Twin Cities 'Cupcake Champion' credits reality television for saving bakery
Despite light-rail construction along University Avenue, the owner of Cupcake in Minneapolis tells the Star Tribune, "business was higher this summer than last summer, and I can only say that that's due to the national exposure."
Kevin VanDeraa won some priceless publicity in June after he was declared the winner of the Food Network's "Cupcake Champions." He beat out three other all-star bakers from the popular reality television series "Cupcake Wars."
In July, Cupcake abandoned its plans for a new location on Grand Avenue in St. Paul after months of fighting the city of St. Paul and neighbors over parking and and a liquor license. Instead, the the popular pastry restaurant opened a shop at the Mall of America.