The world of Minnesota’s culinary scene is about to get a little sweeter, with a distinctively purple vibe. Cheesecake Funk, the legendary dessert with a story as rich as its namesake, is officially opening its first brick-and-mortar bakery in Excelsior. What began as a simple joy shared among friends has now blossomed into a full-fledged bakery, a testament to owner Vanessa Drews’ talent and a profound connection to a local icon.
Courtesy of Cheesecake Funk
It’s no secret that the journey of Cheesecake Funk is inextricably linked to Prince. Drews, a devoted fan since childhood, had a “dream experience” working for The Purple One at Paisley Park in 2013. This era was filled with pride and dedication, culminating in a serendipitous moment when Prince discovered and fell in love with her Turtle cheesecake. As Drews so perfectly puts it, “One day I shared my cheesecake with staff… and lo and behold, Prince found my cheesecake in the fridge. As they say, the rest is history.” Prince’s appreciation for her support of his music would even be immortalized in the song, “The Sweeter She Is.”
Courtesy of Cheesecake Funk
After four years of successfully operating out of a rented kitchen, the demand for Cheesecake Funk made this next step an absolute necessity. With the vital support of the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC), who recognized the brand’s viability and passion, Drews secured the funding to build a fully equipped kitchen and bakery.
The bakery, with its purple-vibe aesthetic, is a direct nod to Prince’s dessert palette. It will not only offer the classic cheesecakes but will also serve coffee, ice cream, and other baked goods. Cheesecake Funk Bakery opens its doors to the public on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 10 a.m., with an official ribbon cutting to follow on Friday, Sept. 19. It’s a joyful celebration of a dream realized, a delicious legacy, and the sweetest connection to a Minnesota legend.
Cheesecake Funk, 2419 MN-7, Excelsior, cheesecakefunk.com
