The Cupcake Business Is Doing Just Fine

Cupcakes are the perfect dessert: delicious, handheld, and just small enough that you never feel obligated to share. Plus, they're an affordable indulgence. That may be why two of the biggest cupcake players in town have announced expansion plans--recession be damned! Cupcake Royale, with stores in Ballard, West Seattle, and Madrona, is coming to Capitol Hill in June. Owner Jody Hall says they'll be moving their main bakery from Ballard to the new site which is a bit bigger and has a kitchen designed to their specifications. The lucky spot is on the ground floor of the Tom Kundig-designed condo building on Pike and 11th. Now all the hill dwellers can sample one of Royale's delicious flavors while enjoying a cup of Stumptown coffee.

Meanwhile, Trophy Cupcakes is opening a second location in the U Village this May as well as expanding the Wallingford Center store. Jennifer Shea, who co-owns the shop with her husband Michael, says they've always wanted a space for parties. "It only makes sense in a cupcake and party shop! The room will also be a great place for book clubs, business meetings and any type of social group or club." But don't worry about not getting your fix while they expand. The new space is down the hall (on the other side of "So Much Fun"), so construction will not disrupt the current shop at all, she assures.

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