Made in Ramsey County: The Buttered Tin

Tell us about your company. How did it get started and what do you make?

Alicia Hinze, the creative force behind The Buttered Tin restaurants and Freshly Frozen, is a culinary visionary known for her dedication to crafting exceptional comfort food with a modern twist. Born and raised in the heart of the Midwest, Alicia's passion for cooking was ignited at an early age through the warm, home-cooked meals prepared by her family.

After honing her skills in various kitchens and earning a degree in culinary arts from Le Cordon Bleu College where she specialized in baking and patisserie, Alicia embarked on a mission to redefine comfort food, blending classic recipes with innovative flavors and techniques. After training under Wendy Kromer, the Confectionery Master and Contributing Editor to Martha Stewart Weddings, she joined Cupcake Bakery in Minneapolis, Minnesota and appeared on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars in Season 3, Episode 2 (2011) and in Season 5, Episode 6, where she won.

With her success, Alicia realized her dream in 2013 with the opening of The Buttered Tin, a cozy café nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Lowertown Saint Paul, Minnesota, and under Alicia's guidance, The Buttered Tin quickly became a beloved culinary destination, renowned for its decadent pastries, hearty breakfast dishes, and mouthwatering lunch fare. The restaurant’s success led to an annual fellowship in the Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program of the James Beard Foundation and a second location for The Buttered Tin in Northeast Minneapolis, which opened in 2021.

What makes your product(s) unique or notable?

Alicia was not done, and she launched the Freshly Frozen product line of ready-to-bake rolls and pies, which have disrupted the traditional frozen dessert brands. The Freshly Frozen products are found in major grocery stores in Minnesota (Lunds & Byerly’s, Kowalski’s, Whole Foods, Hy-Vee, Cub, and others) and nationally.

From fluffy biscuits smothered in house-made gravy to indulgent caramel pecan rolls, each dish reflects Alicia's unwavering commitment to quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. She sources only the highest quality ingredients, focusing on farmers and vendors who organically grow and implement ethical practices, for use in the housemade dishes of her scratch kitchen.

What do you enjoy most about being located in Ramsey County?

Alicia enjoys being connected to the community, which began with a connection via my family. Even before she was born, her mother, her sister/her aunt, their best friend (her Godmother), and both of their daughters would go to breakfast every Saturday morning. With a standing time and location for just the females, they met at Pannekoeken in West St. Paul. Saturday mornings were for the ladies – even though the men and boys begged to join. It was their time to talk and discuss about everything that was going on in their lives. Sometimes it was focused on what one person was going through; sometimes it was just catching up. Sometimes they went shopping afterwards or visited our grandparents who lived close. No matter what, the time was theirs.

When the West St. Paul location closed, they branched out and moved our weekly breakfast to the Maplewood Pannekoeken! Sadly, this location too would close, and on top of it all, Alicia’s Saturday mornings were no longer free as she was extremely busy making wedding cakes, desserts, and delights. She desperately missed these Saturday therapy sessions and bonding moments, so she decided to bring them to life. Thus, she created The Buttered Tin – a place for people to gather regularly to be with their special people.

How does your company contribute to the local community or workforce?

The Buttered Tin is proud to be deeply rooted in the community, not only as a neighborhood bakery and café but as an active partner in giving back. Through donations of food, gift certificates, and resources, The Buttered Tin supports local nonprofits, schools, and organizations that uplift neighbors in need. Just as importantly, the business creates meaningful employment opportunities for people from within the community, offering jobs that help support families and foster career growth. By employing locally and operating responsibly, The Buttered Tin also contributes to the city’s tax base, reinforcing its role as both an employer and an economic driver invested in the success and vibrancy of the community it calls home.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your company or product?

Alicia is a Cupcake Wars Champion! Without breaking contract, she can share some behind the scenes information about the show and similar ones. The judges are watching you from the minute the timer begins until the end. They are NOT in a green room or away from the action; the judges are evaluating every aspect to the smallest degree. There was always a guest judge who brought a unique perspective, and the judge’s votes were explained to help us grow and learn.

The path to the product is rarely the prettiest, especially when you are under the pressure of the timer. This is extremely difficult when it comes to baking where time and precision are key ingredients in the baking process.  Because Alicia never imagined doing Cupcake Wars or the like, she is very proud of herself for taking on a challenging and unexpected position and to allow her creations and talent to be judged. Winning always makes an experience that sweeter!