Better Than Sex at 17: A Sweet, Seductive Journey of Dessert & Love

How Co-founders Dani and Len Johnson turned a simple Oreo cake into a nationwide dessert sensation.

Seventeen years ago, a little dessert experiment in a Key West kitchen sparked a sensation. In May 2008, husband-and-wife team Dani and Len Johnson opened the doors of Better Than Sex – A Dessert Restaurant in Key West, Florida, and served their very first guests. What began as a quirky passion project has since blossomed into a beloved brand known for its playful indulgence and romantic flair. Today, as Better Than Sex celebrates its 17th anniversary, we’re looking back with a mix of sentimentality and cheeky humor – the same flavors that have defined our journey from day one.

Baked with Love: The Oreo Cake That Started It All

Every origin story has a sweet beginning, and ours literally started with dessert. In 2003, shortly after Dani and Len were married, Len playfully exclaimed to his wife, “I want dessert!” – a request that would change their lives. Determined to wow her new husband, Dani spent four hours crafting a two-layer Oreo cookie cake from scratch. When it emerged from the oven, fully frosted and decadent, Len was a “happy hubby.” He proclaimed the cake “amazingly delicious” and teasingly challenged Dani: “Wow, if you can do this, what else can you do?”. That loving dare lit a spark. Dani, drawing on fond memories baking alongside her mom, took it as a challenge to push her creativity further. She began teaching herself advanced baking techniques, saving recipes, and photographing each sweet creation. Friends and co-workers became taste-testers, frequently raving “you should do this for a living.” The idea of turning her hobby into something more started to take hold.

By 2006, the Johnsons decided to test their delicious dream on a larger audience – or at least their closest friends. They hosted a Valentine’s Day dessert party in their home, inviting a few unsuspecting couples to indulge in Dani’s latest confections. The evening was a huge hit. Laughter and moans of delight filled the room as guests sampled an array of treats. That night, the concept for Better Than Sex was truly validated. The duo realized they had something special: an after-dinner dessert experience that was intimate, playful, and unlike anything else. With menus full of double entendres and toe-curling flavor combinations served in a dimly lit, sultry atmosphere, Dani and Len envisioned a place where dessert would be more than just a sweet ending – it would be an event in itself. They sketched out ideas late into the night, swapping wild ideas for dessert names and laughing at how wonderfully “twisted” their imaginations could be. It was official – their dessert dream was becoming a plan for a romantic reality.

Opening Night in Key West – A Dream Realized

In the spring of 2008, that dream finally took shape. Dani wrote an indulgent menu of original desserts and naughty-named delights, while Len drafted a business plan – the couple’s all-in leap of faith. They found a tiny space on 411 Petronia Street in Key West’s quirky Bahama Village neighborhood and transformed it into their first dessert restaurant. On May 20, 2008, Better Than Sex – A Dessert Restaurant officially opened its doors – and opening night was a full house. Word had gotten around the island that a new “drinks-and-dessert” spot was in town, and curious locals packed the cozy little shop. With just a handful of tables and candlelight casting flirtatious shadows on red-painted walls, the atmosphere was set for seduction by chocolate. Dani’s kitchen labors had produced an opening menu featuring the earliest versions of now-classic treats – and as the very first slice of cake was served, the Johnsons raised a toast (of chocolate-rimmed wine, naturally) to their daring new venture.

That first night felt like magic. However, as any new business owners will tell you, reality hits after the honeymoon. Once the initial buzz settled, Better Than Sex faced the true test: could an upscale, dessert-only concept survive in a bar-and-grill town? The early days were quiet – sometimes too quiet. “We were open for about a year before we really had any business. We were dead,” Len admits, recalling how uncertain that first year felt. Tourists wandered past the unassuming storefront unsure what “Dessert Restaurant” even meant, and locals took some convincing to make dessert its own night out. There were evenings the staff outnumbered the customers, and Dani and Len found themselves pouring personal savings into keeping the lights on. Better Than Sex teetered on the edge of being a well-kept secret that might not survive.

Early Challenges and a Sweet Turning Point

The Johnsons have never been ones to back down from a challenge – not after the Oreo cake dare that started it all. They believed in their concept wholeheartedly, and they doubled down on the details that made it unique. Still, the pressures were real. A few early reviews were less than kind, as some diners didn’t “get” the risqué concept at first. At one point, after paying bills and staff, the couple had only a few thousand dollars to their names. It was a make-or-break moment. But giving up was not on the menu. “We Never Quit,” became Dani and Len’s mantra – a determined refusal to let their labor of love go down without a fight.

