SEATTLE — The nation’s first cupcake bakery and café is celebrating 20 years in Seattle.
When Jody Hall opened the doors of Cupcake Royale in 2003, it was a groundbreaking idea.
"There were zero (cupcake-exclusive bakeries) in the United States. One of my dearest friends was like, 'Oh my gosh what are you doing, you're leaving the best job in the world to open up a cupcake business?' And I was like, 'Kim, just you wait, it's going to be great.' Kim later founded Salt and Straw,” Hall said, laughing.
In the two decades since, Cupcake Royale has sold more than 10 million cupcakes and ushered in a revolution of other cupcake bakeries.
Hall’s philosophy was simple: serve great coffee and make each cupcake from scratch using local, sustainable ingredients. The signature deep swirl of frosting ensures every treat looks authentic.
"I want something that feels like you have the touch of whoever's frosting it and just have something a little more homemade looking,” she said.
As Hall expanded the bakery to new locations and gained a string foothold in the community, she realized it wasn't just a small business. It was also a platform she could use to push for change.
"We are all better off when we're all better off,” she said.
Despite the potential risk, her bakery became a force for social justice. The business advocated for and raised money in support of marriage equality. In 2010, sales of “The Gay” cupcake raised $10,000 dollars for Dan Savage’s It Gets Better Project.
Hall also met with President Barack Obama in a Seattle backyard to talk about women business owners and traveled to Washington D.C. to testify about access to affordable health care.
"I think that was a bold thing to do at the time, and I'm glad I did,” Hall said.
Twenty years later, Cupcake Royale is a staple of Seattle. While the business will continue to change and evolve, Hall has never wavered from the reason it exists.
"I just felt like celebration and joy, that was our purpose,” she said.
One major change coming to Cupcake Royale: March 17 marks the final day of operations at the Ballard café. The bakery is holding a community “Yard Sale” March 15 – 17 in celebration of the location’s 19 year history.
Customers can still buy cupcakes at the other four bakery locations in Madrona, Downtown Seattle, West Seattle and Burien. There will also be a pop-up on Capitol Hill, sales at farmer’s markets and a new pick-up point in Ballard.
Cupcakes are also available for online ordering and delivery.
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