If you find yourself in Atlanta, Georgia, our Member Spotlight for June is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth and a passion for exceptional baked goods and chocolate delights. Prepare to be captivated by the skillful craftsmanship, attention to detail, and unforgettable flavors that define this unique bake shop chocolatarium. Whether treating yourself to a well-deserved indulgence or looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, Flaky Not Flaky will leave a lasting impression. Let Flaky Not Flaky take you on a delightful journey through the enchanting world of sweet sensations.

You can apply the following truths to every Flaky product as a result of their guiding principles. Only fresh, complete ingredients are used by Flaky. For instance, Apples from Washington, chocolate from Belgium, and Georgian buttermilk, to name a few sources of supply. The tastes you experience are made from whole vanilla beans, actual fruit, confections made by hand, and ground spices. Flaky not Flaky believes you’re worthy of better.

Flaky Not Flaky is on a mission to support your creation of dessert experiences. We enjoy making goodies that may be familiar but are done in novel or unconventional ways, whether it’s to enjoy time with friends and family or to surprise your coworkers (or employer). Their products are tasty and enjoyable conversation starters.

PREP Spotlight Questionnaire 

How did you first become a part of the restaurant/food industry, and what was your first job?
Flaky was born from a love of bringing people together through shared food experiences. My first job was bussing tables at a Mexican restaurant and then waiting tables in front of the house before finally making it into the kitchen.

How did you choose your name?
At Flaky, we do things you’ve probably seen before – we didn’t invent the scone – but you probably haven’t seen them done in the way we do them. So we’re “flaky = delicious,” not “flaky = silly.” While our business is fun, we’re serious about the execution and quality of everything we do.

How long have you been in Georgia, and what first brought you here?
We’ve been in Georgia for over 20 years and have been in business since 2021. Our family got and kept us in Georgia.

What are the most essential skills for a new food concept?
For us, there is no “most important” single skill. Our North Star is the customer experience. It influences everything we do, from quality control to ingredient costs to engagement activities. Of course, knowing how to run a business is important, but choosing the right values is critical.

What’s the most significant food business-related challenge you had to overcome?
Overcoming the fear of getting started was our greatest fear – what if nobody likes what we do? What if we fail? But our North Star reassured us that success would come if we engaged the community and delivered an excellent product and experience every time.

What prompted you to start a food business?
There was a moment where we said, “Why not us” If we don’t believe in ourselves, who else will?

What’s on your menu? Why did you choose this cuisine/product?
We specialize in baked goods as well as artisan chocolates. Our signature pastry is a sconut – a scone/donut hybrid—big pillowy dough, moist & sweet, baked – not fried, and filled with all-natural ingredients. You’ll never find an extract or artificial color/flavor in anything we do. Our chocolates include bonbons, truffles, and bars – all using premium cocoa from small farms in Venezuela and small batch producers in Belgium and France. We also make a selection of premium cakes topped with our bonbons and other chocolate creations.

Are any new exciting news or events coming?
We are having a “summertime Christmas “offering at the Peachtree Road farmers market. We’re bringing back all our holiday flavors for one week, from peppermint bonbons to s’more sconuts and even an iced “hot chocolate with a toasted marshmallow if you’re thirsty. Follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop.

How can someone buy your product?
Folks can order any time on www.FlakyNotFlaky.com or see us at the Peachtree Center Green Market on Thursdays or the Peachtree Road Farmers Market on Saturdays, in addition to our website.

Bundt•ish is a bakery in Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in delicious pound cakes. The bakery is the brainchild of founder and owner Johnny Washington, who began baking bundt cakes during the pandemic and grew their business exponentially along with his wife Stacy. What makes Bundt•ish unique is its dedication to providing experiences and delivering everlasting moments with its products. Their freshly baked, never frozen, are made from scratch and are meant to be the “centerpiece for the many precious moments of your life.”

The bakery’s signature cakes include “The Church Lady Classic,” a classic pound cake topped with powdered sugar, and the “Lemon Cookie Twist,” topped with a vanilla lemon glaze and lemon cookie crumbles. Other popular flavors include peanut butter cookie crisp, chocolate cookie crunch, and “Celebration of Love.” The cakes can be ordered in various sizes, from mini bundts to full-sized cakes, making them perfect for any occasion.

Bundtish has become a favorite among locals in Atlanta thanks to its commitment to quality ingredients and delicious cakes. Whether you’re looking for a cake for a special occasion or want to treat yourself to something sweet, Bundt•ish is worth a visit.

How did you first become a part of the restaurant/food industry, and what was your first job?
Johnny has been in the restaurant industry for 28 years. He was first “bit by the bug” in 1995 by taking a management training opportunity at Checkers. The summer opportunity turned into a 3-year stint on the management team. From there, he got his bachelor’s degree, worked as a manager at Einstein Bagel, Burger King, and Popeyes, Managing Partner Nancy’s Pizza franchisee, and as Consultant, at Sysco Foods.

How did you choose your name?
Stacey developed the name bundt•ish. They realized the bundt cake was popular and our pound cake may look like a bundt cake to most. Hence, the •ish in bundt•ish…A pound cake that tastes like a pound cake and looks like a bundt cake.

How long have you been in Georgia, and what first brought you here?
We’ve been in Georgia for over 25 years…Johnny from South Carolina and Stacey from New York. Johnny came here with Einstein and Stacey’s first stint in Georgia was to attend Morris Brown College.

What are the most essential skills for a new food concept?
Strategic and critical thinking, organization, money management, great communication, and relationship management. There are many more, but this is a great place to begin.

