Brian and Andrea Polizzi had a plan and they stuck to it. Inspired by a trip to Belgium, the Polizzi’s started Waffatopia, a West Chester-based company that sells fresh yeast-fermented waffles.

According to a story in last week’s Daily Local News, Waffatopia was recently honored by the Chester County chapter of SCORE, the non-profit that provides assistance to business owners, as one of its 2015 honorees.

The couple is passionate about all types of cuisines and considers themselves as foodies, the article explained. They met while undergraduates at Penn State and their passion really took off while visiting Belgium. It was there that they were first introduced to Liege waffles which are made from yeast-raised dough as opposed to a poured batter.

The waffles require no syrup as they are caramelized with Belgian pearl sugar, which can feature crystals the size of rock salt.

After marrying in 2002, the couple entered corporate America. Andrea would take a job with Vanguard, while Brian found work with international robotics company PerkinElmer.

The idea of starting their own business remained with them, with Brian explaining “We were intrigued by these waffles and saw ourselves eventually developing a family-friendly, all-natural food item and gift idea.”

The couple began to put the wheels in motion, using their money from personal savings and acquiring additional funding through loans and a silent investor while working up the courage to leave their positions.

They began working with SCORE and retired chemical engineer Charles Espenlaud, who remarked “(The Polizzis) were financially prepared to start their business and absorb routine early business losses. And they had a real passion for developing their idea.”

They originally toyed with the idea of starting a food truck before deciding to begin with farmers markets, which remain a part of their overall strategy.

The company makes its waffles at a commercial kitchen in West Goshen named Artisan Exchange and they are available at several area stores and restaurants.

The waffles can be enjoyed as-is, heated or can be frozen for up to six months.

As yearly sales reach into the six figures, the company is poised to continue tasting success. Brian credited the couple’s experience with SCORE, praising their mentorship and adding

“Our SCORE counselors challenged us and kept us on top of our business plan.”

Read more about the Polizzi’s and Waffatopia at the Daily Local News here.