Meet Jill McEnroe of Frannie Franks Coffee Cakes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill McEnroe.

Hi Jill, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Little did I expect that my art degree would pave the way for a thriving career as a baker. The unexpected journey began with a coffee cake recipe and the intention to craft a special birthday treat for my boss. I did not anticipate that this simple gesture would blossom into something more significant. My mother’s belief in the power of cooking from scratch was my guiding principle and instilled in me since childhood. Her handwritten recipe book held a treasure trove of culinary memories, and one recipe, in particular, caught my eye—the cinnamon streusel coffee cake. Reminiscing about my childhood, watching my mom bake this cake in dresses and heels, accompanied by Patsy Cline tunes, filled my senses with nostalgia. Recreating the cake revived those cherished memories, prompting me to share the joy with my colleagues at work and my husband’s workplace. A hush fell over the room when I presented the cake to my boss. After a brief silence, he approached my desk and whispered, “You could sell this; it’s that good.” Later that day, my husband informed me of orders from his coworkers, setting the wheels in motion for a new chapter in my life.

The Innovation Center, a commercial kitchen incubator in Independence, became my launchpad, and soon, our clientele expanded to include Dean & Deluca, The Roasterie, Cerner, Starbucks, and HyVee. The inspiration behind naming our coffee cakes after Frannie Franks originates from my mother’s long-held dream of owning a business. Given that we utilized her cherished recipe, naming the cakes in her honor felt fitting. “Frannie” is her given name, and “Frank” coincidentally aligns with my grandfather’s first name. The delightful rhyme with “coffee cakes” was the perfect finishing touch—voilà!

Fast forward 14 years, and I now own a bakery offering 147 coffee cake flavors, ranging from regular to gluten-free and dairy-free options. Every day, my niece and I share our passion for baking and spreading joy through food, all in homage to my mother. The previous year, I marked a significant milestone for us. We had the privilege of catering the green room for celebrities at Big Slick, contributing to Thundergong with Jason Sudeikis, and being selected to supply coffee cakes for 150 people in the VIP Suites at GEHA Stadium for the Chiefs/Raiders game on Christmas day! Grateful for the unexpected turns my journey has taken, I look forward with excitement to the future. The simplicity of a kind act, such as baking that initial coffee cake, can open doors to unforeseen opportunities. If I hadn’t embarked on that act of kindness years ago, who knows where life would have taken me? So, if you find yourself at a crossroads, remember the transformative power of a simple, kind gesture—you never know where it might lead.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We have encountered numerous challenges and obstacles on this path, yet the journey has been enriching. I’ve consistently embodied a resilient spirit, refusing to be hindered by anything in my pursuit of success and navigating through hurdles; a creative approach was crucial in promoting our product during our time at the incubator. Securing a spot at the Overland Park Farmer’s Market, voted the #1 farmer’s market in the nation, marked a pivotal moment, allowing us to establish a devoted local following. Other challenges included turning down an opportunity with Shark Tank and the quest for a suitable storefront and production facility, necessitated by our growth beyond the confines of the incubator.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Frannie Franks Coffee Cakes is not just a bakery; it’s a journey of passion, resilience, and the pursuit of creating exceptional experiences with cake. We specialize in crafting a wide array of coffee cakes, offering over 147 flavors, including regular, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. What sets us apart is not just the variety but the dedication to quality, the warmth infused into each recipe, and the heartfelt connection to our customers. We take pride in being more than just a business; we are a brand that values tradition, family, and the joy of sharing delicious moments. Our roots are firmly grounded in the belief that baking from scratch with love and care is the key to creating memorable and mouthwatering treats. We’ve navigated challenges, from creative marketing during our incubator days to expanding into local markets, stores, and events. As the owner of Frannie Franks Coffee Cakes, I am most proud of our genuine connections with our customers. Our brand celebrates the simple joys in life, and our offerings reflect that. Whether you savor the classic flavors or explore the innovative and unique combinations, each bite is a testament to our commitment to excellence. I want readers to know that Frannie Franks Coffee Cakes isn’t just about cakes; it’s about the stories, memories, and shared moments our creations inspire. Our dedication to quality, diverse flavors, and commitment to customer satisfaction make us a distinctive and beloved choice as a local bakery with heart.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Recognizing the need for comfort during the COVID-19 crisis, we responded by introducing a small, single-serving coffee cake priced at $6. This became crucial amid economic uncertainties, offering an affordable indulgence for individuals. To enhance accessibility, we invested in a new delivery vehicle, ensuring our products could reach customers directly at their doorsteps. One positive outcome of the pandemic was the shift in business practices. Due to restrictions, many businesses could no longer offer product samples. In adapting to this change, we strategically eliminated sampling, significantly boosting our profits. This adjustment has proven to be a beneficial outcome of the challenging circumstances brought about by Covid-19.

Pricing:

• Small coffee cakes start at $6 (1-2 servings)
• Medium Coffee Cakes start at $14 (3-4 servings)
• Large coffee cakes start at $25 (8-14 servings)
• Cakecuterie platters start at $75 (45+ servings)
• Sheet Cake coffee cakes start at $90 (60+ servings)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.franniefrankscoffeecakes.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franniefrankscoffeecakes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/franniefrankscoffeecakes/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/FrannieFranks