Sugar Buzz Gains Fans Fast in Occoquan

Everyone is buzzing around town talking about the new bakery that opened in Occoquan on April 1. 

Advertising for Sugar Buzz has mainly been word of mouth from local vendors and owner Debbie Delardi says, “I’m super excited and grateful.  So many people have helped I can’t thank them enough.”

Delardi has two official employees and two unofficial employees, as everyone seems happy to pitch in. Jewell Rankin, Delardi’s sister-in-law, helps bake, make icing, prep and clean. 

“She [Rankin] is my right hand man or partner in crime,” says Delardi.

Prior to the store opening, Rankin said to Delardi, “It’s either going to go steady or huge.” After being opened for two days, Rankin says “It’s been a great weekend.  Will it be a great weekend next weekend?  Who knows? But, we are having to bake a lot and I believe it will be bigger than she [Delardi] imagined.”

The store sold out of the nearly 160 cupcakes made for opening day.  The second day, the trend continued as all 180 cupcakes were sold out by 4:30 p.m., much to the disappointment of the steady stream of customers that continued to visit the store.  Many of the customers opted to try one of the “naked” cupcakes that were still available, which are un-iced cupcakes that have less sugar and fat because there is no frosting on top — just the moist, delicious cake.

Although the store offers a range of items, such as gourmet coffee and birthday cake by the slice, the demand for cupcakes has turned Sugar Buzz into mainly a cupcake bakery.

“The volume of cupcakes being ordered was completely surprising ,” says Delardi, “but selling out of cupcakes due to high demand is a good problem to have.”  

In response to the growing need for cupcakes, Delardi plans to make at least 400 cupcakes each weekend.  If purchasing more than 12 cupcakes, it is best to place an advance order three days prior to pickup.  A portfolio of delicious cakes is available to order in advance as well.  Delardi is a self-taught baker, who also owns a wedding cake catering business. Her hard work is paying off.  She was featured on TLC in January 2010 on a show called "Ultimate Cake Off."

Sugar Buzz offers several different types of cupcakes that cost $1.50 for a mini, $2.50 for a regular and $4 for a jumbo.

“Red velvet always sells out first, chocolate is a strong second and plain vanilla is a favorite with the kids," Delardi says.

A cupcake is a great snack on the go if you need a sugar boost, and it can last up to five days if wrapped up airtight, according to Delardi.

Cannoli Sundays has already become a crowd pleaser, and the store will likely sell the Italian desserts on other days from time to time. 

“The cannolis remind me of the ones back home in Brooklyn, New York,” says Evan Glaser, a patron of the store as well as a friend of the owner.

As  two customers sit on the outside patio enjoying a slice of birthday cake, little Isabella Field says with youthful wide-eyed wonder “I love the frosting!” 

Jayci Field says of the new store, “I think it’s great for Occoquan.  Any new shop adds value to the town and it’s always exciting when something new happens.”

The “Welcome Sugar Buzz” sign in the Hawthorne House store window across the street shows the excitement other local vendors have for the new store.  

“She [Debbie] makes great cupcakes.  They are delicious and the icing is especially fabulous," says Hawthorne House store owner Diane Boli.

Boli also makes note of the line of locals out walking their dogs that were waiting outside Sugar Buzz heavily anticipating the store to open its doors.

In the future, Delardi plans to expand the products and design of the store.  She is considering a breakfast scone or muffin, gluten-free and vegan items, children’s readings and a Sugar Buzz-themed treasure hunt throughout Occoquan.  She will also be increasing her seating capability and add a larger counter and display case.

Sugar Buzz is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and can be reached by calling 703-910-6561.