Queen Street Sweet Treats: A taste of Jamaica

LONG-TIME baker Yvonne Bennett has made her comeback into the business world with ‘Queen Street Sweet Treats’.

Bennett had been in the baking business in her younger days but took a break when she found another way to secure her income. She told The Gleaner that with the pandemic slowing things down, she decided that she would pick up the old business and give it another try.

“In times like these you have to do something to help yourself. You not working, and everything slow, so you have to do something to spin around,” she said

Bennett supplies grater cakes, rock cake, gizzadas, coconut drops, peanut drops, and peanut cakes. This was first introduced to her by her mother, who was also a baker. She decided on the name, Queen Street Sweet Treats as Queen Street is the name of a community in Falmouth from where her family hails.

The advice from a friend is what gave her the extra push to make it a reality.

GOOD IDEA

“I used to do it before, and a friend of mine said it’s a good idea to start it back because you use to do it before so you understand exactly what to do and how to do it. That is it,” she said

Queen Street Sweet Treats caters to overseas customers as well as to local customers and individuals having parties or persons travelling overseas. They have submitted special orders to places like Florida, Canada, and the UK. The business collaborates with Complete Sourcing, a shipping company, to carry out overseas orders.

The period leading up to today – Independence Day also saw an uptick in sales for the small business.

Bennett is looking to reach a greater market overseas. They cater to every age group and they keep in mind the dietary needs of customers and those with health conditions, so the products are not too sweet.

Bennett enjoys making her sweet treats and sees that people gravitate towards them, and that continues to motivate her. The products have been doing well and can be found in Sampars supermarket in Cross Roads, St Andrew and Forever Care pharmacy in Gregory Park, St Catherine.