NYC's BabyCakes Vegan Cupcakes Signs on 6th

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http://blogdowntown.com/2009/04/4235-nycs-babycakes-vegan-cupcakes-signs-on-6th

BabyCake's new Downtown space is behind these doors in the Pacific Electric

building. The landing in front will be removed to allow for a patio.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — New York-based vegan cupcake shop BabyCakes is coming

Downtown, but in a spot that may surprise people.

 

 

The firm today signed a lease to join The Association, Cole's and Blu LA Cafe on

the 6th street side of the Pacific Electric building, between Main and Los

Angeles streets.

 

BabyCakes originally planned for its Los Angeles location to be to the west,

most recently on Beverly Boulevard near The Grove. In a newsletter published

yesterday, the firm said it would be opening Downtown in the Old Bank District,

news that got picked up by Eater LA.

 

Today, BabyCakes took to its blog to defend its Downtown choice.

 

Look. We know downtown isn't West Hollywood. We are aware that it can be a pain

to travel there. We get it. But we all know the economy's doing weird stuff and

has challenged us to get creative with our expansion budget. We are aware of the

parking situation, and are working on a deal to get free, convenient parking for

our customers. We also know that many of you have small children and it's just

too much to get in the car to beat the traffic. No prob. We're working on a

dessert truck that will park in central locations too (we're looking at you West

Hollywood and Silverlake).

 

But you know what? We kind of love downtown. And by love I mean adore. The block

we have chosen reminds us of our beloved Broome Street location. The art culture

is rich, the community is passionate, and there are a lot of cool businesses

making a name for it already.

 

The cupcake shop will occupy an 800 - 1000 square foot spot near the corner of

6th and Los Angeles. Tyler Murphy of The Robin Group represented both BabyCakes

and the Pacific Electric on the deal, and says that a contract is out to be

signed for a beer and wine bar that would occupy another space on the corner.

Comments

1Tim writes:

I love that in the second paragraph they finally stopped apologizing for their

decision. We all love downtown for some of the same reasons they do. Bravo.

 

# on Apr.17.2009 AT 03:19 PM

2Bert Green writes:

Most of the businesses downtown do not rely on free parking to attract

customers. People from weho or silver lake who don't want to come here simply

won't. But to assume that they are the only customers is wrong. This place will

do fine here. Like in New York, most of their business will be people who arrive

on foot. What a concept.

 

# on Apr.17.2009 AT 03:52 PM

Bartleight writes:

And ditto to the comments from Tim and Bert. So when do you open BabyCakes? This

is one Downtowner that can show you how much foot traffic really counts! Me and

my friends (particularly one whom is affectionately known as the cupcake

queen)will be there.

 

# on Apr.17.2009 AT 04:00 PM

4bromike666 writes:

When I tell my GF she is going to let loose a deafening squeal. Then she'll be

at the window like those commercials with the " open open open " ladies.

 

# on Apr.17.2009 AT 04:02 PM

5Julie Jamerson writes:

Sounds great! This will be a welcomed addition to the neighborhood. Now..If only

we could get some kind of bakery that specializes in breads and cheeses. Anyone

want to work on that for me?

 

# on Apr.17.2009 AT 04:11 PM

6Johnny writes:

I love it. The comparison of the locations is so apt, you can think of DTLA

versus WeHo like their Broome St location versus SoHo. Can't wait for them to

get started. I'm confident us DTLA'ers will show them a warm welcome

 

# on Apr.17.2009 AT 04:41 PM

7John Jackson writes:

Cupcakes, how 2002. This is something to get excited about. I find in hilarious

that you all eat up the illogical nyc location comparison. (Pure marketing.) DT

folks love to buy into the hype that their neighborhood will become soho.

Whatever. Enjoy yourselves.

 

# on Apr.17.2009 AT 05:37 PM

8Bert Green writes:

I'm not sure about that, JJ, seems to me the places that have a problem with NYC

comparisons are WeHo, SaMo and NoHo. Laughable. Those are also the same people

that accuse downtown of this or that being like or not like new york. I don't

hear many downtowners talk about that.

 

# on Apr.17.2009 AT 05:43 PM

9Tim writes:

In regards to post #2. Don't knock the concept of free parking. I don't live in

downtown. Just took my kids to Phillipes last Friday. Appreciated the free

parking. So did a lot of folks, judging by the constant stream of people

jaywalking between the restaurant and their parking lot. Went down to Bottega

Louie on Easter to pick up some sweets. I parked in a loading zone while my wife

and kids ran in and got something. Free, short term parking would have been

appreciated. (I like to spend my money without looking over my shoulder in fear

of a parking ticket.)

 

# on Apr.17.2009 AT 06:09 PM

10Reed Quinn writes:

I google mapped their Broome St location in NYC (lower east side) and checked

out the street view... It sure resembles our historic core more than anywhere

else in our city. I see exactly what they are talking about.

 

248 Broome St, New York, NY 10002

 

# on Apr.17.2009 AT 06:21 PM

11innit writes:

Its not like West Hollywood has much to rave about regarding parking as it

is...you drive around for about an hour trying to find a spot, and when you do

its zoned for resident permits only....you still have to pay if you decide to

put your car in lot, its really not any different than Downtown only theres more

annoying Hollywood types I want to punch in the face...

 

# on Apr.17.2009 AT 09:33 PM

12Scott Mercer writes:

Wow, somebody from New York actually IMPRESSED with downtown and the Historic

Core, saying it REMINDS them of New York. There's some kind of turning point.

 

Suck on that, downtown haters. These people have the bonafides to compare

Downtown LA with NYC. You people from West Hollywood, or The Valley, uh, what's

the word?, oh, yeah...DON'T.

 

# on Apr.18.2009 AT 12:20 AM

13Rich Alossi writes:

Reading the first paragraph, I was getting angry with their apologetic tone

" Hey, it's cheap! " - but then the second paragraph actually made it sound like

they'll enjoy being in Downtown.

 

Yes, parking is a bitch, but their customer base will likely be locals and

corporate clients.

 

11 hit it on the head with the comment about parking in WeHo too. Permit-only

parking for residents is the bulk of what's available there.

In any event, welcome to Downtown!

 

# on Apr.18.2009 AT 12:23 AM