How this Black restaurateur grew his business during the pandemic

The on-going international health and economic crisis has left small business owners and entrepreneurs uncertain about the future of their businesses. Many brick and mortar locations had to close indefinitely, as COVID-19 restrictions severely impacted their revenue. Others moved their businesses 100% online, but had a pretty steep learning curve when it came to navigating and selling unique products in the digital space.

For Baltimore-based restaurant owner Derrick Faulcon, however, the COVID-19 pandemic was an opportunity to rebrand, renovate, and grow. 

For the last five-years, Faulcon has owned and operated Home Maid, a boutique-style restaurant that is a go-to spot for delicious weekend brunch. During the pandemic, Faulcon not only quickly pivoted his popular brunch location to carry-out service only, but took some time to rebrand and renovate the location of another one of his businesses, Cloudy Donut.

Cloudy Donut is a vegan donut shop with unique, small-batch, handmade sweets. Over the last year, the popularity of these tasty donuts has skyrocketed. 

“I've been looking forward to these vegan treats for weeks, and they lived up to hype tenfold!!” 

“The flavors were on point, and donut itself was one of the freshest I've had.”

“Amazing donuts with amazing staff members. The donuts are so good and fluffy.”

To help keep up with the demand and popularity of their donuts, Faulcon and his team launched a preorder system to ensure they always have enough of their uniquely flavored donuts to meet their customers’ needs and appetites.

We spoke to Zewiditu Jewel, the Partnerships and Outreach Director for Faulcon Food Services, and asked why they ventured into vegan donuts. “We already know that eating cleaner and healthier can create longevity in one's life, so right now it’s the donut—this is our focus. Some call it a “bougie donut” we call it luxury and that’s exactly what we’re bringing to our community every weekend.” - Zewiditu Jewel

Cloudy Donut and Home Maid employ an all Black staff and Derrick Faulcon provides financial advice and support to entrepreneurs throughout Baltimore. Cloudy Donut is quickly expanding and will have new locations opening soon!