What began as a seasonal cupcake truck business has really risen to the occasion in St. Joseph. Mimi’s Cupcakes lives at 610 Broad Street, and has served over 350 weddings and countless corporate events and gatherings, providing sweet, hand-held happiness to its patrons for the last eight and a half years.
Elvie Walsh, owner, baker, and Southwest Michigan’s aptly named ‘Cupcake Queen’, is eager to dust the flour off of her cheeks and retire happy and fulfilled. “It was more of a part time business idea for me,” says Elvie. “I think with the right team, the next owner can do things I never imagined.”
With the arrival of five grandchildren in recent years, and one more on the way, Elvie has made the difficult, but welcome decision to become a full time ‘Mimi’, and spend more time with her growing family.
“I believe Mimi’s can be taken to the next level with a new owner’s fresh vision and energy,” she says. “We have earned a stellar reputation for not only our cupcakes, but for our customer service as well. We are listed as a preferred vendor with the best caterers and venues in the area.”
The hefty cupcake menu, with over seventy options, has delighted the area with tantalizing flavor combinations both in the store and on-the-go with the Cupcake Truck. The bakery on wheels has traveled to many locations, from Berrien County to Notre Dame, to Michigan City, IN, and has made appearances at popular spots like the Berrien County Youth Fair, Lake Michigan College, Krasl Art Fair, and Whirlpool.
The brick and mortar storefront opened in 2014, instantly serving walk-ins and excited locals, and created a loyal fanbase that has been immensely supportive through the years. The on-site commercial bakery was completed in January of 2016, and allowed the catering aspect of the bakery to take off.
“It’s so rewarding to play a small role in my customers’ special moments,” says Elvie. “We have folks who drive hours just to visit our store. I will be forever grateful for the community support; I am truly blessed to live my passion for baking.”
Mimi’s Cupcakes generally takes a bit of a rest in the Winter, closing for a few weeks or so in January while the weather is blustery and cold, but reopens to the smiling faces of customers in February. Elvie says, “Business has picked up since the pandemic— the tourists are back, and the weddings that we cater are closer to the sizes that they were pre-pandemic,” Elvie says. After all, the world will always need dessert.
The entirety of the Mimi’s Cupcake business is up for sale, including all equipment, recipes, and Cupcake Truck with prime lakeview location. This is a perfect opportunity for that person who has always dreamed of owning their own bakery, or someone looking to expand their current business to a coveted storefront on Broad Street. One-on-one training in all aspects of the business is included with the acquisition, to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. Lyle Hayden of Keller Williams Realty is overseeing the sale and can provide additional information and property tours to prospective buyers.
You can shop at the storefront of Mimi’s Cupcakes, at 610 Broad Street, on Saturdays and Sundays, adding tasty magic to your weekends in St. Joseph. The doors open at 11 a.m, and the decadent, sweet scent of mini confections floats through the air until 7 p.m, or until they sell out for the day (call to make sure they’re still stocked!) These gourmet, made from scratch treats are happiness in a box, and ‘bring you a smile, with every bite!’
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
