There’s no denying the allure of a cupcake: sweet, creamy frosting (preferably vanilla) and moist, delicate cake (preferably chocolate) is a winning combination. But, can you be successful owning a cupcake bakery? Can it really make you money?

The short answer? Yes — and Yummy Cupcakes has proven it’s possible.

In 2004, Executive Chef Tiffini Soforenko opened the now award-winning Yummy Cupcakes in Los Angeles, California. Since then, she’s served gourmet cupcakes and other treats to customers and celebrities the world over. As of September 2012, Yummy Cupcakes is sharing its secrets to sweet success as it expands as a fresh new franchise concept.

Yummy Cupcakes’ hub and spoke business model positions each franchisee at the center of multiple incoming revenue streams. At the center of the business model is Yummy Cupcakes’ bakehouse, a location that both sells and bakes cupcakes. A bakehouse is capable of baking up to 12,000 cupcakes a day– enough to sustain sales at 2-4 satellite Yummy Cupcakes locations, which don’t perform any onsite baking. In addition to cupcake sells (the average ticket is $14), half of Yummy Cupcakes’ business comes from catering sales.

“Taste is very subjective, but our Los Angeles locations win ‘Best in Show’ each time in one of the most competitive markets,” says Dennis Mulgannon, Yummy Cupcakes’ director of franchising.

Part of Yummy Cupcakes’ success lies in its proprietary icing and cupcake recipes. The franchise doesn’t use a single pre-made mix for any of its 430 flavors– some of which are vegan and sugar-free– and include interesting combinations like Apple Blue Cheese and Tomato Soup in addition to more traditional, sweet offerings.

Currently, Yummy Cupcakes operates three locations in California and two international locations in the Middle East. Since it began franchising in early September of 2012, Yummy Cupcakes already has locations in Boston, France, Italy, the U.K., NYC, Texas, Nevada, Colorado, Oman, Japan and Abu Dhabi.

So, who are they looking for when it comes to potential franchisees?

“We’re looking for candidates with business experience– be it former small business owners or former corporate executives,” explains Mulgannon. “A passion for baking is great, but we’re not looking for someone who likes to make cupcakes– we’re looking for someone who understands basic business skills, knows what a P&L is, and how to manage a growing business.”

For those who are interested in starting a Yummy Cupcakes franchise or simply want more information, visit http://www.franchiseclique.com/franchise/Yummy-Cupcakes.

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