blogdowntown
Not currently logged in. [Login or Create an Account]

Stay Connected



 

NYC's BabyCakes Vegan Cupcakes Signs on 6th

By Eric Richardson
Published: Friday, April 17, 2009, at 03:14PM
BabyCakes Eric Richardson []

BabyCake's new Downtown space is behind these doors in the Pacific Electric building. The landing in front will be removed to allow for a patio.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — New York-based vegan cupcake shop is coming Downtown, but in a spot that may surprise people.

The firm today signed a lease to join The Association, Cole's and Blu LA Cafe on the 6th street side of the Pacific Electric building, between Main and Los Angeles streets.

BabyCakes originally planned for its Los Angeles location to be to the west, most recently on Beverly Boulevard near The Grove. In a newsletter published yesterday, the firm said it would be opening Downtown in the Old Bank District, news that .

Today, BabyCakes took to its blog to .

Look. We know downtown isn't West Hollywood. We are aware that it can be a pain to travel there. We get it. But we all know the economy's doing weird stuff and has challenged us to get creative with our expansion budget. We are aware of the parking situation, and are working on a deal to get free, convenient parking for our customers. We also know that many of you have small children and it's just too much to get in the car to beat the traffic. No prob. We're working on a dessert truck that will park in central locations too (we're looking at you West Hollywood and Silverlake).

But you know what? We kind of love downtown. And by love I mean adore. The block we have chosen reminds us of our beloved Broome Street location. The art culture is rich, the community is passionate, and there are a lot of cool businesses making a name for it already.

The cupcake shop will occupy an square foot spot near the corner of 6th and Los Angeles. Tyler Murphy of represented both BabyCakes and the Pacific Electric on the deal, and says that a contract is out to be signed for a beer and wine bar that would occupy another space on the corner.

SHARE:

||

Related Stories:


Conversation

Guest 1

Tim on April 17, 2009, at 03:19PM – #1

I love that in the second paragraph they finally stopped apologizing for their decision. We all love downtown for some of the same reasons they do. Bravo.


Guest 2

Bert Green on April 17, 2009, at 03:52PM – #2

Most of the businesses downtown do not rely on free parking to attract customers. People from weho or silver lake who don't want to come here simply won't. But to assume that they are the only customers is wrong. This place will do fine here. Like in New York, most of their business will be people who arrive on foot. What a concept.


Guest 3

Bartleight on April 17, 2009, at 04:00PM – #3

And ditto to the comments from Tim and Bert. So when do you open BabyCakes? This is one Downtowner that can show you how much foot traffic really counts! Me and my friends (particularly one whom is affectionately known as the cupcake queen)will be there.


Guest 4

bromike666 on April 17, 2009, at 04:02PM – #4

When I tell my GF she is going to let loose a deafening squeal. Then she'll be at the window like those commercials with the "open open open" ladies.


Julie Jamerson on April 17, 2009, at 04:11PM – #5

Sounds great! This will be a welcomed addition to the neighborhood. Now..If only we could get some kind of bakery that specializes in breads and cheeses. Anyone want to work on that for me? :)


Guest 5

Johnny on April 17, 2009, at 04:41PM – #6

I love it. The comparison of the locations is so apt, you can think of DTLA versus WeHo like their Broome St location versus SoHo. Can't wait for them to get started. I'm confident us DTLA'ers will show them a warm welcome


Guest 6

John Jackson on April 17, 2009, at 05:37PM – #7

Cupcakes, how 2002. This is something to get excited about. I find in hilarious that you all eat up the illogical nyc location comparison. (Pure marketing.) DT folks love to buy into the hype that their neighborhood will become soho. Whatever. Enjoy yourselves.


Guest 2

Bert Green on April 17, 2009, at 05:43PM – #8

I'm not sure about that, JJ, seems to me the places that have a problem with NYC comparisons are WeHo, SaMo and NoHo. Laughable. Those are also the same people that accuse downtown of this or that being like or not like new york. I don't hear many downtowners talk about that.


