Dec. 29, 2012 By Bill Parry
A family-owned cupcake shop is about to open in Long Island City.
Brooklyn Cupcake, which was established less than two years ago in Williamsburg, is crossing the border and opening up in Queens.
Brooklyn Cupcake will share space with Uncle Louie G’s, an ice cream shop at 5-43 48th Ave.
“There were no retail places available,” said Carmen Rodriguez, who founded the cupcake company. “So, I dropped off my card with him and he said it would be great to start a dessert center.”
In less than two years, Carmen Rodriguez has created a company that has expanded from her original shop in Williamsburg to a venue at the Barclays Center and now in Long Island City. Another store is expected to open in Dumbo this spring.
Rodriguez entered into business after being laid off from Shade Store in Long Island City in 2009. Her mother provided her with her entire life savings to get the bakery off the ground. Two aunts also donated funds.
“I started selling my cupcakes out of a bagel store in Williamsburg,” Rodriguez said. “It gained traction and rolled on from there.”
The bakery remains a family business. Her sister, Gina Madera, is a partner and Rodriguez’ husband, Gus, helps with the heavy lifting. “I’ve been so blessed with this family of mine,” she said.
Rodriguez sells more than 20 types of different cupcakes, from red velvet to rainbow cookie.
She infuses the flavors of her Puerto Rican and Italian roots into the baked goods.
The shop has received stellar reviews on Yelp, and has been featured in New York Magazine, the Daily News and the Food Channel. “Zagat gave us a 27 rating,” said Rodriguez, “We don’t even know how they found us.”
Featured Events
3 Comments
Brooklyn cupcake makes delicious cupcakes!! I’ve been to the williamsburg location and I highly recommend their cupcakes! Uncle Louie G is another fave of mine too! good luck in LIC!
Hi Kevin, yes I would love to bring some cupcakes over to you. I am the owner of uncle Louie g and partners with the fantastic team @ Brooklyn Cupcake LIC location ., you can stop by during this week or email me at Unclelouieglic@aol.com to discuss getting some promotional samples to you @ your office in the Citi Building .,. Thks for your post!
Mark Entler
ULG LIC & BKlyn Cup LIC
hi,
can you come to Citibank, 1 Court Square and promote with some samples!!