Mastercard discovers two local gems during the Rocket Mortgage Classic

Two newcomers will be competing at the Detroit Country Club in 2023, each looking to make a big impact on the PGA Tour.

A delicious effect.

The four-day event will feature two small businesses in the area: Good Cakes and Bakes owned by April and Michelle Anderson and Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles owned by Ron Bartell.

Each business will receive a grant of $10,000 plus five daily passes (20 total) to allow friends and family members to enjoy the experience.

The mission of the organization is to assist small businesses in thriving on the challenging market of today. This positive step is fueled by a belief that these companies are the backbone and foundation of our communities.

This belief is not only about providing businesses with increased visibility and branding to the Rocket Mortgage Classic crowd, but also resources to expand their operations in the long term.

Mastercard, Capital One Business and Ginger Siegel , Mastercard’s North America small business lead, will provide each entrepreneur with a personalized mentorship session. A Digital Doors Toolkit is also included, which includes a variety of useful resources that will help the business progress.

When we spoke with April ahead of the Rocket Mortgage Classic she explained that the resources created a literal hole in one.

I already know that some of our weaknesses are [based on our assessment] and thinking about ways to improve can help us reach out to our current and new customers. I’m excited to use these tools in the bakery, because I know how much growth we’ll have.

April is no stranger to the ups and downs of the financial world. She worked in the field for 17-years before turning her passion for baking for her nieces, nephews and friends into a business that has made a mark on the Detroit area.

Since opening in 2013, Good Cakes and Bakes have gained a loyal customer base by offering wholesome, organic bakes that are free of chemicals and preservatives. They also satisfy the sweet tooths of locals and nationals.

What is the fan’s favorite? The most popular cake changes depending on what’s in style. For instance, the Lemon Velvet Cake was featured on “Today Show”, a few year ago. But the Strawberry Crunch Cake is currently the most requested. The name is enough to make you salivate, but there’s also a hint of nostalgia, which, as April pointed out, takes people back to their childhood, when they would line up in front of the Good Humor Ice Cream truck.

The creative duo is excited to see what the Rocket Mortgage Classic can bring.

April said that the fact that we ship nationwide will be crucial to our growth. We know that being able showcase our company and baked goods to a nationwide audience will help grow us beyond the local community. Now we can retain new customers after they return home. They can order and we can deliver to them.

Ron Bartell is also concerned with the growth of his company. Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles, the new restaurant of former NFL cornerback Ron Bartell and Detroit native is a hit in the city. His desire to see his dream come true, both for his community and the national stage, is equally as strong. He says that “we are looking at something we can brand, grow and franchise oneday.”

Bartell’s goal is to open two more restaurants within the community. This instinctive desire stems from his past.

He explained that growing up in Detroit, there weren’t many different food options. “It was Coney Islands and the local liquor stores, or whatever your parents made.”

Bartell was inspired by the lack of variety to gamble on himself. He had done this before during his gridiron career, and “doing something different” in the neighborhood, which people would be proud of.

He said that as a businessman, he has also had to overcome a much greater challenge.

Bartell emphasized that “dining is often overlooked in Black neighborhoods.” “I’m a member of that community.”

Mastercard, which has invested $500 million in the United States to close the wealth and opportunity gaps between races by 2025, is also helping to raise awareness.

Foodies & Fairways will create those opportunities for small businesses to grow and prosper. April, Michelle or Dan are proudest of their employees.

Bartell’s first statement was “Providing employment opportunities to the Detroit community.” “I am a Detroiter from the core. I know what it takes to get out of Detroit, and the challenges that young Black men in particular face. “Sports opened doors for my career, but I want to show others that they too can succeed and do what they want.”

April highlights one area in the Detroit community that she is trying to help.

We focus on hiring people who are returning from prison, as they often find it difficult to get a job with benefits and a living wage.

She smiled and paused.

“My proudest moment is seeing the positive changes we can make to people’s lives.”

You can help make that change a reality by enjoying some Chicken and Waffles, and maybe a Strawberry Crunch Cake during the Rocket Mortgage Classic.

It sounds like a win/win situation.