Guest 1

Tim on April 17, 2009, at 06:09PM – #9

In regards to post #2. Don't knock the concept of free parking. I don't live in downtown. Just took my kids to Phillipes last Friday. Appreciated the free parking. So did a lot of folks, judging by the constant stream of people jaywalking between the restaurant and their parking lot. Went down to Bottega Louie on Easter to pick up some sweets. I parked in a loading zone while my wife and kids ran in and got something. Free, short term parking would have been appreciated. (I like to spend my money without looking over my shoulder in fear of a parking ticket.)


Reed Quinn on April 17, 2009, at 06:21PM – #10

I google mapped their Broome St location in NYC (lower east side) and checked out the street view... It sure resembles our historic core more than anywhere else in our city. I see exactly what they are talking about.

248 Broome St, New York, NY 10002


Guest 7

innit on April 17, 2009, at 09:33PM – #11

Its not like West Hollywood has much to rave about regarding parking as it is...you drive around for about an hour trying to find a spot, and when you do its zoned for resident permits only....you still have to pay if you decide to put your car in lot, its really not any different than Downtown only theres more annoying Hollywood types I want to punch in the face... ;)


Scott Mercer on April 18, 2009, at 12:20AM – #12

Wow, somebody from New York actually IMPRESSED with downtown and the Historic Core, saying it REMINDS them of New York. There's some kind of turning point.

Suck on that, downtown haters. These people have the bonafides to compare Downtown LA with NYC. You people from West Hollywood, or The Valley, uh, what's the word?, oh, yeah...DON'T.


User_32

Rich Alossi on April 18, 2009, at 12:23AM – #13

Reading the first paragraph, I was getting angry with their apologetic tone "Hey, it's cheap!" - but then the second paragraph actually made it sound like they'll enjoy being in Downtown.

Yes, parking is a bitch, but their customer base will likely be locals and corporate clients.

#11 hit it on the head with the comment about parking in WeHo too. Permit-only parking for residents is the bulk of what's available there.

In any event, welcome to Downtown!


Guest 8

Raymond on April 18, 2009, at 12:55AM – #14

good to hear now can we get a Sprinkles or Dots and a good cookie shop downtown!! good to see the evolution of these streets 1st it was 4th now 6th & 7th hopefully 9th & 11th next up!!


User_32

Greensmark on April 18, 2009, at 09:17AM – #15

This makes me very happy indeed! Don't knock cupcakes, JJ. It starts with cupcakes and then proceeds to other wonderful things. Once Bottega Louie showed us that concepts other than Starbucks can survive here, I KNEW we were going to be just fine. As to other areas of LA (i.e., Weho, Noho, Beverly Hills): PLEEEASE!! They can have the suburbs...did anyone notice all the store closings in Bev Hills.....Downtown is the place to be!! Welcome Babycakes, Welcome!! And all others that dare to be ahead of the pack!!

Grnsmrk


Guest 9

Adore? on April 18, 2009, at 09:17AM – #16

They "adore downtown"? Let's hope they show up with some realistic expectations. They'll be just a cupcake throw away from crack cocaine, heroin and staggering drunks. Girlfriends may be in for a surprise if they haven't spent some time down here.


User_32

Greensmark on April 18, 2009, at 09:18AM – #17

This makes me very happy indeed! Don't knock cupcakes, JJ. It starts with cupcakes and then proceeds to other wonderful things. Once Bottega Louie showed us that concepts other than Starbucks can survive here, I KNEW we were going to be just fine. As to other areas of LA (i.e., Weho, Noho, Beverly Hills): PLEEEASE!! They can have the suburbs...did anyone notice all the store closings in Bev Hills.....Downtown is the place to be!! Welcome Babycakes, Welcome!! And all others that dare to be ahead of the pack!!

Grnsmrk


Guest 10

eva on April 18, 2009, at 09:28AM – #18

Jack Johnson, how last decade of you. Don't you know this is almost 2010? I know for a fact that people STILL like cupcakes, but people ARE MOST ASSUREDLY TIRED of other parade rainers declaring, "Oh, that's so 2001, 2002, 2003..."--you get the picture.


