Bridgeport's Newest Business is Ready to Serve You with Offerings as Sweet as the History Behind of It
By Jeff Toquinto on May 20, 2024
Bridgeport’s McKenzie Koon has always wanted to own a business. It is the reason she went to West Virginia University.
When she graduated from WVU in December of 2022 with a multidisciplinary studies degree in hospitality and tourism management along with marketing and event planning, she had not yet quite figured out what commercial area she would venture into.
“I explored a few avenues and had the opportunity to get into a couple of businesses. I looked into a t-shirt making business, which I like doing, but I found out what I wanted to do was right in front of me,” said Koon.
It was indeed in front of her. In fact, it has been around her for her for most of her life. It had also been in front of the rest of her family and most of her friends.
Recently, McKenzie Koon opened up her new business. It is called Simply Sweet LLC.
“I cater and have a pretty big catering event coming up this weekend,” said Koon earlier this week. “I do individual orders 
for repeat customers who may order a dozen chocolate-covered strawberries each week. I also have been doing holiday themed boxes with Father’s Day being a golf-themed box up next.”
for repeat customers who may order a dozen chocolate-covered strawberries each week. I also have been doing holiday themed boxes with Father’s Day being a golf-themed box up next.”
Along with the aforementioned strawberries, pretty much anything that can be dipped in chocolate the 2019 BHS graduate can deliver. The list includes pretzels, Rice Krispies Treats, and more. She also makes cupcakes and cookies and is about to begin venturing in cakes as she has taken her first order for an event next month.
What got her headed in this business direction is a bit different that what let her know it is what she should– and wanted to – be doing as a profession.
“This all started when all of my friends seemed to be having babies all of the sudden around the same time,” said Koon, still living in
Bridgeport. “I was making desserts for their baby showers and that started it all. Then I realized with my past and my degree I should make it a career, and here I am.”
Bridgeport. “I was making desserts for their baby showers and that started it all. Then I realized with my past and my degree I should make it a career, and here I am.”
It is the past that makes Koon’s story a bit unique. During most of her years growing up in Bridgeport, she watched her mother bake in her own “business.” It was a business open once or twice a year, at one or two locations, and never charged a price.
Back in 2005, McKenzie’s sister Jessica graduated. Her mother Miss created a “Dessert Bar.” This was no small tray of sweets, but a full out spread of sugary treasures. It went from 2005 
until McKenzie graduated in 2019. Hundreds of friends of the children of Missy Koon showed up pre-prom, and pre-homecoming to indulge at the Koon household or even at the Bridgeport Conference Center.
until McKenzie graduated in 2019. Hundreds of friends of the children of Missy Koon showed up pre-prom, and pre-homecoming to indulge at the Koon household or even at the Bridgeport Conference Center.
“I would always help her with those events, even my own the year I graduated. I helped her anytime she did desserts. I’ve never loved cooking, but I love baking and it was because of working with my mom,” said McKenzie.
There is a very nice irony about with her new business. Mom is back in the baking game as well.
“My mother helps me with all of my orders. It’s great having her around,” the 23-year-old McKenzie said. “It’s nice to have been able to see what she’s done, play on it, and make something of my own.”
Individuals wanting to check out what Simply Sweet LLC has to offer, can visit their new Website HERE. You can also visit the Facebook page by clicking HERE. There is contact information on both, as well as the option to contact her via Facebook Messenger.
Editor’s Note: Pictures are courtesy of McKenzie Koon. Top three photos show some of McKenzie's offerings, while she is shown with her mother Miss in 2018 at the "Dessert Bar" prior to the Bridgeport High School Homecoming.
