It’s a bittersweet time for Bess Charles.
After ten years of operating LadyCakes Bakery on Del Prado Boulevard in Cape Coral, she will close that location permanently after business hours on Saturday, June 22.
“I had no intentions of going anywhere,” Charles said, noting that issues with the landlord prompted the move. “But this is our last week. It all happened so quickly.”
Charles opened the 936-square-foot lavender-walled retail space in American Plaza, just south of Veterans Parkway, in September 2014. Customers quickly fell in love with her custom cakes, creative cupcakes, and crafty cookies.
“We’ve had so many loyal customers over the years,” said Charles, who started LadyCakes from her home in 2006, initially baking as a hobby.
LadyCakes’ popularity led to three expansions over the years.
“We just kept taking over more space,” Charles said.
A New Beginning
Fortunately, LadyCakes’ loyal customers won’t be without their favorite bakery for long. Charles is relocating her business to a new site in southeast Cape Coral.
“It used to be an insurance office,” Charles explained. “It’s a complete buildout for us, which is great because we’re designing it to meet our needs.”
The new bakery, located at 447 Cape Coral Parkway E., will have a different ambiance from the original. Gearhead Tattoo owner and artist Kelly Rogers will contribute the artwork.
“It will have more of a foodie, urban vibe,” Charles said, praising the South Cape dining scene. “That area has become quite the foodie destination. Our new space will match it. What I have in mind looks really cool.”
Sweet Menu Changes
There will be a few subtle changes to the menu.
“We’ll add new, fun items,” Charles said. “New cupcake flavors, different cakes, and we hope to include fresh bread. There will also be extended hours.”
However, all the popular staples will still be available, including beloved flavors like Raspberry Dream, Death by Chocolate, salted caramel pretzel, and maple bacon.
When Will LadyCakes Reopen?
After taking an annual vacation with her family — a cruise to celebrate her son’s high school graduation — Charles will return to prepare the new space.
“Whatever could go wrong did go wrong,” she said, referring to permit and construction delays.
Charles is optimistic about reopening by the end of July, despite the challenges.
“Don’t forget about us in the meantime,” she said.
During the transition, Charles and her team will continue working remotely, fulfilling existing orders and accepting new ones.