(Photo Courtesy of Carla Hessletine)
NORFOLK — Ghent residents have a new location to get their sugar fix.
Just Cupcakes opened its third location in the Palace Shops & Stations at 340 West 22nd Street on Friday, bringing its gourmet cupcakes to the city of Norfolk for the first time. The other locations are in Virginia Beach’s Town Center and Great Neck.
According to owner Carla Hesseltine, she had wanted to open a spot in the city for years, but couldn’t find a location.
When approached with an opportunity to operate in Ghent, Hesseltine said she “knew it was right.”
“I love that neighborhood,” she said. “I love the neighborhood feel. I love being able to go outside at the end of the day and listen to Maury’s band practicing. It has such a great neighborhood feel.”
Hesseltine says Just Cupcakes has evolved since it first began, transitioning from selling only cupcakes into a variety of cookies and other pastries.
“Since that time, we really have grown and refined the art of American baking,” Hesseltine said. “While I appreciate French baking and other types, I really think American baking is a lost art.”
Hesseltine added that her business’ “claim to fame” in Virginia Beach was her use of ingredients like Guittard, Callebaut and Valrhona chocolates, Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla and organic vanilla beans.
The bakery has been featured on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, in the Wall Street Journal and at the New York City Food and Wine Festival.
With her new location, Hesseltine plans to bring more than just cupcakes to Ghent, incorporating breakfast items and drink options like Jolly Roasters Coffee and nitro cold brew on tap.
Along with in-store offerings, Just Cupcakes also offers catering opportunities for weddings and events.
Just Cupcakes is open from 11 a.m to 7 p.m. from Monday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
