Turning a Setback into Sweet Success

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Rickeeta Cunningham found herself facing an uncertain future after being laid off from her job. However, what could have been a difficult time became the start of a delicious adventure. Alongside her husband, Phaion, she turned a simple idea into a successful business. What started as selling cheesecakes at farmers' markets from a table and tent soon grew into a thriving operation.

The Cunninghams story is one of resilience, resourcefulness, and a whole lot of cheesecake.

The Game-Changer: Cheesecakes in Mason Jars

One of the defining moments in the rise of Mr. C's Cheesecakes was Rickeeta's idea to sell their cheesecakes in mason jars. A $3 find at Kroger's turned into a unique selling point that quickly set them apart. Customers loved the convenient, portable jars, and they became a hit at local farmers' markets, including the Shepherdsville Farmers Market. This creative presentation helped the business soar, as people were drawn to both the look and taste of the cheesecakes.

Expanding from Tent to Food Truck

As demand for their cheesecakes grew, the couple decided to take their business to the next level. In 2021, they expanded from their simple tent setup to a food truck, allowing them to serve even more customers across various locations and events. Their food truck became a hit at weddings, parties, and community events, where they offered a customizable cheesecake experience with toppings like Oreo crumbs, cookie butter, and brownie batter.

The food truck also allowed them to expand their menu to include innovative treats like cheesecake cookie sandwiches, milkshakes, and sundaes—transforming cheesecake into a multi-dimensional dessert experience.

Balancing Family, Jobs, and Business Growth

Running a business is never easy, and for Phaion and Rickeeta, the challenges extended beyond typical business logistics. Both were balancing full-time jobs while running the business, in addition to raising children and fostering. Scheduling became a critical issue, especially as their cheesecake business began to demand more of their time. They credit their success to meticulous planning, strong communication, and their ability to prep cheesecakes in advance to meet demand.

Even with the expansion of their business, their commitment to family has remained strong, proving that with the right strategy, it's possible to balance both worlds.

Best-Selling Flavors and Creative Creations

The variety of cheesecake flavors at Mr. C's is constantly evolving based on customer feedback and the Cunninghams own creativity. Fan favorites include Strawberry Crunch, Oreo, and seasonal options like Pumpkin Cookie and Salted Caramel Apple. Every week, new flavors rotate in, keeping customers excited to try what’s next.

The introduction of cheesecake milkshakes, inspired by a boxing night with friends, has been one of their most surprising hits. Customers are often amazed by the creamy, flavorful taste of these shakes, and they’ve become a staple on the menu.

Building a Community of Cheesecake Lovers

From day one, the Cunninghams have focused on connecting with their community. Whether it's through farmers' markets or social media, they have worked hard to build a loyal following of customers who appreciate their dedication to quality and creativity. Their first supporters from the Shepherdsville market still travel to their hub, even 30 minutes away, to enjoy the sweet treats. Social media has also been a powerful tool, helping them reach new customers via platforms like Facebook and local foodie groups.

Word of mouth continues to be one of their biggest assets, with satisfied customers spreading the word about the unique flavors and creations Mr. C's Cheesecakes offers.

Looking Ahead: Innovating and Growing

As Mr. C's Cheesecakes continues to grow, Phaion and Rickeeta are focused on refining their business even further. Their goal is to increase involvement in local events, enhance scheduling to better serve their customers, and continue to innovate their offerings. While growth is important, they’re committed to maintaining the high level of quality that has earned them a loyal following.

For those looking to follow in their footsteps, the Cunninghams have some valuable advice. First and foremost, expect hard work. Running a food business is no small feat, especially when balancing it with other commitments. They emphasize the importance of securing the right permits and licenses to ensure your business is operating legally and efficiently. Prepping ahead of time is another key to success, allowing them to serve large crowds quickly and without hassle.

Most importantly, they stress the value of persistence. "Keep going, even when it's hard," says Phaion. "The rewards are worth it."

For more information on Mr. C's Cheesecake and their journey, follow them on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.