Beautiful Brands International today announced an agreement with multi-unit developers, Brad and Francy Bauer, to open 20 new Smallcakes A Cupcakery stores in North Carolina. The first store from the agreement is slated to open spring 2012 in Wilmington, N.C.
“I can’t tell you what a great moment this is for Smallcakes and our growth as a franchise,” says David Rutkauskas, BBI founder, president, and CEO. “We’re thrilled to work with the Bauers to expand the Smallcakes footprint in North Carolina and bring the off the charts goodness of our cupcakes to the people here.”
With years of experience as entrepreneurs and business investors, the Bauers have committed their resources to aggressively developing the Smallcakes brand in North Carolina while capitalizing on the millions in the region who make up its solid market potential.
BBI and the Bauers believe they can reach their goal of 20 Smallcakes units within the next five years.
“Smallcakes has been the perfect addition to the Beautiful Brands portfolio and this 20 unit deal represents that perfectly,” Rutkauskas says. “Smallcakes’ founders, Jeff and Brandy Martin, have been a delight to work with in expanding their brand around the globe.”
Since Smallcakes has become a part of Beautiful Brands, more than 50 Smallcakes have been sold and there are 18 Smallcakes stores open.
Most recent openings include Kansas City, Missouri; Atlanta; and Caracas, Venezuela. New stores will open this year from Joplin, Missouri, to Miami.
Founded in Kansas City in 2008 by Jeff and Brandy Martin, Smallcakes A Cupcakery bakes 15 kinds of gourmet cupcakes each day, each freshly topped with swirls of velvety icing in traditional and modern flavors. The price point per cupcake is $2.89 or $28 per dozen.
The cupcakes have been featured on TV shows such as “The View” and “Cupcake Wars” on the Food Network. In addition, Smallcakes was the featured treat at MTVs 2011 Video Music Awards.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of this concept and blazing the trail for a hot-off-the-press franchise with unheard of potential,” Rutkauskas says.
