SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A local mother/daughter duo are the masterminds behind a chicken and waffle cupcake you can find at the Sacramento Kings home court this season.
Their business, Sugar Coated Cupcakes, was named the winner of the inaugural 'Capitalize: Food' competition by the Sacramento Kings, earning their creation a spot at The Market Kitchen in Section 201 at the Golden 1 Center.
"We're very excited with the opportunity that we have this upcoming NBA season," said Laqueanya Henry, who owns the business with her daughter, Mechiala Henry.
ABC10 went inside the kitchen with the Henrys to see how they prepare a fresh batch of cupcakes for game day.
"Everyone wonders why our frosting tastes so amazing. It takes a lot of butter... that's what makes it the best," Laqueanya said.
Their featured creation is a maple cupcake topped with maple Swiss meringue buttercream frosting, adorned with a maple waffle and buttermilk fried chicken. Each cupcake also comes with its own supply of bourbon maple syrup.
"We season our chicken until the ancestors say it's enough, so it's all about good seasoned chicken," Laqueanya said.
The Henrys founded Sugar Coated Cupcakes in 2019. Their mobile bakery offers cupcakes and macarons for delivery and events. The two have had a passion for baking for years.
"We've always baked together," Laqueanya said. "We took classes at Michael's when she was in junior high and learned how to make tiered and fondant cakes. Literally, there's so much history with baking, and did we ever think baking would be what we'd come to do? No, so it's kind of cool."
Laqueanya was let go from her corporate retail job in 2020, so she and her daughter decided to turn their hobby into a full-time job.
Three years later, their flavors and ideas landed them the featured spot inside Golden 1.
Being in the Farm to Fork Capital, Laqueanya said ingredients are top of mind.
"We use organic maple syrup. We're very cautious in terms of using too many artificial flavors and coloring," she said. "Sourcing goods from local farmers where we can too."
While getting into Golden 1 Center for the season is already a win, this team has big dreams.
"I want a storefront. I want to walk into my own bakery. I want to have my own place. I want people to come in," said Mechiala.
You can try Sugar Coated Cupcakes chicken and waffle cupcake inside Golden 1 Center on game day at The Market Kitchen in Section 201.
In addition, you can order their cupcakes online for delivery or find them at a local pop-up event.
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