Spotlight: Owner Wendy Razo of Jersey Girl Cheesecake

Jersey Girl Cheesecake is a unique local food truck that’s making waves with its mouth-watering and personalized cheesecakes in a cup. This one-of-a-kind dessert experience is the brainchild of the founder and owner, Wendy Razo who has been obsessed with creating the perfect cheesecake for years.

The result? A heavenly creamy and silky-smooth cheesecake that’s customizable with a variety of toppings that cater to all tastes. But that’s not all that Jersey Girl Cheesecake has to offer. They also serve made-to-order waffles, cream sodas and milk shakes. Our spotlight will take a closer look at what makes this food truck a must-try and explore the story behind its success.

Interview with Owner Wendy Razo

Restaurant Name:

Jersey Girl Cheesecakes

Restaurant Website and/or Social Media

instagram.com/jersery_girl_cheesecakes

Can you briefly describe your restaurant?

We’re a mobile food trailer that specializes in cheesecake in a cup, waffles, cream sodas and milk shakes.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, including where you are today, professionally, and what got you here?

I’m a mother of 8 children, and a grandmother to 1 sweet little girl. I was born in NJ, grew up living all over the world, and moved to AZ 40 years ago. I have owned Assisted living homes, a scrapbook store, a gift basket business, and have worked in management for some large behavioral health companies. Now JGC is my full time job. Hard work and determination is how I got to where I’m at today

What inspired you to open this restaurant, and how did you get started in the industry?

After working 30+ years in corporate America in management roles, I decided it was time to make a change. JGC was born out of my love for cheesecake, my love for NJ, where I was born, and a desire to teach my 7 daughters that anything is possible if you have the right mindset.

What type of cuisine or food can customers expect to find on your menu?

We serve cheesecake in a cup with a ton of different toppings. We make waffles to order with or without cheesecake. Our drink menu has JG cold brew, cream sodas and shakes.

Can you share any unique or signature dishes that your restaurant is known for?

Cheesecake in a cup!!

How do you source your ingredients, and do you prioritize local or organic products?

We purchase the highest quality ingredients for our products.

How do you create the atmosphere and ambiance in your restaurant?

We’re very personable and engaging with our customers in person and online.

Do you feel that your restaurant fills a gap in the local dining scene, and if so, how?

I’m not sure, but if you love cheesecake then maybe 

How do you keep up with changing food trends and customer preferences?

Open communication and engagement with our customers is a standard in our business model. We ask for customer input all the time and do our best to meet their needs.

What are some challenges you’ve faced in owning and operating a restaurant, and how have you overcome them?

Scaling up as we have grown. There have been some menu changes, a few bumps in the road, but over all our product has been very well received. We have overcome with humility, evaluating, and being open to change.

What do you think sets your restaurant apart from others in the area?

What we serve and our customer service

How do you balance the demands of running a successful business with maintaining a personal life?

It’s hard!! I’m grateful for an understanding family!!

What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in opening their own restaurant?

Make sure you do your research on what you’ll be offering, ensure you have your families support and be ready for the ups and downs of owning a food business

Can you share any plans for future expansion or growth of your restaurant?

We have some plans for future growth, but right now we’re focusing on making our current business joyful and successful, not only for us, but for those we serve!

What kind of feedback or reviews do you receive from your customers, and how do you respond to them?

I’m extremely humbled by the outpouring of the favorable response we have gotten from the community on our cheesecakes. It have taken us from a small side business to a full time job and from a tent to a food trailer. I’m overwhelmed with the kindness that has been shown to JGC.

What is your philosophy on customer service, and how do you train your staff to provide excellent service?

Kindness and understanding above all!! I pick my staff very carefully, most are my children and they know this philosophy…but the ones who are not family have been selected from people I have either worked with in the past or are JGC customers

How do you market and promote your restaurant locally and online?

Social media

Can you share any interesting or funny stories from your time owning this restaurant?

There are too many…I like looking at the funny things in life…so every time we’re out there are many funny things that come up

How do you develop relationships with local chefs or restaurateurs, and collaborate with others in the industry?

That’s one of the fun parts of my job, getting to know other food vendors and other market vendors.

Can you describe a typical day in the life of a restaurant owner?

All I can say is no two days are alike!!

What are some of your favorite Prescott area restaurants?

I love many of the local food trucks, my daughters and I visit them often!!