Local Baker's Toilet Paper — In Cake Form — In High Demand - Spectrum News

Sweet Sue’s Copper Pot in Troy is like so many other small businesses in this coronavirus pandemic, just trying to stay afloat. Owner Susan Dunckel has been in business in the Collar City for the past decade.

“My husband and I sat down and had to make a decision: Do we shut our doors and sit this one out, or do we fight this?" said Dunckel.

She says the pandemic is very straining on small businesses.

"Sitting down and shutting our doors could mean that we may never open our doors again, and I was unwilling to do this,” added Dunckel.

So she took inspiration from a German bakery and came up with an idea to get them out of this “crappy” situation: toilet paper roll-inspired cakes.

She said she didn't have high expectations.

“Just kind of pay the bills, and it would be kind of an inside joke,” said the baker.

She began creating cakes based off the toilet paper rolls being swept off the shelves. Hoarding was taking place at more places than the supermarket.

“The response to this cake has been absolutely mind-blowing. I thought we’d sell a couple dozen,” said Dunckel.

Instead, the shop has taken more than 400 orders. She says she's just trying to keep up.

“We’ve been booking for two weeks in advance and the orders haven’t stopped … they’re even hoarding cakes!!” Dunckel joked.

The cakes are available in “one-ply” and “two-ply,” based on the size of the cakes. The creation even has its own off-color brand name, familiar to anyone who’s lived in the city.

“ 'Troylet.’ I guess that’s what they used to call Troy before the renaissance, so this is kind of tongue-in-cheek, poking fun at ourselves,” Dunckel said.

The revenue from the rolls allowed Dunckel to rehire two employees she was forced to lay off. She says the community has always been supportive, but right now, kindness is much needed.

“People are being really generous right now if they can be. They want to be able to help,” she said.

Dunckel adds that, with the amount of orders, she should be able to pay her bills and stay afloat for a few months.

“It’s really hard to face that uncertain future, but you got to try one day at a time,” added the owner.

Dunckel says she will continue to make orders for as long as they are requested. She asks for customers to be patient, and adds there is a two-week back order period.

To order cakes, you can contact Dunckel at 518-892-2933 or suedunckel@gmail.com.

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