Welcome to our WBE Spotlight Series! Today, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Alicia Hinze, Owner and Founder of The Buttered Tin. Join us as we delve into Alicia’s entrepreneurial journey and uncover the driving force behind her success in the food industry.
What inspired you to start your own business?
My paternal grandmother was raised on a large farm in West St. Paul after her parents immigrated from Switzerland. The farm was hand built and maintained, and it provided to all the family’s needs with dairy cows, chickens, pigs, other animals, and even an apple orchard. All fruit and vegetables were canned; butter and cheese were churned; and the meat was cured in an aromatic smokehouse, which remains my father’s favorite memory of the farm.
My grandmother was not classically trained in cooking or baking but discovered ways to do both as a way of life. She really loved everything about cooking and baking because her creations brought joy, happiness, and sustenance to others. Through her creations, she brought her loved ways together and strengthened relationships with family and friends. It was her love language, and I will always appreciate and love her for the memories and the baking bond she and I share.
Oh, the memories! Every birthday included my grandmother’s homemade cake brightly decorated and lined with flickering candles. The decorating tools she used are a treasured heirloom I have and still use to this day! The smell of yeast and piles of raw dough lining the counters were a weekly sight in her kitchen before dozens of finished loaves were gifted to the family. As grandkids, we were so excited for the weekly tradition that we would eat raw dough in excited anticipation of the fresh bread to come. Closing my eyes, I can picture her stoic figure confidently yet gently pulling dozens of fresh bread loaves right out of the oven as I came running down the stairs. With a smile ear to ear, she would ask and want to stay in the kitchen cooking and baking all day. I used to think how old fashioned she was, but it turns out I feel the same way.
What is a business milestone or achievement that you are most proud of?
I feel and am so blessed and fortunate. I am not one to spend much time on my accomplishments and accomplishments because I am always looking forward and planning the next creation, idea, and event. However, looking back on my career to date, I am proud to find the courage to leave a steady, corporate job to follow a passion and dream. I am proud to invest time, money, blood, sweat, and tears into the passion, and then to take a leap into opening bakeries and restaurants, launch a catering business, and create Freshly Frozen-a frozen dessert product line.
The awards are nice, and they represent a team of talented and passionate professionals who work extremely hard and who grow into even better people. I could never negotiate leases, buy delivery trucks, hire and train 50+ employees, and do all the other “dirty” work tasks without them.
Because of all these ingredients in my business ventures, I was chosen to be in the inaugural class of The James Beard Foundation Women Entrepreneurial Leadership program-my proudest professional accomplishment. The fact that they chose me to be a featured pastry chef at their annual gala made me feel like they not only recognized me for running a great business, but that they also recognized my talent in pastry.
What challenges have you faced as a woman business owner, and how did you overcome them?
As a woman business owner, I have faced the challenge of balancing my professional career and aspirations with those of being a wife and partner to my successful husband and a mother and caregiver to my two, amazing children.
I hope my kids learn that you never stop growing, and at any age you can change course. I hope they see my work ethic and grit and understand that while you can do and be anything you want to be, you must be willing to work hard and to make sacrifices. I hope they learn that you can turn your passion into a career. I hope they learn how important it is to treat your employees, your peers, your vendors, and everyone with kindness and respect. I hope they learn that tenacity will get you everywhere. And that work, while sometimes stressful, can be very fun.
What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs?
I would advise aspiring women entrepreneurs to live a personal and professional life that you are proud of. My professional life provides for me in a flexible way, so I can keep my children and family as my number one priority. Another way to ask this question is “If you were to die tomorrow, would you be satisfied with your life?” My answer is, “YES!” I would encourage women entrepreneurs to find their, “YES!”
The Buttered Tin
The Buttered Tin serves wholesome food made with locally sourced ingredients, real butter, and a touch of love, and our menu highlights house-made American breakfast and lunch classics enjoyed by everyone. Founded by James Beard-recognized chef and Cupcake Wars winner Alicia Hinze, meals were always a special time surrounded by loved ones, and thus The Buttered Tin’s classic eats and sweets are made daily with fresh and local ingredients sourced from trusted partners. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely brunch with friends or a quick coffee and pastry, The Buttered Tin provides a heartwarming experience that celebrates the simple joys of good food and good company. The Buttered Tin celebrated its 11th anniversary in June of 2024, and currently has two locations – one in Northeast Minneapolis and one in Lowertown of Saint Paul. There are plans to add future locations and to continue to expand the Freshly Frozen product line of ready-to-bake rolls and pies, which have disrupted the traditional frozen dessert brands. The Freshly Frozen products are found in major grocery stores in Minnesota (Lunds & Byerly’s, Kowalski’s, Whole Foods, Hy-Vee, Cub, and others) and nationally.
Live a personal and professional life that you are proud of