HARRELD WEBSTER, JR., OWNER
940 N. 2nd St. Suite A Chillicothe, IL 61523
Harreld summed up what influenced his desire to open his business with one statement – I just wanted a really good cheesecake. After looking all over, he could not find exactly what he was looking for. He spent, as he puts it, two months and too much money, to create the cheesecake recipe that Triple Dipple’s is now known for.
This is a family affair with his wife and 3 children by his side. Harreld credits his wife for the businesses’ success.
“She pushed me beyond my comfort zone,” said Harreld.
Harreld is originally from Los Angeles, California and grew up watching his grandfather own two businesses in plumbing and trucking.
Though the business has its challenges of long hours, being slammed with orders over holidays and having to explain that all bakeries do not serve donuts, they pale in comparison to what really matters to Harreld, meeting different people and feeding them joy and that is exactly what Harreld wants potential customers to know.
“We have great people, great customers. We like to just hang out with them,” said Harreld. “We like to pray and encourage. Our business is a happy, safe, welcoming place.”
One of Triple Dipple’s unique offerings is the Sweet Tater Cheesecake that includes his mom’s secret recipe. The Oatmeal Cream Pie is also a fan favorite.
The Websters say their faith inspires them every day.
“God has great things planned for me,” Harreld said.
A piece of sage wisdom in business he offers is to not make everything for everybody. Stick with what you do well and perfect it. It’s ok to say no.
From graduation at Paine College in Augusta, GA to education in Peoria and now a dessert guru, Harreld says with a laugh that he hates sales!
Good thing his cheesecakes are so good that they sell themselves!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LISTING
In November 2020, Triple Dipple’s was been selected to be recognized in the Illinois Office of Tourism’s Makers in the Illinois Made Program.
IOT announced this week that 31 new small businesses, or ‘makers’, have been recognized by the Illinois Made program. Illinois Made inspires locals and visitors to discover hidden gems offering unique products, stories and experience all around the state.
“Supporting small businesses across our state and in central Illinois is incredibly important, especially right now,” said JD Dalfonso, President/CEO of Discover Peoria. “Triple Dipple’s is a brilliant business and central Illinois should be incredibly proud of this recognition that comes with being an Illinois Made maker.”
“It means a tremendous amount to, not only me personally, but to our business to have Discover Peoria nominate us and then have been selected as an Illinois Made maker”, said Harreld Webster, Owner and Chief Baker of Triple Dipple’s. “We are so grateful that people like and support our cheesecakes and I believe this just shows how much our customers support and love us.”
“Harreld is a cheesecake artisan and exemplifies the ability to turn a dream into a successful business,” said Amanda Beadles, Director of Economic Development for the City of Chillicothe. “Our community is proud that Harreld chose Historic Downtown Chillicothe as its home for Triple Dipple’s one-of-a-kind experience. Our unique local businesses make Chillicothe, Illinois, a destination.”
“Our new class of makers is a remarkable reflection of the multicultural diversity found all around Illinois,” said Karla Flannery, Deputy Director of the Illinois Office of Tourism. “We are honored to welcome such a talented group of makers that are destinations within their communities and we look forward to highlighting their craft, history and unique experience to locals and visitors alike.”
Launched in 2016, Illinois Made spotlights the people, products and experiences authentic to Illinois and inspires residents and visitors to explore these iconic destinations when traveling the state, or in their own backyard. The program, which currently features over 175 makers, helps drive foot traffic into local businesses around the state.
To learn more about Illinois Made visit: EnjoyIllinois.com/IllinoisMade.
