Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 6/15/2017
HAMPDEN – The Cupcake Café has just opened in Hampden. Not only is the café true to its name selling cupcakes, but the bakery offers cake pops, scones, ice cream, cookies, pies, Italian ice, whoopee pies and more.
Catherine Russo has owned the Cupcake Café for the past five years. Russo studied underneath a German chef in Bar Harbor, Maine, and has been baking for 25 years. The business has been located in East Longmeadow until her recent move to Hampden.
Cupcake Café is located between Casa Bella and The Mane Event. It is also neighbors to Hampden Performing Arts Center.
“I started doing some research on Hampden and then this because available. I have ovens, because this was formally a pizza place, so it was just ideal for baking here. The equipment was here and I mean, she [owner of The Mane event] is such a success, it’s just a revolving door of customers there. Then the dance school, and of course these guys [Casa Bella] are doing great too, so it’s a lot of exposure and we all complement each other in a nice way,” Russo said.
The four businesses have discussed coming together for a wedding package.
“We’re going to work on doing a wedding-corner type thing where you can have your rehearsal dinner [at Casa Bella], and I can do cakes, and then you can have your hair done [at The Mane Event], and then you can even take ballroom dancing lessons [from Hampden Performing Arts Center]. We figured we could give a discount like if you used us all, we’d give you a break,” Russo added, “We all work well; it’s a nice mesh.”
On a daily basis, Cupcake Café customers can expect a variety of cupcakes and other baked goods. Russo’s top sellers are salted caramel and birthday cake. Since her move to Hampden she’s noticed a shift in what her clientele want.
“I sold a dozen pies just last weekend. I’m selling pies like crazy. Everyone here seems to be looking for a full bakery, which is wonderful for me, I like doing all of it,” she said.
For those who have dietary restrictions, Russo offers gluten free options every Friday and Saturday. Typically, the gluten free items are either a cupcake or a brownie.
“Every day this week someone has asked for gluten free. I used to have it daily in East Longmeadow and it didn’t sell daily, so I would have gluten free Fridays. I think I might be heading toward offering it on a daily basis,” Russo explained.
Though cupcakes were a massive trend three to five years ago, the hype seems to have died down in recent years. Luckily for Russo, this hasn’t affected her business. She finds that while cupcakes may not be as much of a trend as they used to be, they’re still in demand. Since her business isn’t solely cupcakes, she hasn’t had a problem adjusting to the latest baking trends.
Russo has only taken up space in Hampden for about a month, with only one full week officially open, and she feels that she’s been welcomed into town with open arms.
“People have come in and just introduced themselves, and it’s a really nice town. You can tell it’s unified. Not to sound corny, but it’s just been really, really nice. I put the sign on the corner and within ten minutes people were pulling in. The town has been so supportive and welcoming me in,” she said.
Cupcake Café is open for business at 548 Main Street in Hampden. June hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The café is also open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Catherine Russo can be reached at customersupport@cupcakecafe.me or 525-5800.