Shawnniecakes moving to new Cedar Rapids location

Feb. 28, 2023 5:30 am

LeShawn Smith at her business Shawnniecakes Specialty Treats in NewBo City Market in southeast Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Thursday, July 18, 2019. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

CEDAR RAPIDS — Several months after announcing plans for a new location, Shawnniecakes Specialty Treats is finally moving.

The bakery known for its sweet treats inside NewBo City Market will hold a grand opening at its new location inside Collins Community Credit Union, 1800 First Ave. NE, on March 13, according to a NewBo City Market announcement.

At the new site, owner LeShawn Smith will be expanding into breakfast and lunch with desserts and catering options.

Shawnniecakes started in 2010 in Smith’s home kitchen, taking specialty orders and selling goods at pop-up shops at NewBo, before moving into a vacant stall at the market, 1100 Third St. SE.

After making a mark with her toffee butter cookies and lemon pound cake, the Black-owned business quickly grew and got a shoutout from Stephen Colbert on his television late-night talk show in May 2021, leading to shout-outs from other celebrities including Gayle King.

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