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Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from the tri-states. Along with this update from Platteville, Wis., we will share additional developments in Tuesday’s edition.
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — A Platteville baker is hoping she’s found a sweet spot with the recent launch of a brick-and-mortar storefront.
Owner Angie Freed recently opened a physical store for her baking business, Cake and Eat It Too, at 30 S. Bonson St. in downtown Platteville. The shop offers a variety of handmade cakes, cookies and other sweets as well as custom orders.
“I like making things that make people happy,” Freed said. “(Baking) lets me do that in a way that’s fun … and lets me be creative.”
Freed started Cake and Eat It Too in 2016 as a home-based business, although her baking skills date back to the grocery store bakery she worked at during high school. What began as a part-time gig later became a full-time job as the custom cake business grew.
She said she first considered finding a brick-and-mortar location roughly five years ago, although those plans were put on pause because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, she decided to try again.
“My dream in the beginning was always to have my own shop, and I felt like I’d built myself up enough that it was the next logical step,” Freed explained.
She chose the Bonson Street spot because of its size and location. The extra space has allowed her to venture into making new sweets such as cinnamon rolls and cookie cakes.
The store also has opened the business up to walk-in customers, Freed said, whereas before she was only taking custom orders and pickups. She still takes custom orders, although on a more limited basis.
Freed said she’s enjoyed the face-to-face interactions she’s had in the new store, adding that it’s also helped bolster business by tapping into college students visiting the downtown area and other curious passersby.
“It’s been nice to be able to meet new people and just talk to them for a few minutes,” she said. “I didn’t really get that (when I worked from home.)”
Cake and Eat It Too is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, although Freed is considering expanding those hours to include some weekend and evening hours.
Updates and more information can be found online at facebook.com/cakeandeatitoo.