Sweet As Crêpes have come a long way from starting at the Coastville Market Place 15 years ago to becoming one of Auckland’s special delicacies. As runner-up for the Food Truck People’s Choice Award, these mouth-watering crêpe surpass expectations regarding delicious combinations. With two unique, custom-built food trailers gracing locals at markets, school fairs, and private functions, owner and director Lisa Shepherd spoke about Sweet As Crêpe's journey and where they are heading.
It is no lie that Sweet As Crêpes had humble beginnings in 2007. Shepherd’s eldest daughter, Annabel Sheperd, organised a stall at the first Coatsville Market to fund an upcoming ballet trip. At just twelve years old, Annabel showcased skill in sizzling up sweet treats for locals.
“The business grew through weekend markets, and eventually, most of the family was involved in this ‘hobby job’,” said Shepherd.
By 2018, they had designed their custom food trailer, Shepherd’s younger daughter Jess modernised their branding, and Shepherd found herself leaving her full-time employment to go all-in.
Shepherd comes from a family of foodies who adore travelling and tasting cuisines in other regions. After moving to New Zealand, Shepherd gravitated back to the food world, working with cooks such as Nadia Lim and Annabel Langbein.
The distinction of Sweet As Crêpes is their delivery of fresh and quality ingredients, producing consistently delicious crêpes. From savoury to sweet, Sweet As Crêpes adheres to the French cooking style while adding a “kiwi twist.” Shepherd’s team takes pride in the delicacies they deliver to their customers with staff who enjoy what they do.
“Our unique trailers allow customers to enjoy the art of crêpe twirling’ and watch their meal being made.”
To satiate that sweet tooth, combos of Salted Caramel, Butter & Sugar, Nutella & Banana, and Berries, Chocolate & Cream are among the salivating delights on the Sweet As Crêpes menu. Customers can get their savoury fill by enjoying a Classic Ham & Cheese crêpe, crisp on the outside, yet oozing with a gooey inside. Or the Very Vege, bursting with flavours filled with feta, pesto, semi-dried tomato, fresh basil, and cracked pepper.
For Shepherd, one of the most rewarding parts of the business is hearing how much customers enjoy their crêpes. This feedback inspires focus and creativity, which has fueled their success. In their achievements, Shepherd’s team recieved the most sustainable food truck award alongside being runner-up in the Food Truck Collective People’s Choice Awards. Plans for the future include adding retail products to their business, a project in development that started during the lockdown. Shepherd is looking forward to this next chapter with time and hard work.
Of all their challenges over the years, Covid proved to be the hardest. Through the struggle, Shepherd and her team are immensely grateful for the support from local communities and loyal customers who got them through. Now that the worst is over, Sweet As Crêpes is excited to move forward and get back into making all those “flippin’ good” crêpes locals know and love.
