Set between the Gold Coast’s spectacular Broadwater and the Pacific Ocean at Sea World Resort Conference Centre, franchisee Debbie Nielsen accepted the award on behalf of herself and her entire Hervey Bay team.
“I am still overwhelmed and honoured to have been nominated for the awards, let alone to have won. If it wasn’t for my staff and the team I have now, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The QLD state field team have also been an amazing source of support, giving me advice and encouragement throughout my journey at The Cheesecake Shop Hervey Bay.” says Debbie.
Judged for a combination of retail sales, customer and mystery shopper results as well as meeting strategic business initiatives, Debbie was not only honoured with the national award but was also recognised as a Red Cross Champion for her outstanding commitment to fundraising for the Australian Red Cross, raising over $10,000 over the last 3 years alone.
Debbie and her husband Darren have been operating The Cheesecake Shop Hervey Bay for just over 15 years and whilst they started with no prior baking or decorating experience, Debbie is now the store’s full-time cake decorator, really finding her passion for decorating in the last 4 years when she decorated a cake for her granddaughter’s 7th birthday.
Making Wedding cakes, Engagement cakes, Baby Shower cakes, Birthday cakes and everything in-between has now become a highlight for Debbie saying that “the best thing about being a Franchisee with The Cheesecake Shop is seeing the joy on customer’s faces,” and receiving feedback on the cakes that she has decorated. Debbie also has customers that come from surrounding areas such as Maryborough, Howard and Torbanlea.
When asked what makes a small business successful, Debbie said without hesitation, “Giving back to the community and helping out the strugglers.” It is this genuine approach to business that has seen her take out the top award for The Cheesecake Shop in 2017 and win a holiday valued at $10,000 to a destination of her and Darren’s choice which they are very much looking forward to.
The Hervey Bay bakery upholds The Cheesecake Shop’s motto of ‘made with love’ by delivering consistently fresh products that are baked in store – such as the ever popular Belgian Double Choc Mudcake, Black Forest Torte and Debbie’s favourite, the Citron Glaze Continental Cheesecake.
So whether you are celebrating an award, a birthday, an anniversary, or simply want to satisfy a craving for something sweet and delicious, pop in and say hi to Debbie and the team at The Cheesecake Shop Hervey Bay.
Debbie’s custom cakes are able to be viewed on The Cheesecake Shop’s website through Cake Works which is an easy to use platform for customers wishing to inquire about custom cakes (https://www.cheesecake.com.au/cake-works/).