Cue the quiz-show music. How many ways are there to configure a Transit? If that question ever came up, the only lifeline call would have to be to someone such as Ray Felice, Fleet and Commercial Lease Manager from Wayne Pittman Ford in Guelph, Ontario.
Ray says there are 64 configurations. With options and upfit, the sky is the limit. Which brings us to what certainly has to be the most unique Transit ever: Sprinkle. Sprinkle is a triple-tall, triple-long billboard for Sweet Temptations Cupcakery, owned by Jakki Prince.
Jakki started Sweet Temptations in 2010 as a part-time business, selling cupcakes on weekends at farmers’ markets and festivals. Jakki recalls, “As we grew, we started to realize we needed a storefront where people can walk in seven days a week for cupcakes, not just on the weekend.” By fall 2013, Sweet Temptations had a flagship store in south Guelph.
Jakki is part of people’s everyday celebrations—and not only for walk-ins. She brings dessert to Guelph’s vibrant festival and event culture.
But it wasn’t easy. A popup tent and coolers were not the best way to carry and sell handcrafted cupcakes. What Jakki really needed was a food truck.
In business, timing is everything. Early in 2015, Jakki learned about proposed bylaws that would allow food trucks in Guelph. Jakki spoke at town council several times to make sure that the bylaw would allow her to operate successfully. At the same time, Jakki presented the idea for Sprinkle to Ray Felice.
A sweet collaboration.
Most food trucks are recycled delivery trucks. But that just wouldn’t reflect on Jakki’s store and mission. She wanted something reliable, something that would keep the cupcakes safe. With Ray’s expertise—a customized Ford Transit—was the logical choice.
Ray explains, “I work with customers who have small fleets. I help them decipher what they’re going to install, whether it is something simple like shelving units or something like Sprinkle. There are a number of suppliers in my network–from metal suppliers to body modifiers to refrigeration and electrical contractors. I guide the customer to the right supplier for their need.”
Jakki adds, “We talked daily about the progress. Most importantly, Ray helped us roll the upfit into our lease agreement.”
Sweet rewards.
Sprinkle was at its first event only three weeks after the bylaw went into effect. Sprinkle has been a gamechanger. With a digital menu, customers know what’s for sale. Inside, there’s headroom for all—and an air conditioner to keep things cool. Unlike tents and coolers, Sprinkle is ready to roll—with over 1,000 perfect cupcakes—when it arrives. It’s not just the cupcakes that attract attention. Jakki is always getting other truck owners asking to check out the truck.
Jakki continues, “Over the two summers we’ve had Sprinkle, we’ve attended more community and corporate events than ever. We are booked solid, May to October. More than just an additional revenue stream, Sprinkle lets us go where people are celebrating their moments.
Maybe one day down the road we’ll decide to have Sprinkle Two.”
If you’re in Guelph, drop by Sweet Temptations Cupcakery. The peanut butter chocolate cupcake is out of this world. If a Ford vehicle is helping your business go further, drop us a line and you could be featured on Ford social properties.