Taylor's Bakery on College Street is preparing for a Valentine's Day explosion--specifically, one of its popular cupcake explosions.
Held about six times a year, the event gives customers the opportunity to try 33 different varieties of cupcakes.
Eade Vincent, current owner of the bakery, said the event regularly brings in new customers who have never tried the baked goods before.
"It's good exposure, and cupcakes are really popular," Vincent said. "We only charge a dollar, and it's more of a traditional cupcake that you can just peel the wrapper off and eat without needing a fork or a place to sit down."
The last cupcake explosion was held just a few weeks ago, and Vincent said he sold out of cupcakes within eight hours.
"It's pretty exciting," Vincent said. "We get a lot of interest and have a decent following from people who come in and support a local business."
With so many varieties, Southern Union student Jacob Kelley finds it hard to choose just one cupcake to buy.
"When I came in last time, there were so many cupcakes out, and it was like a crazy dream," Kelley said. "I went home with like six or seven different ones."
Some of the specialty cupcakes include a peanut butter and jelly cupcake, a margarita cupcake, tiramisu and a peanut butter and banana variety called "The Elvis."
Vincent said his cupcakes rival those of the popular Gigi's Cupcakes because his are cheaper and smaller than gourmet cupcakes.
"I think it's easier to eat," Vincent said. "It's more of a traditional cupcake with icing in every bite, but it's not over the top. I think what separates us is 2,000 cupcakes in 30-plus flavors--all for a dollar."
Brian Rhett, graduate student in engineering, said having a cupcake explosion on Valentine's Day will help guys around town win over their dates.
"It's so cheap, you could just take a girl in and tell her to choose whatever she wants," Rhett said. "They are delicious, and you can't go wrong playing to a girl's sweet tooth."
On the day of the event, Vincent said the bakery is swamped with customers, and the energy inside is chaotic.
"We open at 7 a.m., and we'll get people who stop by on their way to work to pick up a few treats for the day," Vincent said. "It stays pretty busy all day, and it generally comes in spurts. I think we sold all of them by 3 o'clock last time, so we're looking to increase our numbers a bit for this one."
In addition to cupcakes, the Valentine's Day explosion will offer other treats.
Couples bit by the love bug can purchase special long-stem chocolate-covered strawberries to share.
Kelley said he didn't know much about the event the last time around, but hopes to stock up next week.
"I think I might get a couple dozen on Monday," Kelley said.
"They're good to have around as a quick snack, and it's really hard to turn down a cupcake. My friends will probably eat a bunch of them, but it'll just be nice to have something so good to give them for once."
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