Today we’d like to introduce you to theron strickland
Hi theron, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
With over two decades of experience in the food service industry, I champions the cause of Individuals with Disabilities and have dedicated more than 20 years to teaching the Deaf+. Now, I am merging all that expertise and passion into this mission and dream!
To that end I went to the Netherladns to become a Certified Dutch Stroopwafel Master. I want to intorduce this goumet treat to the Knoxville community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a small stroopwafel startup, the journey has been anything but smooth. Our path has been marked by a series of challenges, each one teaching us invaluable lessons.
Initial Struggles
Recipe Development
Consistency: Finding the perfect recipe that captured the authentic Dutch taste while being unique took nme not Googling a recipe, but going to the Netherlands to be trained as as Certifed Dutch Stroopwafel Master. . Early batches were often inconsistent in flavor and texture, which frustrated us and delayed our launch.
Ingredients: Sourcing high-quality, traditional ingredients was harder than expected. We experimented with various suppliers and faced issues with cost, availability, and quality.
Production Challenges
Scale: Transitioning from small kitchen experiments to larger-scale production was a significant hurdle. We had to invest in specialized equipment and train staff, which led to initial inefficiencies and increased costs.
Quality Control: Maintaining the handmade quality in larger batches required meticulous attention. We faced issues with uniformity in size and caramel filling consistency.
Market Penetration
Awareness: Educating the local market about stroopwafels is challenging. Many people arere unfamiliar with the product, and it taking time and effort to build awareness and generate interest.
Competition: Entering a niche market with established local and international competitors meant we have to find ways to differentiate our product and brand.
Throughout this journey, I’ve discovered the importance of seeking assistance when necessary. Members of the community have stepped in to support me, offering guidance and sometimes redirecting my focus or suggesting different next steps than what I had planned. Balancing my role as a teacher of Deaf students with multiple disabilities alongside launching a new business has been a challenging endeavor.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Knox Stroopwafels’ mission is to further embed our friends with disabilities into the workforce of the Greater Knoxville Area.
The majority of Knox Stroopwafel employees have a Disability, either hidden or visible.
At Knox Stoopwafels, we believe each individual possesses a unique brilliance that enriches their community. These diverse talents, when embraced and shared, weave a vibrant tapestry of strengths that fortify and elevate the fabric of the community.
‘The produst, a Dutch Stroopwafel is unique.
The stroopwafel’s origins trace back to the city of Gouda in the late 18th century. Legend has it that a resourceful baker, seeking to use leftover ingredients, crafted a simple yet extraordinary delight. Thin layers of spiced dough were pressed into an iron, creating a delicate, waffle-like texture. These crisp wafers were then sandwiched together with a warm, buttery caramel syrup—“stroop” in Dutch—creating a perfect harmony of crunchy and gooey in every bite.
What sets the stroopwafel apart is the meticulous craftsmanship involved in its creation. Traditional stroopwafels are made using special waffle irons with intricate patterns, ensuring that each waffle has the right texture and thickness. The caramel filling, a blend of molasses, cinnamon, and brown sugar, is cooked to just the right consistency, allowing it to ooze slightly without overwhelming the wafers. This artisanal process, often done by hand, imbues each stroopwafel with a sense of heritage and authenticity.
The stroopwafel offers a sensory journey unlike any other. Its crisp exterior gives way to a chewy, sweet center that delights the palate. The subtle hint of cinnamon mingles with the deep notes of caramel, creating a flavor profile that is both comforting and indulgent. Enjoyed traditionally by placing it over a steaming cup of coffee or tea, the heat softens the caramel, making each bite even more luscious. The experience is as much about the ritual as it is about the taste, turning an ordinary break into a moment of pleasure.
Versat
Despite its storied past, the stroopwafel has evolved to cater to modern tastes while preserving its essence. Knox Stroopwafels experiment with variations, adding flavors like chocolate, honey, and vanilla to the caramel, or even dipping the wafers in Belgian chocolate. Sometimes infuse the dough with spices like nutmeg or ginger, creating new dimensions of flavor. Yet, no matter the twist, the soul of the stroopwafel—a balance of crisp and caramel—remains intact.
At this stage am doing popups and selling online through www.knoxstroopwafels.com.
As revenue increases m the goal is to switch up the food game in Knoxville an intoduce Knoxville to the gourmet expereince of enjoying a fre Stroopwafle crafted, not in a food truck, but on and E Bike.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Providing the highest quaility product possible. while at the same time providing career opportunities to individuals with disabilites here in the knoxville area.
The unemployment numbers for individuals with disabilties are deplorable. I am frustrated teaching my students and preparing them for life only to graduate to no jobs or at best token jobs.
Pricing:
- packs of 4 individual fresh 3.5 inch stroopwafels for $10
- 6 inch fresh stroopwafel-$7.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.knoxstroopwafels.com
- Instagram: @knox.stroopwafels
- Facebook: knoxstrooppwafels
