Note:  Buffy Hanson was born in Coronado, California to the parents of Debra Edwards and Dale Roberson (CHS grads '73 and '74).

DENISON BUSINESS OWNER BUFFY HANSON TO COMPETE ON THE FOOD NETWORK’S CUPCAKE WARS

The excitement is building in Downtown Denison for local business owner Buffy Hanson. She competes in the popular Food Network Television show “Cupcake Wars” on Sunday, July 29th at 7 p.m.  A watch party is being hosted by Downtown Denison Inc. in the Rialto Theater at 424 W. Main.

Buffy Hanson, owner of Buffy’s Cupcakes on Main in Downtown Denison, will be featured in this week’s  episode of Cupcake Wars. The show will have four of the country’s top cupcake bakers faceoff in three elimination challenges until only one decorator remains.  Buffy will be competing in the “Angry Birds” competition where they will decorate according the theme of the popular game series. The prize for the winner is $10,000 and the opportunity to showcase their cupcakes at the winning gig--a huge kickoff party for the Angry Birds Space app in Seattle.

This is very exciting for Downtown Denison and Buffy. “Even though it sounds like a cliché, it really was an honor to be chosen for the show. 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.

Ms. Hanson was pleasantly surprised when the Food Network contacted her in January to request an audition tape. The contents of the tape were coordinated through a casting director. 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 the entire town!  Limited seating is available in the Rialto for those wishing to join the watch party. The doors open at 5:30 p.m., and 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.
Denison Main Street Director Donna Dow is very proud for Buffy. “She 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.  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.“

Ms. Hanson opened her business to a packed house on September 30, 2011 at 409 W. Main in Denison. 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. She has been one of their featured success stories at both the local and North Texas Small Business Development Center levels.

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, Ms. Hanson 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. Buffy uses social media extensively in her marketing efforts. Daily Facebook posts 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. Buffy Hanson is looking forward to the premier at the Rialto as well as the growth of her business in Downtown Denison.

Buffy’s Cupcakes on Main
409 W. Main Suite 101
903.337.1629
buffysonmain@gmail.com