PopsyCakes: From Novelty Treat to Nationwide Sensation in Just a Few Years Boca Raton, FL March 3, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) Perishable News
It started with a simple idea: a cupcake perched on a pretzel stick. But what might have seemed like a whimsical novelty quickly turned into a nationwide craze. PopsyCakes Distributing LLC, the company behind the creation, transformed a playful dessert concept into a national brand, landing in retail giants, theme parks, and even the hands of celebrities.
A Young Entrepreneur with a Sweet IdeaThe story of PopsyCakes begins with Jessica Cervantes, a Cuban immigrant who developed the concept at age 16 as a high school project in Miami. Born in La Havana, Cuba, Jessica moved to the U.S. with her family when she was six years old. Even as a teenager, she had a vision: a cupcake dipped in chocolate, mounted on a sturdy pretzel stick—an inventive treat that combined sweet and salty flavors with a playful, eye-catching presentation. Her creativity and business acumen quickly gained recognition. Jessica won first place in the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) national competition, taking home $10,000 to expand the business. The award helped propel PopsyCakes from a high school project into a serious entrepreneurial venture. Shortly after her award, Craig Edelman, who holds a B.S. in Finance from the Wharton School, recognized the talent and vision of baker Jessica and became involved with the company, helping provide the resources needed for growth. Today, Jessica is a junior at the University of Miami, majoring in microbiology. She balances her studies with an internship at the Miami Center of Dermatology, where she shadows physicians and prepares biopsy kits, and volunteers on weekends at Miami Children’s Hospital. Jessica plans to apply to medical school to pursue a career as a dermatologist—a goal that demonstrates her drive, ambition, and discipline.
A Sweet Idea Gains TractionThe “cupcake on a pretzel stick” may sound simple, but its irresistible blend of sweet and salty flavors—combined with its eye-catching presentation—quickly captured attention. The product gained national visibility after being featured on The Five, introducing millions of viewers to the unique treat.
Behind the brand’s rise was entrepreneur Marc Falcone, who joined early and played a pivotal role in scaling the business. Falcone focused on securing strategic retail partnerships, improving production efficiencies, and positioning the brand for broader exposure. Over time, he became the majority owner, guiding the company through a period of significant growth.
From Local Beginnings to National ReachPopsyCakes was initially sold at the Miami International Airport and in local venues across Florida. Falcone was instrumental in expanding distribution beyond these early markets, helping place the product in regional and nationwide retailers, specialty chains, and major entertainment venues. He also played a key role in securing the brand’s feature on The Five, which accelerated its national recognition.
From Theme Parks to DisneyBy 2016, PopsyCakes had built an impressive network of retail and entertainment partners. Customers could find the treats at HomeGoods stores, while visitors enjoyed them at Six Flags locations. In the Midwest, guests at Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America were introduced to the brand, exposing it to millions annually.
The brand also entered the hospitality and celebrity space. At Bongos Cuban Cafe—owned by Gloria Estefan—guests could enjoy PopsyCakes as part of the dining experience, further elevating its profile.
Additionally, PopsyCakes were sold at Dylan’s Candy Bar locations, online through Boscov’s, and at select Wahlburgers restaurants—owned by Mark Wahlberg, Donnie Wahlberg, and Paul Wahlberg—as well as other nationally recognized venues, giving fans even more opportunities to experience the treat in a casual dining setting Its popularity wasn’t limited to retail shelves. PopsyCakes became a party favorite, appearing at events for high-profile clients such as NBA stars Dwyane Wade and Alonzo Mourning, as well as other nationally recognized figures.
A Bite-Sized ExpansionPopsyCakes didn’t stop at cupcakes on sticks. The company expanded its line to include PopsyBites, bite-sized versions of the treat designed for broader retail distribution. These smaller desserts allowed the brand to enter more markets and appeal to a wider audience. Acquisition & LegacyUnique Pizza Corp acquired PopsyCakes on January 21, 2016. The acquisition was driven by Unique Pizza’s public market presence, which gave PopsyCakes the ability to raise capital faster and grow more aggressively. Today, PopsyCakes remains celebrated not just for its sweet-and-salty innovation, but for turning a simple idea into a product that captured media attention and became a staple at events, theme parks, gift shops, and select restaurant locations across the country. From a single cupcake on a stick to a nationwide phenomenon, the story of PopsyCakes is a testament to creativity, strategic marketing, and a little bit of dessert magic.
