SBDC @ Eastern New Mexico University – Roswell
2016 Star Client
While living in Alaska, Roy and Katrina Bacon had been thinking about what type of business to get into when an opportunity to acquire a Roswell bakery became available. Taking the opportunity to move back to Katrina’s hometown and to work together as a family, the couple re-opened Mama Tucker’s Donut and Cake Shoppe in Roswell, NM on April 2014.
The original owners, Bob and Cathy Tucker,, founded Mama Tucker’s Donut Shop in 1987. It was the local favorite doughnut shop for years. The Tuckers sold the business in 2009 to Ted and Pat Tivis under Mama Tucker’s business name. The Tivis family operated the business until deciding to sell in 2013. The doughnut shop had been “closed” for a couple of months prior to Roy and Katrina Bacon’s acquisition in February 2014.
One of the goals the Bacons set out to accomplish, according to the Roswell Daily Record article by staff writer Jeff Tucker (5/2014), was to “revive the shop’s reputation for having tasty delights.”
The Bacons had an opportunity to meet with the Cathy Tucker, who provided insight and advice on running a successful bakery. Roy and Katrina both have strong management backgrounds, which has been an important skill in successfully managing their business. Some of the challenges have been rebuilding the reputation of the bakery and blending their own identity and reputation into the business.
The Bacon’s continue to embrace best practices in owning and operating a successful bakery business. They pride themselves with always having “quality in mind.” Their baked goods are made from scratch daily using only the finest ingredients and top quality coffee. Their specialty cakes, doughnuts, cookies and seasonal specialties such as the gingerbread kit and a new lunch menu include artisan sandwiches and tasty soups offer customers a varied selection.
Roy visited the Roswell SBDC for assistance, Carl Kallansrud (former Roswell SBDC Director) provided business plan assistance, market research and loan packaging assistance.
“Carl Kallansrud’s background and experience in private business made him easy to relate to. Anyone starting a business should take advantage of what is offered free of charge and take a look at all the regulatory cost to run a business. Most importantly avoid the pitfalls of starting a business. The SBDC is a great place to get that help.”
-Roy Bacon, Owner – Mama Tucker’s Donut and Cake Shoppe, Roswell, New Mexico