Local Baker on "Cupcake Wars"

[Dwayne Wilder]

Denison's Hanson on Food Network Sunday

The excitement is building in Downtown Denison for local business owner Buffy Hanson.

She will compete in the popular Food Network television show “Cupcake Wars” on Sunday, July 29 at 7 p.m. A watching party is being sponsored by Downtown Denison, Inc. at the Rialto Theater at 424 W. Main Street.

Hanson, owner of “Buffy’s Cupcakes on Main,” will be featured in this week’s episode of the popular cupcake show. Four of the country’s top cupcake bakers face-off in three elimination challenges until only one decorator remains. Hanson will be competing in the “Angry Birds” competition, which is based on the popular video game series. The prize for the winner is $10,000 and the opportunity to showcase their cupcakes at the kickoff party for the ‘Angry Birds Space' telephone application in Seattle.

“Even though it sounds like a cliché, it really was an honor to be chosen for the show,” said Hanson. “So many people submit audition tapes, but only 40 teams are selected per season.”

She began the process by contacting the network and submitting basic information. They let her know that casting would begin in January, according to Hanson.

In January, Hanson was pleasantly surprised when the Food Network contacted her to request an audition tape. The contents of the tape were coordinated through a casting director; and after submission, she immediately received a call back. She and assistant Micah Baylor went to Los Angeles in March to tape the show; and they had to keep the experience a secret until now.

The show is aired to a national audience; and it is creating excitement throughout Denison. Limited seating is available in the Rialto for those wishing to join the watching party. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. Those in line will be allowed entrance as space is available. The public is encouraged to line up early for the best chance to gain entry, according to planners.

“She (Hanson) has been a tremendous asset in Downtown Denison since opening. She recently added Blue Bell Ice Cream, and this has made her shop even more popular,” said Denison Main Street Director Donna Dow. “During taping for the show, she repeatedly promoted her commitment to our downtown. We all celebrate her accomplishments and wish continued success for her business.”

Hanson opened the business to a packed house last Sept. 30, at 409 W. Main Street. She is a former preschool director who had a dream of owning a bakery. She contacted the Grayson College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to learn what she needed to do to start a business. “Buffy’s Cupcakes on Main” has been one of their featured success stories at both the local and North Texas Small Business Development Center levels.

Hanson believes that experience in the industry provided her with the baking skills she needed to create an excellent product. With the help of her SBDC Business Advisor, Karina Alvarez, she learned about market research, business structures, registrations, licensing, tax issues, developing a business plan, projecting startup and operating costs and securing financing.

“Buffy’s Cupcakes on Main” features cupcakes baked fresh daily, special order cakes, and cookies as well as wedding and birthday cakes. Hanson also uses social media in her marketing efforts with daily Facebook posts to keep everyone informed of what flavors are on the shelf.

“A great product and good marketing skills have resulted in sales continuing to exceed the pre-opening projections,” said Dow. “Buffy is looking forward to the premier at the Rialto as well as the growth of her business in Downtown Denison.”

For more information, contact Hanson at (903) 337-1629 or buffysonmain@gmail.com.