What’s the most significant food business-related challenge you had to overcome?
Easy…Free-flowing capital! Our operational, and relational experience and the breadth of our network gave us an advantage in getting started. With that, when scaling a business, you can always need more capital.

What prompted you to start a food business?
We are a pandemic baby. Our desire for pound cake during the pandemic quarantine of 2020 and the lack thereof was the catalyst. We realized there is a need for freshly baked, never frozen pound cake.

What’s on your menu? Why did you choose this cuisine/product?
Bundtish specializes in freshly baked pound cakes from classics like The Best Lemon Pound Cake Ever™️ and Church Lady Classic™️, cookie-infused and covered pound cakes like our Chocolate Cookie Crunch and our specialty coffee called Bundtish Blend.

Are any new exciting news or events coming?
Bundtish will be adding new flavors and gluten-free. Additionally, we are looking to implement pick-up and delivery in Q4.

How can someone buy your product?
Bundtish is available via www.bundtish.com

PREP Member Mentoring Program

Attention all PREP Members! Are you looking for ways to enhance your skills and knowledge in the food industry? If so, we have great news for you! PREP is excited to announce our new PREP Member Mentoring program designed to allow members to work with one another and help each other on the in and outs of the food industry.The food industry can be a complex and ever-changing field, and we understand that navigating it can be challenging. That’s why we have created this program to provide you with the support you need to succeed. Whether you’re new to the industry or an experienced professional, PREP’s Member Mentoring program can help you develop new skills, gain valuable insights, and expand your network.

Starting a food business can be a challenging endeavor, but utilizing a commercial shared kitchen like Prep Kitchens can significantly increase your chances of success. (1)

 Studies have shown that food entrepreneurs who use shared kitchens have a higher survival rate than those who try to start their own kitchens. In fact, a survey conducted by the International Business Innovation Association found that 80% of shared kitchen users were still in operation after three years in business(2).

One of the key advantages of shared kitchens is the cost savings they offer. Building and equipping a commercial kitchen from scratch can be financially demanding and risky for a new food business. However, using a shared kitchen can reduce costs significantly. According to a report by Small Business Labs, food entrepreneurs can save up to 50% in startup costs by utilizing shared kitchen spaces.

In addition to cost savings, shared kitchens provide aspiring food entrepreneurs with access to a permitted space that meets health department standards. A study conducted by the National Business Incubation Association found that shared kitchens are equipped with the necessary permits and licenses, reducing the regulatory burden for food entrepreneurs. This not only expedites the process of starting a food business but also ensures compliance with food safety regulations.

Shared kitchens also offer valuable support and guidance to food entrepreneurs. A survey conducted by the Food Entrepreneurs Network found that 75% of shared kitchen users received business support and mentoring from the facility. These resources can range from assistance with licensing and permits to marketing and business development guidance, helping food entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of starting and growing a successful food business.

By utilizing a commercial shared kitchen like Prep Kitchens, food entrepreneurs can take advantage of the benefits mentioned above. The support, cost savings, permitted space, and guidance offered by shared kitchens significantly increase the chances of success for those starting a food business1. So, if you're considering starting a food business, exploring the option of a commercial shared kitchen could be a strategic and beneficial choice.

Embarking on your dream of launching a food business is a thrilling adventure! Picture this: a shared kitchen – a bustling, creative hub where foodpreneurs unite to cook up something special. In this guide, we'll explore what shared kitchens are all about, the perks they bring, and why they're the go-to choice for food enthusiasts like you.

1. What's the Buzz About Shared Kitchens?

Shared kitchens, or commissary kitchens, are like culinary coworking spaces. Imagine a place where multiple foodiepreneurs share the same kitchen space, each whipping up their gastronomic delights. It's a cost-effective, collaborative setup that takes the hassle out of starting your food business.

2. Why Shared Kitchens are a Game-Changer for Your Culinary Venture

• Friendly on the Wallet

Let's talk money – starting a food business can be expensive. But with a shared kitchen, costs are shared among budding chefs. It's like a potluck of expenses, making it a budget-friendly option for launching your foodie dreams.

Discover affordable shared kitchen options at Prep Kitchens

• Top-Notch Gear at Your Fingertips

Ever dreamt of cooking in a kitchen with all the bells and whistles? Shared kitchens have you covered with high-quality equipment, from ovens to fridges. No need to worry about buying your gear – it's all there, ready for your culinary magic.

• Red Tape? Not Your Problem

Regulations can be a maze, especially for newcomers. Shared kitchens simplify things by offering a space that's already compliant with health and safety standards. Focus on perfecting your recipes without getting bogged down by red tape.

3. Unraveling the Mystery of Commissary Kitchens

What's this "commissary kitchen" thing, you ask? It's just another term for shared kitchens. Think of it as a cooking clubhouse where multiple businesses prep and store their goodies. It's not just a kitchen; it's a community of food enthusiasts sharing ideas, resources, and, of course, delicious bites.

4. Meet the Food Incubator – Your Culinary Launchpad

Ever heard of a "food incubator" or "culinary incubator"? These are shared kitchens on steroids. Not only do they provide cooking spaces, but they also offer extra resources, mentorship, and support to help your food business soar.

In a nutshell, starting your food journey in a shared kitchen is like hitting the culinary jackpot. It's affordable, equipped with top-notch gear, and surrounded by a community of fellow food lovers. So, whether you're crafting the next artisanal treat or cooking up a unique culinary concept, a shared kitchen might just be the secret sauce to your success.

Unleash your culinary flair with PREP Kitchens

Choosing a shared kitchen isn't just about cooking; it's about joining a community of like-minded individuals, each on their flavorful adventure. Ready to turn your culinary dreams into reality? A shared kitchen is waiting – your perfect starting point for a delicious journey!