Cupcake addiction runs strong in my family! So much so, that my 3 year old is constantly scoping out downtown Orlando for the Yum Yum Cupcake Truck! Anytime he sees or hears a delivery truck in the distance, he begins yelling “yum yum mommy”. I mean, take a look at these beauties below and you’ll understand why.
I have talked about these delicious cupcakes in the past, but I wanted to go a bit further and introduce you to the awesome guys who made the Yum Yum Truck a reality – Joey & Alex. Check out the interview I had with Joey below. Also, make sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter so you always know where to find the Yum Yum Cupcake Truck.
Where did the Yum Yum Cupcake Truck idea come from? How was it born?
Alex and I lived in San Francisco and Philadelphia where Food Truck Culture is instilled in everyday life. There was a cupcake truck we used to visit at lunchtime when we had our corporate jobs. She would sell out in half an hour and the line would still be three blocks down. Alex has always baked for me – I would come home miserable from my job, and he would always bake cookies or cupcakes for me to cheer me up. When we finally decided to go into business for ourselves, baked goods were an obvious start. The lightbulb went off to open a truck once we realized how expensive retail rent is, even in a recession in Florida.
The name Yum Yum, is based on an old Ice Cream Parlor that was on Park Ave during the turn of the century. Our love is anything old-florida, retro, kitschy – so the name was a perfect fit.
What has been the scariest part of your journey?
When the man who retro-fitted our truck took my credit card and put $18,000 on it.
Have you always enjoyed baking? Did you ever bake for special events or was the Yum Yum Cupcake Truck your first baking adventure?
Alex has always baked (see above) and we were the people who always were asked to bring dessert to a cookout, etc. Alex’s father was a professional baker so Alex just kind of watched his dad and taught himself new tricks. We have been doing catering since November as just “Yum Yum Cupcakes”.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey?
Honestly? Our customers. I didn’t realize how much you can connect with a customer. Those we see everyday, once a week, once a month – each and every one blows our mind with how kind and complimentary they are.
I see you use social media to advertise where the Yum Yum truck will be. What marketing avenue has been most successful?
We have been lucky enough to be in several local papers, local news shows, radio…but the most powerful so far has been the blogosphere. Anytime there is a blogger that features us, our facebook and twitter explode.
What is the most popular cupcake you sell? What is your personal favorite?
Peanut Butter Choco-rama for sure. The frosting taste like the inside of the Reese’s. Only its not. Its hand whipped butter, peanutbutter, cream and sugar. Alex’s personal favorite is our recently retired mint chocolate. My favorite is old fashioned birthday cake cupcakes (what your son likes!).
Are your cupcakes all natural? Tell me about the ingredients.
You bet! All ingredients are FRESH, nothing is frozen or pre mixed. No preservatives. Alex and I bake each and every cupcake ourselves, like we were baking for ourselves. We aren’t a cupcake factory.
Anything special your fans should know about Yum Yum or the masterminds behind the concept?
I wouldn’t call us masterminds. But I think people should know that Alex and I started this because we wanted to spend more time together. Our corporate jobs prevented us from spending holidays, birthdays, weekends together. We are doing this to be together. We make a lot less money and work a lot harder now, but everyday is so rewarding and our lives are much more peaceful now. We also love Orlando and are inspired by how beautiful it is and how friendly our customers are. We moved here because we wanted to open a business in a community that appreciates small business owners. And Yum Yum fans have proven a thousand times over that Orlando can embrace something like this.
On average, how many cupcakes are baked each day? Where are they baked at?
We bake anywhere from 250-500 a day, although, we have baked 1,000 cupcakes in one day. We bake at this fabulous kitchen share in Winter Park with like 15 other small businesses (the Winter Park Pesto Diva, etc.)
Can we expect the Yum Yum Truck to expand to other areas? Will there ever be more than one truck?
We are really hoping to expand more to East Orlando, Winter Garden, and maybe even show the Lake Mary area some love.
What a fun interview! The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck has some of Orlando’s best cupcakes so you must try them! Let Alex and Joey know that The Unemployed Mom sent you!
After you visit the truck, leave a comment letting me know what your favorite flavor is. Mine is the Peanut Butter Choco-rama mentioned above, it really is scrumptious! The peanut butter icing is simply insane!
Let me leave you with a final glimpse at some of Yum Yum’s yummy creations.
What are you waiting for, find the Yum Yum Cupcake Truck now!