Vanessa Drews transforms her passion into a thriving cheesecake business, honoring Prince's favorite dessert and attracting fans from around the world.
About 20 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis lies Excelsior, a small town that’s become the unexpected home of a cheesecake phenomenon. Nestled among a taqueria, a nail salon, and a pet groomer, Cheesecake Funk stands out, blending vibrant purple walls adorned with tributes to Prince—the local legend who lived just a short drive away at Paisley Park. Since opening in September 2025, Vanessa Drews’ charming bakery has quickly turned into a sought-after destination in the Twin Cities, resonating deeply with both the local community and fans of the iconic artist.
The Birth of Cheesecake Funk
Drews’ journey into the world of baking began in 2002, when she crafted cheesecakes as a hobby while working as a senior paralegal. Friends and family soon began requesting her desserts for parties and celebrations. Over the years, she refined her recipes, experimenting with rich flavors and textures that would later define her business. One of her standout recipes is the turtle cheesecake, celebrated for its decadent layers of dark chocolate, gooey caramel, and a secret cinnamon-infused crust made with brown butter. Its popularity among customers is undeniable—it's the best-selling item at Cheesecake Funk.
But what truly connects Drews to Prince is a story as sweet as her cheesecakes. With finances tight, she took on part-time work at Paisley Park during Prince's open-house events. During these evenings, she brought cheesecakes, leaving them in a communal fridge with a note inviting staff and band members to help themselves. This simple gesture turned into a beloved tradition, and before long, she noticed the rapid disappearance of her desserts.
A Sweet Connection to Prince
As her cheesecakes gained popularity within the walls of Paisley Park, a memorable moment arose when Prince himself referenced her in a humorous social media post—his way of acknowledging Drews' culinary contributions. “I thought: ‘Oh my God, I’m the Vanessa he’s referring to!’” she recalls, overwhelmed with excitement. Prince affectionately dubbed her creations “cheesecake funk,” often referencing them at his parties—an endorsement that only bolstered her rising baking confidence.
Throughout the years, Drews remained grounded, balancing her baking aspirations with her legal career. However, a turning point came in 2019 when her cheesecakes caught the attention of Kam Talebi, the founder of Kaskaid Hospitality. He loved her cheesecake so much that he added it to the dessert menus across multiple locations of the Crave restaurant chain in the Twin Cities, leading to explosive demand.
Turning Passion into Reality
In a moment of decisive action, Drews used her 401(k) savings to invest in baking equipment and set up shop in a rented kitchen. Fast forward to September 2025, when Cheesecake Funk officially opened its doors, proudly showcasing the name inspired by Prince. Since then, the bakery has flourished, confirming Drews' belief in her talents and her deep gratitude toward the artist who inspired her.
The menu at Cheesecake Funk features more than just the turtle cheesecake. With over 17 flavors that rotate according to the seasons, Drews offers creations like the recent lingonberry cheesecake—an homage to Minnesota's Scandinavian heritage that has quickly become a permanent fixture. Last fall’s offering, apple cheesecake topped with fragrant stewed fruit, showcased her ability to keep things fresh and engaging in the culinary space. Each dessert reflects her creativity and commitment to quality.
From Local Bakery to National Attention
Cheesecake Funk has grown steadily in popularity, attracting locals and visitors alike. Drews has forged partnerships with various restaurants in downtown Minneapolis, such as Union Rooftop and Brit’s Pub, expanding her reach even further. Prince fans frequently stop by Cheesecake Funk as part of their pilgrimage to Paisley Park, adding to the bakery's vibrant atmosphere.
Drews appreciates the clientele her bakery attracts, saying she’s grateful for the connections she’s built. “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,” she said, reflecting on the joyful intersection of her baking and the artist’s legacy.
Through her impressive entrepreneurial journey, Vanessa Drews not only celebrates her favorite dessert but also honors the late musical icon who inspired her success. As she continues to whip up delicious cheesecakes and foster a community around them, it’s clear that Prince’s impact remains alive, echoing in the baking chambers of Cheesecake Funk.
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