Tracy's Treasures and Treats becomes mainstay on base

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jennifer Viveiros
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  Tracy Hicks, owner and operator of Tracy's Treasures and Treats, is no stranger to hard work, customer service or the food industry.

It has taken her more than 13 years to get to this point.

She's had waitressing jobs, bartended and has even worked at a restaurant chain. Now, she owns a business at Warren.

"I've been working in the industry since I was 17," Tracy said. "It was only natural that I'd make a career out of this."

Tracy's traveled an interesting road leading up to where she is today. She grew up in Denver and started working in food service as a teen to pay for school.

"During that time, I worked with this friend who had a great entrepreneurial spirit," Tracy said. "Because of her, I started subscribing to Entrepreneurial Magazine. After a while, I realized I wanted to own my own business."

Tracy knew she wanted to be her own boss, but she wasn't exactly sure what she wanted to do. Shortly after coming to this conclusion, Tracy made a trip to Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. She met a woman who owned a hotdog cart. Tracy said she was intrigued and surprised to learn that civilians could run a business on a military installation.

Tracy contacted the hotdog cart leaser and discovered that there was an opening at Warren.

"That's when I started my business with a whim and a prayer," Tracy said.

Tracy's little hotdog cart has emerged into Tracy's Treasures and Treats, located across from the BX here.

Tracy said she is thrilled about the reaction she has gotten to her food. She uses fresh, wholesome quality ingredients. People have noticed and they keep coming back for more.

"The breakfast burritos, made with homemade green chili, and the smoothies are the most popular," Tracy said. "I offer them all day because people love them so much."
Tracy offers a variety of breakfast selections such as fruit and yogurt parfaits, cinnamon rolls, coffee and juices. For, lunch she still serves hotdogs, brats and sausages with chili, cheese and sauerkraut. Also available is a baked potato bar.

"I do catering as well," Tracy said. "I love catering for wing and group functions. I just need 24 hours notice."

Tracy said she needs some time to prepare catering orders because she does not operate out of a commercial kitchen. However, she said she has plans for a major renovation at the end of the month. She'll be able to handle larger orders in less time when this is done.

Also in the woodworks, she said, is a plan to expand to other locations on base.

"Right now it is just talk, but I'd love to be able to offer more variety and choice to the Warren community," Tracy said. "My business is based on good, home-cooked local food that people seem to like. I want to keep making that happen."

She came here on a whim, but she said it was the right decision.

"I can't tell you how happy I am to be at this Air Force Base," she said.
Tracy's Treasures and Treats may be small, but it is well known across base. Founded by an owner who prides herself on customer service, quality and a savvy business sense, Tracy's Treasures and Treats has become a staple in the Warren community.