Launching a new venture can feel overwhelming, even for an experienced entrepreneur like Doriana “Dori” Isufi. Despite her success operating eight Molly’s Cupcakes locations across Chicagoland and more than 20 years of expertise in the hospitality industry, Dori was facing hurdles while trying to bring
her newest project to life. That’s when she turned to The Source’s network of business advisors. Dori found not only expert guidance, but a community of support that accelerated her vision and helped her transform challenges into opportunities.
The Molly’s Cupcakes story begins at the bakehouse
location in the Bridgeport neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Here, all of the baked goods—ranging from center-filled cupcakes to cookies, cakes and brownies—are made.
This summer, Dori is opening a new space at the bakehouse: Vjosa Café and Events, which will be part of Molly’s Cupcakes’ parent company, Chicago Bakeology.
To make her vision a reality, Dori relies on organizations such as the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA), which provides no-cost business advising as one of The Source’s 13 Business Support Organizations.
Theresa Crisanti, the director of small business programs at the IRA, has become Dori’s trusted resource as she builds out Vjosa Café and Events.
“I felt so isolated and alone and very frustrated bringing this place to production,” Dori said. “Ever since joining the IRA, the networking and opportunities it brought is making this project come to an end a lot quicker than I was planning for it.”
From group advising sessions to featuring Dori at IRA events, Theresa has helped Dori market Molly’s Cupcakes and network with other restaurant-industry professionals.
One event that spotlighted Molly’s Cupcakes is Tech Tour, held at Google Chicago.
The annual event, sponsored by The Source, brings together restaurant operators and expert panelists to address technological challenges and opportunities facing restaurants.
“Business owners are able to come and learn about the latest and greatest in technology, learn how to manage their Google Business Profile, and get hands-on assistance with marketing,” Theresa said. “It’s such a great event.”
Through the IRA’s network, Molly’s Cupcakes also participates in ProStart Illinois, which is part of a national culinary arts and restaurant management program for high school students.
Molly’s Cupcakes served as a judge at ProStart Illinois’ individual state competition, and the program connected Dori with educators from the culinary program at Kendall College in Chicago. With their support, Kendall College students are now trained at the Molly’s Cupcakes bakehouse and work pastry shifts. This will help with workforce development and the running of Vjosa Café and Events.
In the next five years, Dori hopes to create a chef competition show at Vjosa Café and Events with the IRA’s support. She has already begun to form connections with Chicagoland chefs at the IRA’s events.
“I feel so much more supported that I can reach out to all the chefs and all the community,” Dori said. “The networking and the community are so tight.”
As for other businesses interested in working with the IRA?
Theresa said her organization is ready to help.
“We meet you where you are,” Theresa said, “and we help you get to where you want to be.”