Guest 11

Janene Zakrajsek on April 18, 2009, at 10:06AM – #19

SO excited for BabyCakes! I must have let out a small squeal when I heard the news yesterday. I'm sure I also speak for all the other biz owners on our mighty block @ 6th when I say a huge "welcome to the neighborhood' and 'thank you for investing in our community'..!! Looking forward to the goodness of their sweet treats :-) -- Janene @ Pussy & Pooch


Alex Brideau III on April 18, 2009, at 04:01PM – #20

Adore?, are you describing Downtown or the Hollywood Hills? Sounds like the latter to me.


Guest 12

cori flaherty on April 18, 2009, at 04:55PM – #21

not only are they vegan, almost all are gluten free, wheat free, soy free, refined sugar free and kosher! these sound amazing!


Guest 13

bigrhinodog on April 19, 2009, at 09:48AM – #22

Breakfast at Nickel Diner, lunch at LA Blu or J+Js, pick up some dog food for the critters at Pussy and Pooch, dinner and drinks at Coles, and now dessert at Babycakes, then a short elevator ride back up to my loft. There's no need to ever catch the #16metro to WeHo ever again.


Guest 14

cupcakes? on April 19, 2009, at 12:39PM – #23

we're still opening cupcake shops?

p.s. Bottega Louie rules.


Don Garza on April 19, 2009, at 05:33PM – #24

God has blessed downtown, although by the end of next year I should be moving into the concerto in south park , I know that skid row residents will also benefit from these veggie cupcakes and I will have them delivered to my apartment at the concerto .


Victor Wilde on April 19, 2009, at 10:59PM – #25

welcome to downtown LA !


Guest 15

FYI: on April 20, 2009, at 03:29PM – #26

It's a bakery. They offer much more than just cupcakes.


Guest 16

vanessa downtown news on April 21, 2009, at 03:41PM – #27

Congrats to Tyler Murphy for closing the deal and a huge welcome hug to the folks at BabyCakes :)


Guest 17

Sandie Richards on April 21, 2009, at 04:05PM – #28

As someone who lived in NYC, I've always loved that Downtown is distinctly L.A., but definitely has a resemblance to NYC. Welcome, Babycakes, to your West Coast location.

Now, has anyone heard about plans for our version of Central Park?


Guest 18

BRADY Westwater on April 23, 2009, at 10:21PM – #29

Our 'Central Park' will come along the banks of the LA River after the CRA gives up on its financially unsustainable plan to line the entire river in Downtown with heavy 'green' industry.


Guest 19

I LOVE SWEETS on April 24, 2009, at 03:34AM – #30

Another dessert spot for the neighborhood. Someone told me that there is going to be a dessert bar on the groundfloor of the Hayward Hotel also that will serve casual desserts.


Guest 18

veganism on August 16, 2009, at 09:04PM – #31

so any word on when this place is opening?


Alexandra Leh on August 17, 2009, at 01:45PM – #32

didn't i hear babycakes bowed out? isn't this the new location of a soon-to-open wine & cheese bar?


Eric Richardson () on August 17, 2009, at 01:49PM – #33

Alexandra: Babycakes and the bar swapped spaces, which are next door to each other. Babycakes needed a little more room.

Last I had heard, timing was October / November.


Alexandra Leh on August 18, 2009, at 01:19AM – #34

thanks, eric. you'd think i'd know this, since i live in the building...but the residents don't get copied on the memos, so we depend on those of you with your ears to the ground.


Guest 18

LO on August 18, 2009, at 01:29AM – #35

If there is any of those wheat free and dairy free options I know quite a few folks in the PE building who will faint from excitement, including myself!



Add Your Voice

In an effort to prevent spam, blogdowntown commenting requires that Javascript be enabled. Please check your browser settings and try again.

 

Search:


Story Location:

Loading... Please wait.




On Twitter

New Comments


Recommendations



blogdowntown Photo Pool

Photos of Downtown contributed by readers like you.

Downtown Blogs


Downtown Sites


Elsewhere