For Bobbi England and her husband Steve, life is pretty sweet.
On Monday, the two owners of Kenai Catering held the grand opening of their new shop in Kenai, Gotta Have Desserts.
The shop specializes in a variety of treats, including baby cakes, hand dipped truffles, caramels, pecan pie and even an exclusive candy bar — the Gotta Have Caramel Crisp Bar.
Kenai Mayor Pat Porter was on hand to cut the ribbon of the new business located inside the old Kenai Merit Inn building.
“I’m always excited to see brand new businesses in town,” said Porter.
Bobbi England said that Gotta Have Desserts has been years in the making.
“I’ve been collecting equipment for 10 years to do this,” she said. “It’s just been a dream of mine.”
More than a year ago, the couple acquired their current facility and have been renovating it ever since. England said that while Kenai Catering has been successful, having Gotta Have Desserts will expand their customer base.
“With opening the dessert shop, we are able to present more dessert varieties to not only our clients, but to customers that we haven’t catered to, yet,” she said.
England said that the shop will be flexible with its menu offerings. She said that they will even have fresh donuts sporadically, but customers have to follow the shop on Twitter to know when they will be on sale.
England said that without her staff, opening the new shop wouldn’t have been possible.
“My staff is over the top amazing,” she said. “They are all just as excited about this as I am. They’ve worked really hard to do everything.”
While Bobbi England is excited about the opening of her dessert shop, she has bigger plans. In the near future, she plans to open the Iditarod Cafe next to Gotta Have Desserts.
“We’re going to be known for the best burger on the peninsula,” she said.
With three separate and unique entities — Gotta Have Desserts, Kenai Catering and the Iditarod Cafe — England is confident that she will have something for everyone.
“It’s the trifecta of food,” England said.
England said other possibilities include partnering with local movie theaters for a dinner and a movie special, and girls’ night out events.
“As far as I see it, the sky is the limit,” she said. “It’s pretty cut and dry — there is no limit to what we can do here.”
Reach Ian Foley at ian.foley@peninsulaclarion.com.
By IAN FOLEY Mayor Pat Porter and a young girl cut a ribbon held by Steve and Bobbi England on Monday, March 2 at Gotta Have Desserts in Kenai.
