Assisted by Arkansas State University ASBTDC
Consultant Robert Bahn
The Sweet Story of a Franchise Business
Jeff and Lisa Simmons purchased Jonesboro’s Bliss Cupcakes Café in August 2023, ready to grow the bakery and serve the area.
The café specializes in signature cupcakes, macarons, and cakes. The new owners remodeled the space and added their special touch.
Earlier in 2023, they began their entrepreneurial journey by working with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Arkansas State University. Business Consultant Robert Bahn played a pivotal role in guiding them through the franchise process.
ASBTDC provided vital market research and demographic insights that aided Jeff and Lisa with understanding Bliss’s audience and locale.
The collaboration laid the groundwork for potential expansions. Jeff expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the A-State center.
“The market research Robert Bahn gave allowed us to see what cities we should look at going to next. His assistance was invaluable for our journey.”
“Robert was always helpful because I could call him any time and he would get an answer back to me,” he said.
He also thanked Bahn for facilitating connections with the former owners, streamlining their transition.
Every day, Bliss Cupcakes Café bakes 10-12 different flavors of cupcakes from scratch, plus custom cakes. They also make treats like macarons, cake balls, and cookie sandwiches.
The café has eight staff.
For more information, see blisscupcakecafe.com.
