MINI PANCAKES, BIG DREAMS
From simple afternoon snacks to a growing local business, Joelene McKewen is bringing joy and pancakes to the Wellsford community with Loaded.Dessert Bar.
Joelene, a well-known local in Wellsford and a single mum to three boys – Coby, Cade, and Jaylin-James – found the inspiration for her mini loaded pancake business in the most natural place: her own home. Afternoons often saw a crowd of teens gathering there, and mini pancakes with cream and jam quickly became a favourite treat.
It was her eldest, Coby, who sparked the idea to turn the beloved family snack into a business, suggesting it one afternoon while Joelene made pancakes for the usual crowd. At first she laughed, but the idea stuck. With Wellsford lacking options for indulgent desserts and sweet treats, Joelene saw an opportunity to create something special to share with her community.
The family created a mobile, collapsible cart, easy to set up at markets, fairs, and events. The menu currently offers five delicious flavours – Maple Breakfast, Strawberry, Biscoff, Oreo, and Banoffee – with two sizes: Regular ($10) and Large ($15). There’s also a “Build Your Own” option for younger children at just $5, making the treats accessible to families of all sizes.
Joelene’s hopes for Loaded.Dessert Bar are to expand her presence at local markets and in the community, introduce new flavours, and eventually operate two carts – one dedicated to markets, and one available for private hire at events like weddings, birthdays, and work events. Her long-term dream is to open a trendy dessert shop in Wellsford: a welcoming space for families to hang out, relax and enjoy sweet treats in a safe and friendly environment.
What began as a simple home snack has evolved into a family-driven venture, built on creativity, community, and the joy of food. Joelene’s mini loaded pancake cart is more than a business – it’s the start of something bigger for her town and whānau.