It’s a bittersweet ending for students and locals that have come to patronize *ndulge Cupcakes, the high-end sweets boutique, as it embarks on the search for new clientele in Philadelphia.
Currently located at 206 W. College Ave. , the store plans to seal its doors this Saturday. Rebecca Altmann, general manager and executive pastry chef of the store, said the leading cause behind the decision pertains to the insufficient number of customers the store currently has in State College, which does not allow for continued production.
“We don’t have a quite large enough population base here,” Altmann said.
She added that when classes are not in session and students are not in town, not enough locals visit the store, either.
Mostly a decision from the store’s owner, the cupcake boutique is set to relocate to Bryn Mawr, Philadelphia, on 1041 W. Lancaster Ave.
“It just has a lot more foot traffic in the area, and it’s by a couple of other high-end shops that we think can draw more of the crowd we are hoping for,” Altmann said.
She added that it lies in close proximity of three colleges, as well.
Making its local debut in May 2010, *ndulge Cupcakes has been in business in State College for two-and-a-half years, even opening a kiosk in the municipal building in town, which closed in August 2011.
The wide range of treats — which are made from scratch — include gourmet cupcakes, gelato, brownies, cookies, cinnamon buns, biscotti and French macaroons, Altmann said.
As customers were treating themselves to a sugary delight on Wednesday afternoon, they were taken aback by the abrupt news of the store’s closing.
Matt Zerby, a local professional and a regular customer of the store for the last two years, described the news as “heartwrenching.”
“I love it here,” he said. “I come back fairly often. My favorite thing to get is the peanut butter cupcake. There’s nothing that can replace it [in the area].”
Rolande Fleurival (junior-rehabilitation and human services), who regularly enjoys the Oreo cookie gelato, said she has frequented the store since she came to University Park and agreed that no other store around town will be a suitable replacement.
“It’s a happy store, and I love the creativity that goes into the [products],” she said.
But Altmann said the State College area will nonetheless be missed.
“Thank you to the community,” she said. “We’ve had a wonderful time here at State College and Happy Valley.”
