Checking in with...Dan Byers:

Father’s Day is this Sunday so who better to check in with than Dan Byers, the founder of Newport Beach-based Daddy Cakes pancake mix?

What makes Daddy Cakes special?

Flavor. Our mixes have a simple and balanced flavor that creates a light and fluffy pancake or waffle. Pancakes and waffles are the most obvious foods to make with our mixes, but they are a great building block for a wide variety of easy-to-prepare foods, including muffins, cakes, cobblers, brownies and so much more. Plus, there aren’t very many products that are as much fun as ours — anyone who looks at our packaging or website can attest to that — but the fact that we boast a line of organic and vegan products really makes us unique. Of course, the proof is in the pudding — er batter, I should say! In the past year, we went from being available in a handful of retail locations to more than 45 stores nationwide, including being picked up by Amazon! I think we’re doing something right.

Father’s Day is really your holiday, any special plans to celebrate with your family?

On Saturday, I get to prepare breakfast for a group of hungry dads at the Whole Foods Market in Tustin! As with everything we do, it’s all about family, so although “Dad eats free,” they can bring their entire family and everyone else pays only $5, and we are giving all the proceeds to a local food bank in the area. With the current economic climate, there are many dads out there who can use some help just putting food on the table right now, so we are doing a little bit to help them on that day and also for days after, since so many will benefit from our food bank donation. As for me, I’m taking my boys to the park and playing with them, then enjoying a nice dinner with my wife because without her, there wouldn’t be much of a chance for me to celebrate this day.

You are asked to cater “I’m a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here,” what would you serve each of the following for breakfast?

 Flavor Flav: Criminal Chocolate Chip Blondies — it would take him back to when his dad had a diner, gloss over his time in prison, and make time fly just like those big clocks he wears around his neck. It would also give him a reason to call out his famous stage call of “Yeah, boyeee!”