This month, we had the chance to connect with Kyle Cuffie-Scott, the passionate founder of Darnel’s Cakes in Philadelphia. What started as a cupcake fundraiser in honor of his late cousin has grown into a thriving bakery and café with a powerful mission. From breakfast sandwiches that draw crowds to free HIV testing and advocacy, Darnel’s Cakes blends food, love, and purpose. Read on to learn how Kyle is keeping Darnel’s legacy alive, one cookie, one conversation at a time.
PPRG: Tell us the story behind Darnel’s Cakes and how this mission-based business came to be.
Kyle: Darnel’s Cakes started from a place of grief. Darnel Scott was my cousin, and he passed away due to AIDS complications in January of 2013 at the age of 21. To deal with the grief, I started a small cupcake fundraiser on World AIDS Day of 2015 to raise awareness and funds for a local organization called COLOURS.
(Photo Credit: Darnels Cakes)
PPRG: What made you choose a bakery as your mission-based business? Did you always want to open a bakery/cafe?
Kyle: Before coming to Philadelphia, I went to culinary arts school to study baking and pastry arts. I received a degree, but never really put it to use. I’ve always wanted to open a bakery, but never really knew what type because I love baking all types of things. The fundraiser I started naturally brought everything together.
PPRG: What’s your background in baking and business? How did you learn the ropes?
Kyle: I grew up baking at home with my family at first. My mom and grandmother know their way around the kitchen. I then went on to study Baking in Pastry Arts and received an Associate’s Degree from Johnson and Wales University.
PPRG: Share a bit more about offering free HIV tests to customers. How do you educate customers about the HIV/AIDS epidemic through your business?
Kyle: A local Philadelphia organization called Bebashi graciously offered me a few tests to give away, provided each patron fills out the proper paperwork (which is kept confidential). We educate our customers by simply talking about it. I feel that by doing that, the conversation becomes a little easier to cope with. I believe that helps to reduce the stigma around the disease.
PPRG: What other organizations have you, or are you currently, partnered with to help your community within your mission to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic?
Kyle: I was recently offered a board position with Philly AIDS Thrift and Giovanni’s Room, so now I work with all of the local organizations that are doing work in and around the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The fundraising and the groundwork that those organizations do is almost unbelievable.
PPRG: What’s the most popular item on the menu, and what’s your personal favorite?
Kyle: The most popular item on the menu is our breakfast sandwich. It has continued to receive a lot of press because we’re always in the running to find out who has the best breakfast sandwich in Philadelphia. My personal favorite varies week to week. But I always find myself eating oatmeal raisin cookies.
(Photo Credit: Darnels Cakes)
PPRG: How has the Philly community responded to the café both in terms of support and engagement?
Kyle: The Philadelphia community has continued to surprise me with its support. We have a lot of regulars, and those folks bring friends. They get birthday cakes and pastries for parties, and from there, new people eat our food, and we’re constantly receiving new customers.
PPRG: What is your favorite part about working within the Philadelphia community?
Kyle: I love Philly, and it’s one of those cities where you just love it for what it is. Philadelphians recognize hard work; we are putting in a lot of hours, and they truly appreciate it.
PPRG: How has the Philadelphia community influenced your journey in blending food with a mission?
Kyle: I’ve traveled to a lot of places, and Philadelphia has some of the best chefs and food in the world. So the Philadelphia restaurant community has not only been supportive but also inspiring. I feel honored to be a part of it.
PPRG: What does Darnel’s legacy mean to you today, more than a decade after his passing?
Kyle: This business has touched the hearts of many and continues to grow. Before his passing, he said that he wanted to see his name in lights. I truly feel that he has achieved that goal.
PPRG: What’s next for Darnel’s Cakes? Any new goals or projects on the horizon?
Kyle: We are working on opening Darnel’s 2nd location and developing our relationship with Cloud Cups Gelato in Fishtown! Stay tuned to the socials for all of the details.
(Photo Credit: Darnels Cakes)
PPRG: What advice would you give to others who are looking to build a business with a social mission?
Kyle: My advice would be to follow your passion. Follow what makes you happy, and if you can turn that into a business and help some people out along the way, I think you’re doing a great job. I also want you to keep a realistic mind and know that whatever you do won’t be easy, and it will challenge you every step of the way!
(Photo Credit: Darnels Cakes)
With community support and a deep commitment to raising awareness around HIV/AIDS, Darnel’s Cakes continues to make a meaningful impact in Philadelphia. As Kyle expands to a second location and partners with local businesses like Cloud Cups Gelato, his mission is only growing. To stay up to date on new projects and to support Darnel’s legacy, check out DarnelsCakes.com and follow along on Instagram @darnelscakes.