Their perseverance soon paid off in a big way. In 2010, something extraordinary happened: Better Than Sex was featured on the Travel Channel, shining a national spotlight on the little Key West dessert haven. Virtually overnight, curious foodies from around the country learned about this romantic dessert restaurant with the eyebrow-raising name. Suddenly, trips to Key West weren’t complete without slipping into Better Than Sex for a late-night treat. By 2012, the once-sleepy Petronia Street location was standing-room only every night – the ultimate turnaround from those slow first months. The restaurant’s limited seats filled up fast with giggling couples and groups of friends eager to experience the notorious menu. The Johnsons realized that their “little engine that could” dessert shop had not only made it, it was positively booming.

The surge in popularity brought some growing pains (the good kind). The original pocket-sized location could no longer contain the demand. In true Key West fashion, Dani and Len decided to make their expansion a fun, communal event. In 2012, when Better Than Sex moved from Petronia Street to a larger space around the corner on Simonton Street, the couple invited patrons and staff to help carry the furniture down the block in a celebratory parade. Guests cheerfully hoisted chairs on their backs and wheeled refrigerators through the streets – literally “moving the party” to the new venue. Laughter and wine flowed in equal measure, and the Key West community made it clear that Better Than Sex had become a cherished local fixture.

Lights, Camera, Dessert!: Making Headlines Nationwide

As Better Than Sex grew, so did its reputation for being one of the most unique dessert experiences anywhere. A pivotal media moment came on a romantic morning in 2016. The restaurant was invited to appear on CBS Sunday Morning, and fittingly, the segment aired on Valentine’s Day. Suddenly, millions of viewers were let in on Key West’s sultriest secret. The CBS cameras panned over melted chocolate and candlelight as Dani and Len told their story to the world – sharing how one whimsical idea (and one incredible Oreo cake) had blossomed into a phenomenon. For the founders, this national spotlight was both surreal and gratifying. Their once-modest idea was now inspiring couples across America to make dessert the main event. As Dani quipped afterwards, “We Valentine, all the time.” – a cheeky nod to the fact that at Better Than Sex, romance isn’t reserved just for February 14th. It’s woven into every day of the year.

The CBS Sunday Morning feature wasn’t the only time the cameras came calling. Over the years, Better Than Sex has been highlighted by the Travel Channel, the Food Network, and countless travel blogs and magazines. The provocative concept and even more provocative menu make for great television. After all, who can resist a story about a restaurant where you might order something called “Between My Red Velvet Sheets” Cheesecake and sip wine from a glass dipped in chocolate? The media attention brought waves of new fans and curious visitors. It also cemented Better Than Sex’s status as a must-do Key West experience, right alongside sunset at Mallory Square or a slice of key lime pie. For Dani and Len, each bit of press – whether a local newspaper blurb or a national TV spot – felt like affirmation that following their unconventional vision was worth it.

Perhaps the most meaningful reviews, however, have come from the guests themselves. Over the years, love letters from customers have poured in: notes about engagements that happened over a dessert, anniversaries made special by a surprise cake, or “just because” date nights that became unforgettable. Knowing that their restaurant has been the backdrop for so many special moments is the ultimate reward. Better Than Sex even earned the #1 ranking on TripAdvisor for desserts in Key West and won local “best date night” awards – proof that indulgence and intimacy make an unbeatable recipe.

Spreading the Love: Expansion and Franchising

Key West will always be home, but Dani and Len knew from early on that their concept had legs (and not just up in the air!). As demand grew, visitors began begging the Johnsons to bring Better Than Sex to their hometowns. After careful planning, the first expansion came in late 2015, when Better Than Sex opened a second location in Orlando, Florida. It was a fitting choice – Orlando was the city where Dani and Len first met decades ago as young servers, and returning there felt like coming full circle. On opening night in Orlando, the restaurant was packed wall-to-wall with excited dessert lovers, mirroring the Key West success. From that point on, the question wasn’t if Better Than Sex would expand further, but where to next.

