Meet Amy Balagot | Owner
We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Balagot and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Amy, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’ve always been fascinated by the versatility of crepes. Their neutral flavor makes them the perfect base for both sweet and savory creations, with endless possibilities for unique flavor combinations. I believed crepes offered an excellent foundation for a thriving business, and my research suggested a gap in the Colorado Springs market for my particular vision. I imagined serving them in a handheld paper cone, making them family-friendly and ideal for the types of events I envisioned showcasing my business at. Colorado Springs, with its vibrant scene of farmer’s markets, evening concerts, and family events, seemed the perfect fit.
The smiles and positive reactions we receive when handing customers their freshly made crepes confirm that Colorado Springs truly loves this versatile food. Our customers appreciate being able to enjoy their breakfast, lunch, or sweet treat crepe while taking in an evening concert or strolling through the farmer’s market.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Serving food is more than just a transaction; it’s about the heart and soul you pour into creating something and then sharing it with someone else. That feeling is truly special, and it’s the feeling we want our customers to experience at 4th Avenue Crepes.
Our core mission is to make every customer feel welcome and appreciated. We believe that how we treat our customers, the experience we create for them, is what truly sets us apart. We strive to offer more than just a service; we want to create a memorable moment.
My 30+ years in the food service industry have provided me with the skills to build this business. These years were marked by dedication to a predominantly male-dominated field, constantly challenging the notion that I couldn’t achieve what my male colleagues could. Persistence and determination became my closest allies. While the day-to-day operations are now second nature, I’m especially proud of the skills I’ve acquired beyond the basics. From operating and maintaining a generator to troubleshooting plumbing issues, hitching and towing a trailer, and confidently maneuvering it into parking spots, these are skills many women don’t have the opportunity to develop. I’m thrilled to have mastered them and continue to grow more confident with each challenge.
Owning a small business can be described as a rollercoaster of a ride. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart! The unexpected challenges, the moments of overwhelm, the sheer grit required to keep going – is all part of the experience. As challenging as the days can be, often they are where the most valuable learning happens. As the owner you are forced to adapt, to problem-solve, to develop resilience you didn’t know you had. And then, when you have a smooth day, it’s not just a good day, it’s a celebrated good day because you know how hard you worked for it.
The pride of owning a business is something truly special. It’s not just about owning a business; it’s about owning something you built. Every recipe, every procedure, every creation is a piece of you, a testament to your vision and hard work. And then, to see that reflected in the joy of your customers, that pure delight – that’s the ultimate reward. It makes all the challenges, all the late nights, all the moments of doubt worthwhile. It’s a connection to something bigger than yourself, and it’s incredibly powerful.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A delicious day in Colorado Springs would definitely be a foodie adventure! Starting with a unique coffee experience from Good Gracious Coffee and then pairing it with the stunning natural beauty of the area – Garden of the Gods, Seven Bridges, Red Rocks, and Fox Run – what a fantastic way to begin. Those hikes definitely earn the delicious pizza at Orsetto’s. Enjoying a wood-fired pizza with top-notch ingredients is hard to beat!
And then, a little retail therapy at some of the Springs’ unique boutiques like The Local Honey Collective, Idyll Manor, and Apricot Lane Boutique – a perfect way to spend the afternoon. Capping it all off with authentic Mexican food at Huevones Cafe… incredible! And finally, preparing for the next day with fresh beans from Golden Pine Roastery in Black Forest. It would be a well-rounded day that highlights the best of Colorado Springs’ food scene, natural beauty, and local businesses.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Building this business has been a lifelong dream, and it wouldn’t have come true without the unwavering support and patience of my entire family. Especially my daughters, Mak and Abby. They’ve been my tech support, patiently guiding me through the often overwhelming world of social media. They’ve been my most dedicated workers at countless early morning events, my sidekicks learning the mechanics of hitching up a trailer, and my expert navigators, helping me back it into the perfect spot. Through all the ups, downs, and sideways adventures, they’ve been my rocks, contributing immensely to the success of 4th Avenue Crepes. I’m forever grateful for the memories we’ve created together in our trailer, Mabel. My heart’s desire is to make them proud of what I’ve built and to show them that by following your dreams, anything is possible.
Instagram: @4thavenuecrepes
Facebook: 4th Avenue Crepes
Other: Tik Tok: 4th Avenue Crepes
Image Credits
Photo credits: 4th Avenue Crepes
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
