When Samir Desai founded D Spot Dessert Cafe in 2014, his goal was to create a sweet and memorable atmosphere where family and friends could enjoy a mouth-watering dessert. By Jessica Jones

When Samir Desai founded D Spot Dessert Cafe in 2014, his goal was to create a sweet and memorable atmosphere where family and friends could enjoy a mouth-watering dessert. Launched in Scarborough, Ontario, Desai built his business around an indulgent menu of homemade ice cream, delectable cakes, and waffle, crepe and cone batters that are made in-house daily. The store’s walls are flowing with chocolate (yes, they actually drip with gooey goodness) and uniquely etched candy-bar millwork, causing dessert lovers to come in droves. The Instagram-worthy flagship store was an overnight social-media sensation. After a few years of success, Desai franchised the concept in 2017.

“I knew it was time to franchise because the demand for our desserts had become so big,” Desai said. “The lines at our Scarborough store were around the block. I knew it was the right time to share our sundaes, milkshakes, and other crave-able menu items with a larger audience.”

Now, almost four years later, the business has grown to encompass more than 15 locations throughout Canada.

“Our signature dessert is called ‘Hit D Spot,’” Desai said. “It’s a double-layer Belgian waffle topped with vanilla and chocolate brownie ice cream and loaded up with brownie pieces, almonds and chocolate curls, and then drizzled with fudge and white chocolate.”

There are also hot skillet cookies, a chocolate lava cake wrapped in a crepe and covered in Oreos, and three layers of pancakes covered in cookie dough. Milkshakes come in more than two dozen varieties, and D Spot’s hot chocolate can be made to order with cookie butter, Nutella and, of course, lots of whipped cream.

“What makes us stand apart from our competitors is that we’re constantly changing and creating new dishes regularly,” Desai said. “We like to make desserts that are the opposite of ordinary.”

The indulgent one-stop dessert shop uses only high-quality, real milk ingredients, and cakes are made from scratch and decorated by hand. Those interested in franchising can choose between three distinct concepts: full, midsize, and dessert only.

“Each concept strives to satisfy customers’ sweet and salty cravings all year round,” Desai said, offering details of his full-size eateries, which serve pizza, burgers, sandwiches and more. “Our focus always remains on what we do best – desserts. But with our varied offerings, our menu appeals to a broad target market.”

And in the coming years, Desai anticipates growing his business internationally. “We’ve had a lot of success in the Canadian market and would love to branch out further,” he said.

For more information about a D Spot Dessert Cafe franchise, visit dspotdessert.com/franchising.

– Jessica Jones