In 2018, Dani and Len took a leap into franchising their brand. They realized that the best way to share the love was to partner with other passionate dessert enthusiasts who could bring Better Than Sex to new cities. The first franchise location debuted in Savannah, Georgia, introducing a whole new crowd to chocolate-dipped glasses and velvety cakes. Savannah’s sultry, historic vibe turned out to be a perfect match for the concept. From there, the Better Than Sex family kept growing. Soon, additional locations popped up across the map: a Dallas-area location in Plano, Texas, a spot in Greenville, South Carolina, even a foray to the West Coast in Los Angeles. Each new restaurant preserved the same cheeky charm and intimate atmosphere of the Key West original, while catering to a local community of romantics and foodies.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of this growth is who some of these new owners are. Many franchisees started out as Better Than Sex customers who fell in love with the experience and wanted to bring it home. For example, the Plano location is owned by a married couple, Sheila and Derrick Miller, who first discovered Better Than Sex on a vacation in Key West. They walked into the original restaurant as dating sweethearts and walked out inspired to start a franchise of their own. “This was exactly what she’d always envisioned,” Derrick said of his wife’s reaction to the sultry décor and decadent menu. Stories like these make the expansion feel like an extended family affair – a network of dessert devotees spreading joy (and maybe a little mischief) across the country.

Through all this growth, Dani and Len have been careful to. Each new location is thoroughly trained in the art of creating an “adults-only” dessert haven. The franchise model might be growing, but the founders still personally pour their passion into menu development, branding, and ensuring every restaurant lives up to the playfully luxe reputation of the original. By mid-2022, Better Than Sex boasted two company-owned restaurants (Key West and Orlando) and four franchised locations – with more on the way. Not bad for an idea that started in a home kitchen with an Oreo cake! And as of this 17th anniversary, the journey continues: new cities are on the horizon (keep an eye out, Tampa Bay may be next…), and the Johnsons are excited to keep saying “yes” to opportunities that feel right. Better Than Sex’s story proves that a labor of love – when shared with others – can turn into something much bigger than ever imagined.

Not Your Average Dessert: What Makes Better Than Sex Unique

So after 17 years, what exactly makes Better Than Sex… well, better than, you know… actual sex (wink)? The secret ingredient has always been the experience. From the moment you step inside a Better Than Sex restaurant, you’re enveloped in a deliberately crafted atmosphere of privacy, romance, and fun. The lights are kept low, bathing guests in a soft glow. Tables are intimate (no large parties taking over the room – most locations cap table size at four, and prefer two). Cozy nooks, velvety drapes or high-backed booths, and flickering candles make you feel like you’ve entered a secret dessert speakeasy. The idea is to create a space where couples can connect – whether it’s a first date or “just Wednesday.” As Len and Dani designed it, Better Than Sex is an extension of the perfect date night: a place to linger over something sweet, sip a little wine, and forget the outside world for a while.

Then there’s the infamous menu – a cornerstone of the brand’s identity. Browsing a Better Than Sex menu is half the fun (and often leads to blushing or giggles). The Johnsons have never shied away from cheeky humor; in fact, they leaned into it from day one. The dessert names read like a playful dare. Fan favorites over the years include the indulgent “Cookie Nookie Pie,” the sultry “Between My Red Velvet Sheets” Cheesecake, the over-the-top “Peanut Butter Perversion” cake, and the clever “The Morning After” bread pudding. Even the drinks join in on the fun, with wines and cocktails dressed up in chocolate- or caramel-dipped rims and given names like the “G-Spot” and “Lickin’ Love”. Reading the descriptions is akin to skimming a romance novel’s steamiest page. Case in point: the signature chocolate brownie is described as “Smooth. Soft. Supple. A warm airy chocolate cake-like brownie full of body… oozing a subtle chocolate pudding underneath, rubbing up against cool white vanilla bean balls.” If you’re not at least a little flushed after that, check your pulse! This playful language isn’t just for shock value – it creates an atmosphere where guests can laugh, drop their guard, and embrace a bit of naughtiness along with their dessert. It’s dessert with a wink and a nudge, done in a classy, never crass way that leaves guests grinning ear to ear.

Of course, all the tongue-in-cheek humor wouldn’t land if the desserts themselves didn’t deliver. But Dani’s creations have always been the real deal – decadent, imaginative, and top-notch in taste. Each plate arrives looking like a work of art and an innuendo all at once. Over 17 years, the menu has evolved with new seasonal specials and fan-inspired ideas, but it has never lost its core focus: make it delicious, and make it memorable. The team even innovated how the menu is presented. In 2012, they swapped out those hard-to-read paper menus (which used to come with little flashlights for the dark room) for glowing iPad menus that showcase the desserts in vivid color. Suddenly, guests could swipe through tantalizing photos and descriptions, which only amped up the anticipation. It was a tech-savvy move that fit perfectly with the Better Than Sex vibe – modern, sensual, and a tad theatrical.

