Nestled in a bustling strip mall in Excelsior, Minnesota, approximately 20 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis, lies a culinary establishment that has rapidly ascended to become one of the Midwest’s most celebrated bakeries. Cheesecake Funk, a business with a name that hints at its extraordinary origins, offers more than just delectable desserts; it serves as a vibrant, purple-hued homage to one of Minneapolis’s most iconic figures, Prince. This unique blend of gourmet baking and musical legacy has not only captured the hearts and palates of the Twin Cities but has also drawn a global clientele, eager to taste a piece of history.
The Genesis of a Culinary Dream: Vanessa Drews’ Journey
The story of Cheesecake Funk is intrinsically linked to its visionary owner, Vanessa Drews, a single Black mother of two whose entrepreneurial journey began not in a professional kitchen, but as a passionate hobby baker. Her affinity for cheesecakes dates back to 2002, a time when she meticulously refined her recipes for family and friends. What started as an act of love for holiday gatherings and parties soon evolved into a burgeoning demand, as her creations became indispensable at every social event. Drews recalls, "I started tweaking the recipe over time, mixing the crust with brown butter, adding cinnamon here and there." This dedication to perfection, even in her early, informal stages, laid the groundwork for the exceptional quality that would define Cheesecake Funk.
During these formative years, Drews balanced her culinary pursuits with a demanding career as a senior paralegal. Financial constraints led her to seek additional income, finding a part-time position selling merchandise at Paisley Park, Prince’s legendary private home and recording studio complex, located just four miles south of Excelsior in Chanhassen. Prince, who tragically passed away in 2016, maintained an open-door policy for certain public events, transforming Paisley Park into a hub of creative energy and community gatherings. It was within this vibrant environment, in 2013, that Drews decided to share her culinary passion beyond her immediate circle, bringing a cheesecake to Paisley Park.
Understanding the diverse backgrounds of Prince’s band members and employees, many of whom traveled from across the globe, Drews sought to offer a warm welcome. "Prince always had band members and other employees coming here from other parts of the country and the world," Drews recounts. "So, I put the cheesecake in the fridge with a note saying that anyone was welcome to a piece. I wanted to provide some good food for them and say: ‘Welcome to Minnesota.’" This thoughtful gesture quickly became a cherished ritual, with Drews regularly stocking the Paisley Park refrigerator with her homemade cheesecakes.
The Royal Endorsement: Prince’s Unforeseen Impact
The rapid disappearance of her cheesecakes from the Paisley Park fridge intrigued Drews. The mystery was unequivocally solved through a discovery on a social media platform, then known as Twitter. A meme, uploaded from an account managed by Prince himself, depicted two monkeys attempting to resuscitate a third, overlaid with the caption: "The moment you find out somebody ate the last piece of Vanessa’s cheesecake." Drews vividly remembers her reaction: "I thought: ‘Oh my God, I’m the Vanessa he’s referring to!’ I was euphoric."
This direct, public acknowledgment from Prince marked a pivotal moment. He began to affectionately refer to her exquisite creations as "cheesecake funk," even incorporating the phrase into invitations for his exclusive Paisley Park parties, notably writing "HELPYOSELFTOSOMECHEESECAKEFUNK." Prince would occasionally engage Drews directly at these events, with his characteristic smirk, asking, "What’s for dessert, Vanessa?" before moving on. This anecdotal evidence subtly debunks a common misconception among some fans that Prince was strictly 100% vegan, at least when it came to his evident appreciation for Drews’ dairy-rich desserts.
Prince’s endorsement, though informal, provided an immeasurable boost to Drews’ confidence and validated her culinary talent. It transformed her hobby into something truly special, a product beloved by a global icon. However, despite this high-profile recognition, Drews, with her paralegal background, remained cautious, not yet feeling ready to abandon her stable career for the uncertainties of full-time baking. The transition from passion to profession would require a more structured opportunity.
Scaling Up: From Private Kitchen to Regional Palate
That opportunity arrived in 2019, through a serendipitous connection. A mutual friend offered a piece of Drews’ cheesecake to Kam Talebi, the founder and CEO of Kaskaid Hospitality. Kaskaid Hospitality is a prominent Twin Cities-based enterprise, boasting a portfolio of 18 restaurants nationwide. Talebi, a discerning restaurateur, was so impressed by the cheesecake’s quality and flavor that he immediately decided to feature it on the dessert menu of Crave American Kitchen & Sushi Bar’s Eden Prairie location, a restaurant within his small but growing chain across the Midwest.
This initial placement was a significant breakthrough, offering Drews her first foray into commercial distribution. A few months later, the scale of the opportunity dramatically expanded. "Kam called me and he said, ‘You’d better prepare for volume. I’m adding your cheesecake to all eight Twin Cities locations of Crave,’" Drews recalls. The news was overwhelming. "I remember sitting at my desk at the law office and thinking, Oh my gosh! Is this really happening?" This moment represented the definitive crossroads in her career.
