Shawnniecakes Specialty Treats opening new location in Cedar Rapids

May. 10, 2022 6:00 am

LeShawn Smith adds sweet potatoes as she makes pie filling at her business Shawnniecakes Specialty Treats in NewBo City Market in southeast Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Thursday, July 18, 2019. Shawnniecakes is expanding with a new opening in northeast Cedar Rapids. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

CEDAR RAPIDS — Shawnniecakes Specialty Treats, the bakery known for its sweet treats inside of NewBo City Market, will soon be opening a new location.

Shawnniecakes Cafe on First announced plans to open a second location at 1800 First Ave. NE, inside Collins Community Credit Union. The new spot is under construction; an opening date has not been announced.

Shawnniecakes started in 2010 in owner LeShawn 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. The Black-owned business has quickly grown and got a shoutout from Stephen Colbert on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert in May 2021.

The original location will remain in NewBo as the second one opens.

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