Perhaps most importantly, Better Than Sex succeeds because it invites people to slow down and savor an experience together. In a world where we often rush through meals, this is a place that says: “Stay. Indulge. Talk. Laugh. Make a memory.” It’s a formula that has earned the brand a loyal following. Some customers make it their go-to anniversary spot every year, others bring out-of-town friends just to see their reaction to the menu. The restaurants have seen countless celebrations – birthdays, girls’ nights, honeymoons, and proposals have all taken place under those dim lights. (In fact, if you look closely, you might spot a discrete engagement ring presentation in progress at the corner table – it happens more often than you’d think!) Through it all, Dani and Len have kept the atmosphere warm and welcoming. Yes, it’s sensual, but it’s also meant to be silly and joyful. As Dani likes to say, dessert is about happiness – and what’s sexier than shared laughter over a great chocolate cake?

With Love and Gratitude: Thank You for 17 Incredible Years

As we celebrate this 17-year milestone, the overwhelming feeling that comes to mind is gratitude. Better Than Sex was born from Dani and Len’s love story, but it has thrived because of you – our amazing community of guests, friends, family, and dedicated team members. “It’s the people here who got us to where we are now… We never want to forget that,” Len emphasizes, remembering those locals who kept the faith even in the slow early days. From Key West conchs who took a chance on a dessert-only date night, to franchise owners in far-flung cities who believed in the concept, Better Than Sex has always been a family. We’ve seen couples who had their first date at our cafe come back years later on their honeymoon. We’ve watched anniversary celebrations become a yearly tradition at our tables. We’ve even been honored to host engagement proposals on our premises – an intimate privilege we don’t take lightly. Being part of your special moments is why we do what we do. For Dani and Len, nothing is sweeter than knowing their whimsical idea has touched so many lives and brought people closer together.

The journey hasn’t always been smooth. We’ve dealt with hurricanes in the Keys, economic ups and downs, even a global pandemic. (Dessert take-out, anyone?) Through it all, your support kept us going. In 2020, when we had to close our dining rooms, we were frankly worried – would the Better Than Sex experience translate to home? But our fans proved amazingly adaptable and loyal. We started offering our treats to-go, sent home chocolate-rimmed plastic glasses for date nights-in, and even included our playful “Spark Cards” – flirty question prompts to keep dinnertime conversation spicy. To our delight, you all embraced it. Some of you set up candlelit living room picnics with our desserts, making quarantine just a bit more bearable and romantic. We even introduced a signature Romance candle (with hints of almond and other aphrodisiacs) so you could bring a little of our restaurant’s ambiance into your home. The fact that Better Than Sex weathered those challenging times is a testament to the love and loyalty of our guests and the passion of our team.

So, to everyone who has been a part of this wild, wonderful ride: Thank You. Thank you for every visit, every social media shout-out, every time you brought a friend or loved one to experience our desserts. Thank you for laughing at our silly puns and embracing our vision that dining can be sensual and playful all at once. You’ve not only supported a small business; you’ve supported a dream, a philosophy that life’s little moments are worth celebrating. As Dani reflects on the journey, “Back in 2003, as husband and wife, we made a promise to ourselves… if you believe it, have a partner that can hold you accountable, you can and will make it happen.” The two of them believed – and you, our dear friends, believed right along with them.

Seventeen Candles: A Toast to the Future

Standing here 17 years later, we’re filled with pride, humility, and a giddy excitement for what’s yet to come. In the spirit of our famously cheeky name, we can confidently say: this is just the foreplay. There are many more chapters of indulgence ahead! We raise our chocolate-dipped wine glasses in a toast to all of you who made these 17 years possible, and to the future of Better Than Sex. The plans cooking in our kitchen right now include new desserts that will knock your socks off, more locations so we can spread the love to new communities, and continuously finding ways to make your experience even more magical. Our passion for this concept is stronger than ever – and we are still very much in love with love.

Seventeen years ago, an Oreo cake symbolized one woman’s love for her husband and sparked a dream. Today, Better Than Sex – A Dessert Restaurant is a celebration of romance, humor, and the joy of indulging in something delicious together. From Key West to wherever you are, we invite you to join us in saying: Here’s to 17 amazing years – and here’s to the next 17! May they be even sweeter, sexier, and full of extraordinary moments for us all. Cheers!