The demand from Crave necessitated a monumental shift. Drews made the courageous decision to "pull the proverbial trigger," investing her 401(k) savings into purchasing professional baking equipment. To meet the burgeoning production needs, she set up operations in a rented hotel kitchen, a testament to her resourcefulness and determination. This period of intense growth and preparation culminated in the grand opening of her brick-and-mortar bakery, Cheesecake Funk, in September 2025, near her home in Excelsior. The name, of course, was a direct tribute to the legendary artist who had not only savored her creations but had also christened them.
The Art of the Cheesecake: Signature Flavors and Culinary Craftsmanship
At the heart of Cheesecake Funk’s success lies its exceptional product. Prince’s personal favorite, the Turtle cheesecake, remains the undisputed best-seller. This dessert is a masterful composition of rich dark chocolate, luscious gooey caramel, and crunchy toasted pecans, all resting upon a perfectly crisp bottom crust. The exact recipe for this crust is a closely guarded secret, though Drews reveals key ingredients: cinnamon and a generous portion of brown butter. The result is a symphony of contrasting textures and layered flavors, a testament to Drews’ meticulous development and understanding of taste profiles.
Cheesecake Funk’s menu extends far beyond the Turtle, offering a vibrant array of over 17 flavors at any given time, many of which are thoughtfully curated to reflect seasonal ingredients and local preferences. For instance, the summer of 2025 saw the introduction of a Lingonberry cheesecake, a nod to Minnesota’s substantial Scandinavian heritage. Its immense popularity led to its permanent inclusion on the menu. Drews describes it as "very tart, but has bursts of sweetness, similar to strawberry. It’s just really refreshing and light, perfect for summer." As the seasons transition, so too do the offerings, with autumn bringing a deceptively simple yet profoundly flavorful apple cheesecake, crowned with stewed fruit laced with cinnamon, capturing the essence of the harvest season.
Drews’ commitment to quality and innovation ensures that each cheesecake is not merely a dessert, but a culinary experience. Her background, combining a meticulous paralegal mind with an innate artistic sensibility for baking, has allowed her to craft a product that is both consistently excellent and continually evolving.
Economic Ripple and Cultural Resonance: Cheesecake Funk’s Broader Impact
Cheesecake Funk’s journey from a home kitchen to a regional culinary powerhouse has had notable implications for the local economy and cultural landscape. The establishment of a successful independent bakery in Excelsior contributes directly to local job creation, tax revenue, and the overall vibrancy of the town’s commercial district. Small businesses like Cheesecake Funk are often the backbone of local economies, fostering community spirit and offering unique attractions that draw visitors.
Furthermore, the bakery has become an unexpected pilgrimage site for Prince fans worldwide. With Paisley Park attracting an estimated 60,000 visitors annually, many of whom are international tourists, Cheesecake Funk offers an additional, tangible connection to Prince’s legacy. Drews notes the diverse origins of her clientele, stating, "The other day I had a couple from Germany, and this afternoon, these sweet ladies came in from the Netherlands. People come to find me because they appreciate Prince." This phenomenon transforms the bakery into a cultural touchstone, intertwining culinary tourism with musical heritage. It effectively extends the economic benefits of Paisley Park’s tourism beyond Chanhassen to neighboring Excelsior, diversifying the region’s appeal.
The success of Cheesecake Funk also serves as an inspiring narrative for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly for women and minorities. Drews’ story highlights the power of perseverance, the importance of nurturing a passion, and the potential for a single product, when perfected, to create a thriving enterprise. Her ability to leverage a unique connection (Prince’s endorsement) while maintaining unwavering product quality offers a compelling case study in brand building and market penetration.
The Future of Funk: Expansion and Legacy
Today, the delectable offerings of Cheesecake Funk are widely accessible across the Twin Cities. Beyond its original Excelsior storefront, patrons can find Drews’ cheesecakes at several high-profile locations in downtown Minneapolis, including Union Rooftop, Brit’s Pub, Butcher’s Table, and Wood + Paddle. The enduring partnership with Kaskaid Hospitality ensures that Crave restaurants throughout the region continue to feature the beloved desserts. Significantly, Cheesecake Funk products are also available at Paisley Park itself, completing the full circle of Drews’ extraordinary journey and cementing her place within Prince’s enduring legacy.
As Cheesecake Funk solidifies its position as a Midwest culinary gem, the potential for future expansion remains a topic of keen interest. The brand’s unique origin story, combined with its reputation for exceptional quality, positions it well for broader distribution, perhaps through national shipping or additional brick-and-mortar locations. Regardless of its future trajectory, Vanessa Drews remains grounded in gratitude. "I’m so thankful to him," she expresses, acknowledging the profound influence of Prince. "Prince is like the gift that keeps on giving." This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Cheesecake Funk: a business built on passion, elevated by an unexpected endorsement, and destined to sweeten the lives of many, all while honoring the unforgettable legacy of the Purple One.
