Dandy’s Donuts, Deli, Delights took home the $10,000 prize and a year of business services Monday by winning the Cherokee Strip Business Model competition.
The new restaurant won over the judges with its plans to serve doughnuts, soups, salads, sandwiches, gourmet coffee and gelato when it opens later this fall next to the Walmart Neighborhood Market at Cleveland and Chestnut.
There was a tie between two businesses for second place, said Cara Carson, self-employment coordinator at Autry Technology Center. Instead of awarding second place $5,000 and third place $3,000, the judges decided to split the money between Blackjack Services and Freedom Defender Firearm.
Blackjack Services, of Fairview, is a roll-off dumpster service with containers available for weekly or monthly removal that also will provide roadside assistance and weed control services
Freedom Defender Firearm, of Garber, is a gun shop that sells firearms and accessories and is focused on services and training after the sale is made.
Nonprofit Enid BMX took home fourth place, winning $1,000 and a year of free business services. The group also won people’s choice, selected during Monday’s luncheon at Convention Hall announcing winners of the competition.
Applicants competed in three phases: submitting a business plan, giving a 10-minute presentation and making another presentation to a panel of judges.
All winners will received one year of self-employment training, which includes access to James W. Strate Business Development Center at Autry Tech during business hours for use of the conference room, copier, printer, planning room, Adobe Suite access and three business coaching sessions. The top three businesses are eligible for one year of rent in the business incubator within the center.
Father and daughter Bob Keiser and Darla Campbell accepted the first-place award for Dandy’s Donuts, Deli, Delights.
“It’s defiantly going help us financially,” Campbell said. “We’re trying to do as much as we can debt free.”
Keiser said the $10,000 would go toward the purchase of a frozen ice cream and gelato machine, which will allow the restaurant to produce gelato, but also Italian ice and premium ice creams. The original plans for the business called for a smaller machine, he said.
The father and daughter said the restaurant will open in the new construction south of Walmart Neighborhood Market, on the far west side to allow for a drive-through window. They are working with Corbin & Merz Architects and Henson Construction.
“My husband and I have always wanted to own a business,” Campbell said. “When we found this location we knew it was a key location. If we were ever going to open a restaurant now was the time to do it.”
Campbell said her husband Ryan, a CPA, will help manage the business along with her father. Her mother Kathy will help with some of the cooking. She will take care of marketing and social media.
“We all have a job duty to do,” she said.
Campbell would not say exactly what would be on the menu but said it will be something not offered in Enid.
“We’re going to have some unique items,” she said. “We will have some very unique items that are not seen in Oklahoma, or Enid.”
Campbell and Keiser said they have worked with Copper Tap Roasting Co. to create their own coffee blend and purchased the soup recipes from Port Lugano.
Campbell said they are looking to open in the fall, possibly mid-September.
The competition was hosted by Autry Tech and made possible with partnerships with Northern Oklahoma College, Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Enid Regional Development Alliance.
Sponsors of the competition include Paul and Joan Allen, Ward Petroleum, Koch Fertilizer, ERDA, Encompass Financial Services, NBC Oklahoma, Dr. David S. Russell and others.
Story by: Enid News & Eagle
Written by: Cass Rains
