Cupcake Bakery Opening Two New Locations In Twin Cities

The Minneapolis-based bakery, Cupcake, is opening two new locations within the next few months, the Pioneer Press reports. One will be in St. Paul's Merriam Park neighborhood and the other in Eagan.

The Merriam Park location is taking over the former Two Smart Cookies space, and the small bakery will include a small breakfast and lunch menu, similar to the selection a the Minneapolis shop. The location should be up and running by September, according to the owner, Kevin Vanderaa. Vanderaa participated on Food Network's television show "Cupcake Wars."

The opening was unexpected for the bakery. The women who owned Two Smart Cookies asked if Cupcake was interested in the space. Currently, a new Whole Foods and apartment complex are being built across the street.

The second location in Eagan will be much larger. The entire space is 7,000 square-feet, and half of the space will be a full-service restaurant called "Savory Side by Cupcake." The menu will include tap beer, tap wine, woodfire pizza, and Minnesota hot dishes. The other half will be the standard cupcake bakery. The Eagan location is set to open in October.