Pop Goes the Money

Local Waffle Spot Picked for Stacy’s Pita Chip Mentor Program

By Abby Baker

Sara Fludd, owner of Pop Goes the Waffle, beat out thousands of applicants around the nation for a spot in the Stacy’s Rise Project and received a $10,000 grant from Hello Alice and PepsiCo.

Originally based in a food truck, Sara Fludd’s Pop Goes the Waffle was one of a handful of businesses chosen from more than 9,000 applicants to receive a $10,000 grant and a four-month mentorship ​from Hello Alice and PepsiCo as part of female-founded Stacy’s Rise Project.

The program is named after Stacy’s Pita Chips founder Stacy Madison, and gives an executive style package and multi-thousand-dollar funds to other female businesses annually.

Waffle baker Fludd applied thinking she had a slim shot of being chosen, but with her Gulfport storefront opening on Tangerine Avenue this February or March, she opted for the potential support.

It was August when she received a phone call informing her that Pop Goes the Waffle had been shortlisted as a potential recipient.

“I sat on the floor after I got the phone call thinking, ‘No way I’m going to win, but it’s an honor to be a finalist,’” Fludd said. “I went in thinking that, and left the call as a winner.”

Since 2017, South Carolina-native Fludd has sold her grab-andgo breakfast (and lunch) desserts from her teal food truck around Tampa Bay.

The grant and storefront opening is the beginning of a major rise in business, she says.

For Dessert

“Really, the money has been great, but I’m also receiving a ton of helpful information,” Fludd said. “We have temporary access to resources from a huge brand.”

In addition to the $10,000, business owners meet weekly to connect and troubleshoot as well as receive one-one-one mentorship from PepsiCo executives.

It’s all very personalized, and in Fludd’s case, she is using the opportunity to build her website, receive product photography and perfect e-commerce and packaging.

More waffle goodness at popgoesthewaffle.com.