Nearing a decade of providing Southwest Michigan will delectable treats and sweet desserts, Mimi’s Cupcakes in downtown St. Joseph is excited to introduce its new head baker, owner, and confection extraordinaire, Heather Bhatti.
A lifelong resident of St. Joseph and no stranger to the kitchen, she, along with her husband and two awesome kids, are excited to take this journey together. After only a few days of dreaming, viewing the space, and conversing with Elvie, her dream became a delicious reality.
The Grand Re-Opening took place at the end of January, where Heather offered games and prizes, giveaways, and crafts, using this time to incorporate extra fun and excitement during her formal introduction to the community. She acquired the business just after Labor Day, but wanted a few months of cupcakery under her apron before declaring her new ownership. The transition in the fall was smooth and sweet, though instantly busy in a flurry of flour and frosting.
“I will never be able to thank the previous owner, Elvie Walsh, enough for the intensive training and support she provided after the sale of the bakery,” Heather announced on social media. “Her super yummy cupcake recipes, organization skills, her team of employees and the overall atmosphere she created for Mimi’s Cupcakes has helped me tremendously to take off on this new adventure and continue her mission of spreading joy, one cupcake at a time.”
So far, business for Heather has been flourishing. The area of Broad Street where you’ll find the bakery isn’t particularly heavy with foot traffic, but she has new signage in the works to help new customers follow their noses to the sweets.
“Most of our recipes are originals from Elvie, but we’ve tweaked some things here and there,” Heather says. “We have been trying new flavors of cupcakes at different times, like Moose Tracks, Eggnog, and Nutella Swirl. We will continue to try new flavors – there are so many!” Future flavors may feature Coconut Mango, Root Beer Float, Almond Joy, Tiramisu, Raspberry Lime, and MORE!
Some new exciting additions to the Mimi’s menu include: Smash Cookies (two decadent cookies with buttercream frosting smashed between them), Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls, Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks, and Brownie Cups, to name a few.
“We are offering more gluten-friendly flavor options for cupcakes, and are working on vegan-friendly items for the summer,” she says. “I’m kind of like the ‘crazy cupcake lady’ and love challenges and trying new fun things.”
Heather and her team, currently seven members, can be found inside the shop selling happiness on Fridays from 5 p.m – 8 p.m, Saturdays from 11 a.m to 7 p.m, and on Sundays from Noon to 7 p.m. Follow Mimi’s Cupcakes on social media for featured flavors, specials, and updates. Congratulations and welcome, Heather!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
