The Sweet Side

Tennessee is known for its wide culinary scope, from Memphis barbecue to Nashville’s signature hot chicken. The ingenuity of Black chefs and business owners brought these traditions to life in the 20th century. While Nashville has always had a strong sweet tooth, innovation from Black entrepreneurs has expanded the city’s sugar palate. 

The Cupcake Collection

Founder and CEO Mignon Francois developed the Cupcake Collection’s signature recipe from her grandmother in 2008, though she didn’t know how to bake at the time. The recipe bolstered the business, helping Mignon provide for herself during the economic recession. It has grown across Nashville, with locations in Germantown, Lenox Village and Hendersonville.

Where there are cupcakes, there is a way, and the Cupcake Collection shares its sweetness nationwide through its in-house shipping service. The brand is offering exclusive Valentine’s Day cakes and King Cake — available as cupcakes and in traditional sizes — for Mardi Gras, honoring her hometown of New Orleans. “New Orleans raised me, Nashville made me,” says Mignon.

Certain flavors can be made vegan, gluten-free or even as dog-safe “pupcakes.” The Cupcake Collection also sells cake mix and buttercream packages to bring their flavor to your kitchen. Visit https://www.thecupcakecollection.com/ to try February’s exclusives before they’re gone.

HiFi Cookies

Sean Newsome started in the restaurant industry, but always had a knack for baking thanks to his family. His grandmother’s affinity for cakes inspired him to explore new possibilities with cookies. He started wholesaling across Nashville with encouragement from his wife, Kristin. HiFi opened its first bakery in 2020 and celebrated its 10-year business anniversary in January. 

If Nashvillians aren’t familiar with HiFi’s location on Porter Road, they’ve likely tasted Sean and Kristin’s creations at the Belcourt Theatre, Five Points Pizza, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and more. 

Through pickup or delivery, customers can order signature cookies in half-dozen, dozen and miniature bundles. HiFi also sells stuffed cookie sandwiches and cookie cakes in varying flavors. Moby is HiFi’s signature vegan cookie, which also comes as a cake. All products can be ordered at https://www.hificookies.com/. 

Ivory Cotton Bar

Ivory Cotton Bar founder and owner Teneal Ivery always dreamed of starting a business. She wasn’t sure of which market to pursue until she discovered that a Nashville dentist invented cotton candy in the 19th century. In 2017, Ivory Cotton Bar became the city’s first cotton candy company and is celebrating its ninth anniversary this month.

Teneal custom-formulated the fluff with organic cane sugar to emphasize whole flavor and create a lighter feel. Ivory Cotton Bar also sells gourmet popcorn and alcohol-infused alternatives, labeled under the “boozy” product line, adding adult appeal to treats traditionally made for children.

The company spreads its local flavors nationwide through weekly shipping. Customers in the Nashville area can rent carts (with or without personnel) with ice cream, cotton candy or popcorn for catered events. To see what best suits your party’s needs, visit https://ivorycottonbar.com/.