regulations, which mean duct systems, separate dish washing section....etc.
However, l got a little more clarification on the standards. Not from the FDA but from and NC State Food Inspector Specialist. He calrified things l needed to know, and things l need to prove to be able to sell cheesecakes from my kitchen.
In minor detail, about refrigeration and water and sugar content, then is supposedly different for those who make cream cheese icing for red velvet cake. I just have to prove scientifically that my cakes are just as safe as icing.
Its just a way to keep small home business from competing against restaurants and bakeries of brick and mortar.
Either was im no longer worried about it. I will do whatever l need to do to make it work.
Thank again for the support.
 

Ericito

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Good Morning All - 8-26-17
Today l am launching my game changing items.
Some may have seen this already and State Fairs and annual events. But now on a regular daily basis.
These are going to change the game and hopefully write a new chapter.
Erics Cheesecakes Presents:
Cheesecake on a Stick and Cheesecake Pops.
I will be launching today as a street sale and Mimis Pizza in Burlington NC from 1-3 with a limited supply of both.

This is what l been working on the last month, and was inspired by this group and personally by Ravens_Shadow.
So here they are. All comment are welcome.
Thanks you for everything and all the inspiration. 0803171419.jpg 0825172247.jpg 0825172247.jpg
 
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Scot

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Glad to see you're still in the game!

Hope you sell out in the first hour.
 

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Tried the pops and they're incredible. Literally it is the best treat I've ever tasted. I'm sure they'll be a hit. @Ericito has nailed it on the product side.
 

million$$$smile

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Great idea!

Unique. So why don't you start a Kickstarter campaign to fund a commercial kitchen if that's whats needed?

Glad to see movement. I just couldn't let myself comment on all the 'reasons' (excuses) why it couldn't be done.

Rep+
 

Ericito

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Cheesecake on a stick... I love it. Looks amazing... Come to Canada soon.
Hopefully. Who knows. If this works, it may became an international sensation. Right now its bread crumbs.
Thanks for the support.
 
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Ericito

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Great idea!

Unique. So why don't you start a Kickstarter campaign to fund a commercial kitchen if that's whats needed?

Glad to see movement. I just couldn't let myself comment on all the 'reasons' (excuses) why it couldn't be done.

Rep+
Excuses are for quitters. I am not a quitter. I am a fighter. I just needed to motivation to believe in myself. Yes there are still road blocks, but l have my sledge hammer. So l get a fine....Oh well. NC is still making money from sales tax. Im legal. Plus my last name is not Hurdle for nothing. LOL. So l will do whatever it takes to make this work.
Thanks for the support.
 

Ericito

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Tried the pops and they're incredible. Literally it is the best treat I've ever tasted. I'm sure they'll be a hit. @Ericito has nailed it on the product side.
Thank you so much for the physical support. Im so glad you are near or in the proximity. You have been my inspiration and my mentor that just helped me realize that l had it all along, but just needed to believe in myself and forget about those that dont, or the laws that want to keep me down. I/We are going to make this happen, no matter what it takes.
Thank you my brother. You are amazing.
 

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