Meet Chelz Bowen | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelz Bowen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelz, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The success of Top it OFF, Funnel Cakes is rooted in my journey as an entrepreneur, starting with a
simple food cart and growing into a full-service food truck. When | launched this business, | faced ‘numerous challenges—securing permits, learning the ins and outs of mobile food service, and building a brand from the ground up. However, my passion for creating unique, high-quality funnel cakes and delivering a fun, memorable experience kept me going. Every obstacle became an opportunity to refine my craft, improve operations, and ensure consistency in both product and service. Dedication and persistence have been the driving forces behind our growth.

Through years of hard work, we’ve established a strong reputation, not just among our loyal customers but also with well-known brands. We’ve had the honor of serving companies like Chick-fil-A, The Home Depot, Verizon, and Mercedes-Benz—each partnership reflecting the trust we’ve builtin our brand. Maintaining consistency in quality and customer experience has allowed us to expand our reach and create lasting relationships with both corporate clients and local communities. ‘At the heart of it all, my goal has always been to bring joy through food, and that’s what keeps me pushing forward. Top it OFF, Funnel Cakes is more than just a business; it’s a passion-driven venture dedicated to spreading happiness, one funnel cake at a time.

Whether it’s at a corporate event, a ‘community festival’, or a private gathering, we continue to put the “FUN” in funnel cakes, making every experience special for our customers.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been a journey of passion, perseverance, and purpose. As the owner of Top it OFF, Funnel Cakes, I’ve built a business that not only serves delicious gourmet funnel cakes but also stands as a pillar of community engagement and youth empowerment. What sets me apart is my commitment to the 3 Cs—Community Involvement, Creativity, and Customer Service. These principles guide everything I do, from mentoring young people and providing job opportunities to crafting unique desserts that bring joy to every customer.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. Starting from a food cart and growing into a fully operational food truck required resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering dedication to quality. I faced challenges like navigating business regulations, securing funding, and building brand recognition. However, I overcame them by staying committed to my vision, continuously learning, and embracing every obstacle as an opportunity to grow. Through it all, I’ve learned that consistency and genuine connections with people are key to long-term success.

At the heart of my brand is a deep-rooted belief in giving back. Top it OFF, Funnel Cakes is more than just a business—it’s a movement that brings people together through food and fun. I take pride in mentoring the next generation, encouraging entrepreneurship, and fostering a culture of service. I want the world to know that success isn’t just about profits; it’s about impact. Through community involvement, creativity, and exceptional customer service, I aim to inspire others to dream big and build something meaningful.

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?
If my best friend was visiting Atlanta, I’d take them to some of my favorite spots for great food, fun, and adventure. Here’s what our itinerary would look like:

Where to Eat & Drink:
Tulum – A great restaurant in downtown Atlanta with a fun atmosphere.

Prime on Peachtree – A stylish spot in downtown Atlanta for delicious food.

Bar of Thailand – A must-visit for amazing Thai food.

Where to Visit & Hang Out:
The Atlanta BeltLine – A great place to walk, run, shop, and enjoy entertainment.

Ponce City Market – Perfect for shopping, dining, and exploring.

These places make for a fun and exciting trip, showing the best of what Atlanta has to offer!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to all the incredible individuals and organizations that have played a role in my journey. From family and close friends who have supported me through every challenge to mentors and business partners who have shared valuable insights, I am grateful for each one of them. A special acknowledgment goes to the brands and customers who continue to trust Top it OFF, Funnel Cakes, allowing us to grow and serve communities in bigger and better ways.

I also want to recognize the lessons and inspiration I’ve gained from influential books like How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. This book has helped shape my perspective on building relationships, effective communication, and growing a business with integrity and authenticity. The principles of leadership and connection it teaches have been instrumental in my approach to both personal and professional success.

Lastly, I appreciate the entrepreneurs and small business owners who have shared their stories, experiences, and wisdom. Their journeys serve as motivation, reminding me that persistence, passion, and community support are key ingredients to success.

Website: https://topitofffun.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topitofffun

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079718807521

Yelp: https://yelp.to/fW0vLobr4K

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Topitofffun

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@topitofffun