UA student Jennifer Bogart with some of her creations.
Jennifer Bogart likes to come up with unexpected culinary combinations. She says she puts a twist on everything she makes at Twisted Treats — Custom Cakes, Candies and More. The hospitality management student is working toward an associate degree in small business management and a certificate in restaurant management at The University of Akron’s Summit College while undertaking the role of entrepreneur at her Akron shop at 2176 Romig Road.
Culinary talents emerged early
Bogart says she grew up in the kitchen, learning much of what she knows about food from her mother and grandmother. Three years ago, she started an at-home-business called It’s All About the Cake. Though she has been involved in the food industry since age 15, Bogart discovered her enjoyment for creating cakes and chocolates after her mother sent her to cake decorating lessons for Christmas.
“From the first class, I just fell in love with it, and have been doing it every year since,” Bogart says.
Bogart’s business soon took off, she outgrew her home headquarters, sought a new location and appropriately changed her business’ name to Twisted Treats, to define all she offers. She developed partnerships with area businesses, such as Mr. Zub’s Deli in Highland Square, Ambiance Inc. and Claire’s Garden in Norton.
“I’ve been successful largely thanks to people and other businesses that saw my vision and liked what I had to offer. I still deliver chocolates every week to Mr. Zub’s Deli, my first client,” Bogart says.
Wide variety of items available
Featured bakery items at Twisted Treats include chocolate-covered bacon, raspberry-filled jalapeno cheesecake with a mojito whipped topping and signature items, such as tornadoes, which are pretzels wrapped in caramel, dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with walnuts and pecans. Cakes are available for purchase in the store, or can be special-ordered for events. Sugar-free and vegan bakery items are available upon request.
“With most of my items, people will ask, ‘You dipped what in chocolate?’ To me that’s the fun part, experimenting to see what works and what doesn’t,” Bogart says.
Over time, Bogart expects to open four Twisted Treats locations and two reception halls with fully equipped kitchens to host events. She also plans to partner with Micah Townsend, head chef and general manager of Mr. Zub’s Deli, to open a restaurant and bar.
However, in the more immediate future, one of Bogart’s first business endeavors — a Twisted Treats grand opening celebration for the public with complimentary refreshments, takes place from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 26.
The bakery is open Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday for deliveries only. For details, call Twisted Treats at 330-745-5454.
Media contacts: Paige Poleondakis, 330-972-6482 or pep7@zips.uakron.edu, or Denise Henry, 330-972-6477 or henryd@uakron.edu.