Our Innovative Business: Baked and Wired, Georgetown, DC
History of Baked and Wired
What is now a popular bakery and coffee shop located in the heart of Georgetown began as a small business between a couple named Teresa and Tony Velazquez. We spoke to store manager Aaron who told us Teresa has always been fond of baking, whether it was pastries, cakes, or cookies. With the help of her husband's marketing skills, the couple opened up Baked and Wired on the 20th of April in 2001.
The business has not only grown in recognition, but also became more family oriented, as Teresa and Tony integrated their kids Zak and Tessa into the promotive and advertising aspect of the business. Only about 5 years ago did Baked and Wired suddenly reach its peak of popularity, and ever since, it has been a place for tourists and locals of DC to grab a bite and unwind, due to the store's homey ambiance and appeal.
What is now a popular bakery and coffee shop located in the heart of Georgetown began as a small business between a couple named Teresa and Tony Velazquez. We spoke to store manager Aaron who told us Teresa has always been fond of baking, whether it was pastries, cakes, or cookies. With the help of her husband's marketing skills, the couple opened up Baked and Wired on the 20th of April in 2001.
The business has not only grown in recognition, but also became more family oriented, as Teresa and Tony integrated their kids Zak and Tessa into the promotive and advertising aspect of the business. Only about 5 years ago did Baked and Wired suddenly reach its peak of popularity, and ever since, it has been a place for tourists and locals of DC to grab a bite and unwind, due to the store's homey ambiance and appeal.
5 Things That Makes Baked and Wired Stand Out
The neighborhood of Georgetown is familiar for its famous cupcake destinations, such as Georgetown Cupcakes and Sprinkles, which are overflowed with a wave of tourists. Baked and Wired, however, is quite different, as it attracts more of a local crowd due to the comforting and homey atmosphere the Velazquez's have projected onto the store.
1) It was a goal of their's to have customers socialize with each other, which is the reason why there is no WiFi network in the store. Reducing the screen time people spend on their phones leaves them more room to interact with one another, which is the foundation of Baked and Wire's spirit.
2) Furthermore, the store is known for its quirky character, as all the pastries tend to have a humorous name, such as "Chocolate Cupcake of Doom" and "Elvis Impersonator". These names emphasize Baked and Wired's uplifting appeal and show that it's not just a place to work or study, but also a community where one can relax, take a breath, and have a laugh.
3) Moreover, all the pastries are Teresa's original recipes, which are made in small batches every day, providing customers with a homemade and quality meal. Tony and Zak are behind the coffee shop, where they personally train baristas, while Tessa is in charge of managing the social media of the business. Unlike their competitors, the Velazquez's have individually immersed themselves into the business, creating a cozy and homey aura for the store, truly showing how innovative and unique Baked and Wired is.
4) Baked and Wired is also more tailored to unifying the local DC community rather than being a tourist destination. The interior design gives a comforting and homey ambiance because there are multiple rooms inside the store where there are couches, bean bags, and futons for people to sit and interact. The rooms are fairly dim with mellow lighting, giving a very relaxed mood to the room. The furniture inside the shop is something one would find in their own living room, creating a familiar and comforting vibe for the local crowd.
5) Lastly, Baked and Wired is one of a kind. There is only one location and it is centered in the heart of DC, making it a unique spot to visit. Because it is local to DC, people from the district are inclined to support a local business. There is a sense of community, unity, and solidarity in the store, whether it's ranging from the Velazquez's involvement to the support of locals. It is truly an innovative business because it includes aspects of entrepreneurship and creativity, but it's also unique because it is only special to DC.
The neighborhood of Georgetown is familiar for its famous cupcake destinations, such as Georgetown Cupcakes and Sprinkles, which are overflowed with a wave of tourists. Baked and Wired, however, is quite different, as it attracts more of a local crowd due to the comforting and homey atmosphere the Velazquez's have projected onto the store.
1) It was a goal of their's to have customers socialize with each other, which is the reason why there is no WiFi network in the store. Reducing the screen time people spend on their phones leaves them more room to interact with one another, which is the foundation of Baked and Wire's spirit.
2) Furthermore, the store is known for its quirky character, as all the pastries tend to have a humorous name, such as "Chocolate Cupcake of Doom" and "Elvis Impersonator". These names emphasize Baked and Wired's uplifting appeal and show that it's not just a place to work or study, but also a community where one can relax, take a breath, and have a laugh.
3) Moreover, all the pastries are Teresa's original recipes, which are made in small batches every day, providing customers with a homemade and quality meal. Tony and Zak are behind the coffee shop, where they personally train baristas, while Tessa is in charge of managing the social media of the business. Unlike their competitors, the Velazquez's have individually immersed themselves into the business, creating a cozy and homey aura for the store, truly showing how innovative and unique Baked and Wired is.
4) Baked and Wired is also more tailored to unifying the local DC community rather than being a tourist destination. The interior design gives a comforting and homey ambiance because there are multiple rooms inside the store where there are couches, bean bags, and futons for people to sit and interact. The rooms are fairly dim with mellow lighting, giving a very relaxed mood to the room. The furniture inside the shop is something one would find in their own living room, creating a familiar and comforting vibe for the local crowd.
5) Lastly, Baked and Wired is one of a kind. There is only one location and it is centered in the heart of DC, making it a unique spot to visit. Because it is local to DC, people from the district are inclined to support a local business. There is a sense of community, unity, and solidarity in the store, whether it's ranging from the Velazquez's involvement to the support of locals. It is truly an innovative business because it includes aspects of entrepreneurship and creativity, but it's also unique because it is only special to DC.
Stranger Interaction
When we visited Baked and Wired, we spoke with multiple strangers to understand why the company is so successful and innovative. We first spoke with the manager Aaron who talked to us about the history of how the company started and how the owners are involved. When regarding how they stay innovative and popular, Aaron spoke about how the owners are always creating new recipes and coffee blends that excite the customers. He also spoke about how important the homey feel was to both the owners and the business as it sets them apart from competitors such as Georgetown Cupcake. We also spoke to three customers Shelby, Sam, and Jenna who were going there after a recommendation by their friends. They told us how this place was the local's choice for cupcakes due to the quality of the product, the friendly staff, and the quirky character and charm present. They all mentioned how nice it was to have a place without Wi-Fi that forces interaction that is lacking most other places.
How Can Baked and Wired Inspire Other Companies and Organizations?
Baked and Wired's entire appeal is to create a homey feel for customers. Not only is it a bakery and coffee shop, but it is also a retreat for people who want to relax and unwind, as if they were at home. Other companies and businesses can learn from Baked and Wired by creating a cozy and delightful ambiance, because when people enter a place that is secure and comforting, they are more inclined to return. Also, Baked and Wired is very original in the sense that all recipes are not only homemade but also organic, attracting a multitude of crowds. If a business wants to grow in popularity, it must be alluring to not one group of people but many.
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