MEET: CHOCOLATE & SPICE:

Bakery rising to the challenge of operating in Las Vegas

What experiences prepared you to open Chocolate & Spice?

I have been part of opening restaurants, operations and development. The key to staying in business for any length of time is being flexible and willing to take advantage of opportunities you didn’t plan on.

What makes your business unique?

Everything we make is hand-crafted using pristine ingredients without preservatives. You can eat absolutely healthy with an egg white frittata with almond pesto and heirloom tomatoes, or indulge a bit with a chocolate nutella bombe. I believe in treating yourself to the good stuff in moderation.

We also listen to requests from our customers and keep an ever-changing menu.

Chocolate & Spice Bakery

Address: 7293 W. Sahara Ave.

Phone: 702-527-7772

Email: [email protected]

Website: chocolatenspice.com

Hours of operation: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday

Owned/operated by: Megan Romano

In business since: 2012

What is your business philosophy?

My business philosophy is plain and simple: We offer a great product, friendly service in a welcoming setting at a price point of good value.

What’s the most important part of your job?

We are constantly sourcing new product, testing new techniques and embracing new ideas so we stay current with what’s happening in our industry. And then it’s all about training our team members.

What is the hardest part about doing business in Las Vegas?

There is so much available; people often frequent

locations that are most convenient. Back in New York, our customers went through bridges and tunnels to get to the next best food spot. So in Vegas, we need to be more proactive to get people to try a new spot a bit out of their way.

What is the best part about doing business in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is always reinventing itself, and there is a real openness to new concepts.

In the past several years in particular, the local community has embraced and supported those who venture off the Strip.

How can Nevada improve its business climate?

Although we do not have state sales tax, there are many individual fees that make up the difference.

What have you learned from the recession?

Experiencing the recession in Vegas was an eye-opening lesson. The potential for volume business is always an exciting possibility, but you can’t depend on one source for your business to survive. Therefore we have been flexible and open-minded to ideas we haven’t considered before.

My husband is a big thinker who doesn’t see the day-to-day obstacles but rather is creative about getting to the big picture.

You are involved with multiple charities. How do you find time to balance your bakeshop and charity work?

Since my time is limited, I involve myself and my family in charities that hit home with where I am in my life. It is very rewarding and gives me perspective, reminding us we are very fortunate. Giving back to the community has become a mentoring moment with our kids, as well.

Tags: The Sunday
Business

Share