A Young Entrepreneur with a Sweet IdeaThe story of PopsyCakes begins with Jessica Cervantes, a Cuban immigrant who developed the concept at age 16 as a high school project in Miami. Born in La Havana, Cuba, Jessica moved to the U.S. with her family when she was six years old. Even as a teenager, she had a vision: a cupcake dipped in chocolate, mounted on a sturdy pretzel stick—an inventive treat that combined sweet and salty flavors with a playful, eye-catching presentation. Her creativity and business acumen quickly gained recognition. Jessica won first place in the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) national competition, taking home $10,000 to expand the business. The award helped propel PopsyCakes from a high school project into a serious entrepreneurial venture. Shortly after her award, Craig Edelman, who holds a B.S. in Finance from the Wharton School, recognized the talent and vision of baker Jessica and became involved with the company, helping provide the resources needed for growth. Today, Jessica is a junior at the University of Miami, majoring in microbiology. She balances her studies with an internship at the Miami Center of Dermatology, where she shadows physicians and prepares biopsy kits, and volunteers on weekends at Miami Children’s Hospital. Jessica plans to apply to medical school to pursue a career as a dermatologist—a goal that demonstrates her drive, ambition, and discipline.
A Sweet Idea Gains TractionThe “cupcake on a pretzel stick” may sound simple, but its irresistible blend of sweet and salty flavors—combined with its eye-catching presentation—quickly captured attention. The product gained national visibility after being featured on The Five, introducing millions of viewers to the unique treat.
Behind the brand’s rise was entrepreneur Marc Falcone, who joined early and played a pivotal role in scaling the business. Falcone focused on securing strategic retail partnerships, improving production efficiencies, and positioning the brand for broader exposure. Over time, he became the majority owner, guiding the company through a period of significant growth.
From Local Beginnings to National ReachPopsyCakes was initially sold at the Miami International Airport and in local venues across Florida. Falcone was instrumental in expanding distribution beyond these early markets, helping place the product in regional and nationwide retailers, specialty chains, and major entertainment venues. He also played a key role in securing the brand’s feature on The Five, which accelerated its national recognition.
From Theme Parks to DisneyBy 2016, PopsyCakes had built an impressive network of retail and entertainment partners. Customers could find the treats at HomeGoods stores, while visitors enjoyed them at Six Flags locations. In the Midwest, guests at Nickelodeon Universe in the Mall of America were introduced to the brand, exposing it to millions annually.
The brand also entered the hospitality and celebrity space. At Bongos Cuban Cafe—owned by Gloria Estefan—guests could enjoy PopsyCakes as part of the dining experience, further elevating its profile.
Additionally, PopsyCakes were sold at Dylan’s Candy Bar locations, online through Boscov’s, and at select Wahlburgers restaurants—owned by Mark Wahlberg, Donnie Wahlberg, and Paul Wahlberg—as well as other nationally recognized venues, giving fans even more opportunities to experience the treat in a casual dining setting Its popularity wasn’t limited to retail shelves. PopsyCakes became a party favorite, appearing at events for high-profile clients such as NBA stars Dwyane Wade and Alonzo Mourning, as well as other nationally recognized figures.
A Bite-Sized ExpansionPopsyCakes didn’t stop at cupcakes on sticks. The company expanded its line to include PopsyBites, bite-sized versions of the treat designed for broader retail distribution. These smaller desserts allowed the brand to enter more markets and appeal to a wider audience. Acquisition & LegacyUnique Pizza Corp acquired PopsyCakes on January 21, 2016. The acquisition was driven by Unique Pizza’s public market presence, which gave PopsyCakes the ability to raise capital faster and grow more aggressively. Today, PopsyCakes remains celebrated not just for its sweet-and-salty innovation, but for turning a simple idea into a product that captured media attention and became a staple at events, theme parks, gift shops, and select restaurant locations across the country. From a single cupcake on a stick to a nationwide phenomenon, the story of PopsyCakes is a testament to creativity, strategic marketing, and a little bit of dessert magic.