Nothing Bundt Cakes opens in Virginia Beach

That sweet smell permeating through the parking lot at La Promenade Distinctive Shoppes is nothing. Actually, it’s Nothing Bundt Cakes bakery that opened in February.

The franchise, which was started by two women in 1997 in Las Vegas, has 250 stores nationwide. When Robert Whitaker, a Yorktown resident, received a cake from Nothing Bundt as an anniversary present, he fell in love with the product. A month later, he was given another as a birthday present.

“Our story is classic if you talk to other franchise owners,” said Whitaker. “We were wowed by the cakes and decided to look into a franchise.”

At the time, Whitaker and his wife were living in Huntsville, Alabama, after Whitaker had retired from a 26-year career at Langley Air Force Base. They were actively looking for a business opportunity to move back to Hampton Roads, so they could be closer to the grandchildren.

“The story is that simple,” said Whitaker. “We thought the bundt cakes were phenomenal and started our search into the franchise.”

By 2015, the couple moved to Yorktown and opened their first location in Newport News. The Virginia Beach store was their second and Whitaker said he has plans to expand more in the future.

Whitaker describes the bakery as a boutique with great cakes and a Southern rustic charm decor.

“Capturing the moisture in our cakes is our trade secret,” said Whitaker. “ That’s what sets us apart from other bakeries and cupcake shops.”

Pinky Drew, a Great Neck resident, recently visited the bakery for the first time and left with a gluten-free Bundtlet and a carrot cake Bundtlet. She also purchased a vanilla flavored one wrapped in cellophane with pink ribbon for a baby gift.

“The moistness of the cake is amazing,” said Drew. “The subtle flavor of the Classic Vanilla melted in my mouth.”

Wendy Mann, a Dam Neck resident, stopped by to pick up a dozen Bundtinis for a family dinner. She wanted an extra treat for her college kids. Mann said she’s been to other local bakeries but loves this one because of the frosting.

“The frosting is heavenly. That’s what got me,” said Mann. “It truly is melt in your mouth delicious.”

Here are some questions answered by the owner:

Most popular flavor? Our best selling flavors are lemon, chocolate chocolate chip, white chocolate raspberry and red velvet.

Best-seller? The Bundtlet, which is an individual sized cake for $4.29.

What do the customers comment on the most? Mostly we hear that our cakes are so moist. Also, our signature butter cream cheese frosting is literally the icing on the cake.

Size and packaging options? Our cakes come in four sizes. The smallest are the Bundtinis (each cake is about 2-3 bites). They are only sold in a dozen. The Bundtlet is our individual cake sold in a clear container, and the 8 inch cake (serves 8-10) and the 10 inch cake (serves 18-20) come in a cake box. We can also decorate for almost any occasion and wrap it in cellophane.

What does your retail section offer? We are party central with candles, cards and balloons. A favorite for the ladies is our Kate Spade lineup. We have plates, platters and an array of beach themed gifts. It’s a great place to pick up a birthday gift such as a wine glass, mug or drinking cup.

Any unique services? We deliver within a seven-mile radius of the bakery and will ship an 8 inch cake within 250 miles. We also have an online ordering service.

Why a bundt cake over another shape? Bundt cakes have a unique history, and you don’t see them every day in other bakeries. The women who founded this company found a unique niche and perfected some great bundt recipes.

Let's block ads! (Why?)