Wenda Trunzo has opened her arms to the community thanks to her beloved coffee shop, Krazy Kup.
Upon first meeting Wenda Trunzo, owner of Krazy Kup, one very easily may be fooled by her humble nature. She doesn’t think she’s a leader, she struggles to talk about her accomplishments or her passions without tacking on the name of those who walked that journey with her.
Without her influence Plant City would be bereft of the welcoming and innovative atmosphere she has fostered in
her coffee house. She and her husband Frank Trunzo have lived a life of adventure and ingenuity. Traveling across the world, they fell in love with the charming strawberry town on the outskirts of Tampa Bay and chose to build their legacy in its historic downtown.
“Where else can you go to walk into a place and feel like you’re home?” Wenda Trunzo said. “Business men and women, mom and dads, pastors, they all frequent Krazy Kup. A movie was written right here at our coffee bar. Kids are studying, authors are writing books. We’ve had families that have had babies born and kids growing up all in front of our eyes. People have gotten engaged here. We love our community and we are so happy to be a part of this.”
Their life is an adventure plucked from the pages of fantasy novel. They met in Pittsburg. A mutual friend introduced the pair and they hit it off right away. Three weeks later he proposed. In an even more bizarre turn of events, she said yes.
“We looked at each other and said it was crazy,” Wenda Trunzo said. “So we didn’t really tell anyone for a year. Then we started planning the wedding and were married a little over a year later.”
Frank Trunzo was an auctioneer. He and Wenda traveled the world looking at antiques and priceless relics. While
in Europe they fell in love with the abundant coffee houses and the unique brands of espresso. When they returned, they carried that love with them, frequently reminiscing over the memories of them reading a book in a coffee house or a well brewed cup of joe.
In December of 1999 Frank Trunzo called her and told her he had found their new home in sunny Florida. They moved shortly after and still live on the same street they’ve called home for the past two decades.
Wenda Trunzo is a woman of many talents. She’s a health addict, starting every day in the gym and intentionally pursuing a vitamin filled diet. She was a body builder, winning countless trophies and taking the titles across the country.
She learned how to become an expert auctioneer, winning titles and participating in massive auctions. She was immensely talented, but she was craving something more. One day she mentioned her desire to own a small business, maybe even a little coffee shop like they’d been dreaming of for years.
Frank Trunzo found the perfect place. He found a 2,000 square foot, two story building in the heart of historic downtown. Like everything else in life, Wenda Trunzo dove into the business head first, becoming an expert on the industry and traveling near and far for the perfect products. In Hawaii they found the bean of their dreams and it is what is served every day in their business.
Krazy Kup was born.
The lessons she instills in her workers and the ambiance she creates are as much her legacy as the friendships she’s fostered with those who walk through her doors. Her baristas are told to great every person with a smile. A smile can go a long way to making the day a little brighter.
“This business may not make us wealthy, but it makes us rich, rich in the lives we get to be a part of,” Wenda Trunzo said. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could do our part to help Plant City grow? If we could help spur that movement for more mom and pop business and encourage other couples or other people to just follow their dreams?”
Thanks to Krazy Kup’s dedication to the community, countless groups have had a home to showcase their talents. The Trunzo’s are determined to do their part in transforming Plant City into the town they dream it can be.
She said leading has always been a struggle, yet everything she has taken on has made her stronger and more confident. Her loving and supportive family, as well as her deep faith has helped her overcome every obstacle life has thrown her way.
“We opened Krazy Kup because we wanted to give Plant City a nice place to relax and gather with friends, conduct business and just come and discuss how to solve the world's problems,” Wenda Trunzo said. “Our banner outside says it the best. The people of Plant City have made Krazy Kup better than we ever dreamed it could be. A big thank you goes out to them for embracing, enjoying and utilizing Krazy Kup.”
