It’s an aroma Southern fairgoers know–the fried sweetness of funnel cake sprinkled with powdered sugar. But fair lovers only get the chance to have the dessert a few days out of the year.
That same aroma greets patrons at the Funnel Cake Lounge, 212 S. Belair Rd. Suites 194-196, Martinez, where Andre Walker and Victor Delacruz have taken the traditional funnel cake and bumped the dessert up several decadent notches. The restaurant opened in April.
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“I’d seen funnel cakes in Miami that had fruit on them,” said Walker, who drew inspiration from ice cream shops offering multiple toppings.
He combined his culinary training and pastry background to create a menu that has brought in the customers.
Prior to April, the restaurant featured Caribbean fare with a nod to Delacruz’s home of the Dominican Republic. But that concept was wavering, said Walker, who came up with the unusual concept.
“It’s not your typical dessert,” he said.
Funnel Cake Lounge is located at 212 S. Belair Rd. Suites 194-196 in Martinez. Staff photo by Charmain Z. Brackett 
Andre Walker and Victor Delacruz opened the Funnel Cake Lounge in April. Staff photo by Charmain Z. Brackett
The business has taken off like he never imagined with word-of-mouth and social media driving its customer base. Not long after the business opened, Walker said people waited upwards of two hours just to get a taste of the desserts.
Some of the top flavors include Miss Peaches, Strawberry Shortcake and Cheesecake Lover. However, what’s popular can also depend on what people are posting on social media, he said.
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“If someone posts a Chocolate Craze, we’ll get 10 orders in a row for Chocolate Craze,” he said.
Walker has come up with several combinations including the Chocolate Craze, which has a brownie, powdered sugar, Oreos, chocolate ice cream and whipped cream; the Banana Jamma with powdered sugar, banana, whipped cream, vanilla wafers, vanilla ice cream and vanilla pudding drizzle; and the cheesecake lover with powdered sugar, cheesecake bites, graham cracker crumbs, strawberry and strawberry drizzle.
The Cheesecake Lover funnel cake is one of several menu items at the Funnel Cake Lounge. Photo courtesy Funnel Cake Lounge. 
Fruity Pebble overload. Photo courtesy Funnel Cake Lounge
Customers can also select their own toppings including a variety of cereals, nuts, cookies, candy and fruit as well as ice cream. All of that can be drizzled with syrups of caramel, condensed milk, dulce de leche, strawberry and other flavors.
On Aug. 17, Walker will add 30 new items to the already popular list of treats. Among them will be the Oh Split, a banana split-inspired dessert; Mint To Be which includes mint chocolate chip and apple pie.
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The new menu will include some other carnival-inspired fare such as corn dogs, turkey legs, candy apples and roasted corn.
It’s not just area residents who’ve been after the desserts, Walker said.
A woman from Virginia, who was a contestant on the Food Network show “Cupcake Wars,” drove to the shop to sample the funnel cakes.
New items are being added to the menu on Aug. 17. Courtesy Funnel Cake Lounge 
Chocolate Craze. Photo courtesy Funnel Cake Lounge
And he’s already gotten interest from people who want to franchise the concept.
Not only has the menu undergone a transformation, but the building’s decor is being revamped. It’s moving from a Caribbean theme. Walker said elements of the carnival will be in the new décor, but it also has to include the laid back lounge vibe.
The Funnel Cake Lounge is open from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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