Rant- Cupcake Royale

[dawsonct]

Jeez, you can get a comparable cupcake from a box mix, and for about half the price of a single cupcake at CR. They do make good frosting, though.

[Kimberley]

I bought two of the raspberry lemonade cupcakes last night – they were delicious (and yes, the cupcake of the month was still available around 7 p.m.!)

[hollyplace]

I went in on my way to work one day and wanted to take 2 dozen mini cupcakes into work – they had them, but wouldn’t sell them because I needed to order ahead and it would deplete their stock. Why can’t they bake and frost more as needed each hour? I simply could not believe it. Sugar Rush is my cupcake shop now.

[Sue]

sam-c, it is a bit confusing. Cupcake Royale is the cupcake part, and Verite Coffee is the coffee part. But Verite does use Stumptown beans. http://www.veritecoffee.com/thebeans.html

[CrazyDogLady]

You know, when I first started reading this thread my thoughts were, oh, big deal, restaurants run out of things. But then I realized how many times I’ve been to Trophy in Wallingford in the evenings and they are loaded to the gills with cupcakes — it’s just plain unthinkable that they would be out of them. I feel bad for ripping on CR because I do like their cupcakes fine and love Stumptown Coffee, but yeah, somethings up with their supply and demand.

[JanS]

one of the things that I think someone pointed out before….they don’t bake on the premises…everything is shipped in, so, maybe that has something to do with the lack of restocking late in the day.

[charlabob]

The traffic isn’t that bad—either build ovens or hire more drivers. Holly, that same thing happened to me when they first opened. I’m amazed they haven’t figured it out — I think most of the folks who post here want to support “local businesses.” Cupcake Royale doesn’t feel like a local business; the lack of stock, the indifferent customer service — all smells like big bidness to me.

I could even stand “We don’t want to sell out — have you tried (some other place) or Want us to order some for you to pick up tomorrow or …” anything other than “You idiot, how dare you think we’re here to sell YOU cupcakes.” Which is the feeling I got.

[dawsonct]

You make a good point, crazydoglady, supply and demand. maybe CR should start repricing their cupcakes as the day goes by and their stock gets depleted. Every cupcake sold automatically raises the price of the next one by 10 cents or so, by the time they get down to the last one then you will only buy it if you REALLY! MUST! HAVE! THAT! CUPCAKE!! Problem solved! (?)

[twistedbarbie]

October 22, went to Cupcake Royale at 7:10am to get 6 cupcakes for work. They had no cupcakes. Once again an apathetic counter person (haven’t seen one there yet that isn’t) shrugged and said “we don’t usually have them until 7:30”. Umm, then why open at 7:00? Pitiful.

[swimcat]

I finally tried another CR cupcake this past weekend (it had been several months). I got the chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting. The cake is more moist now, but frankly, it tastes EXACTLY like it was made from a boxed mix (the frosting tasted like it was from a tub too). Which is fine with me, but I have a slight problem paying $2.50 for that when I can make 2 dozen at home for $2.50.

[luckymom30]

Its alot more fun to bake at home with the kids (if you have the time) , and frankly I wasn’t that impressed by the cupcakes we got afew motnsh ago from CR. I agree the silicone liners are way cool and a breeze for cleanup!

[dawsonct]

I don’t want to sound alarmist to a business owner, especially one in the same line of work I have chosen, but unless the owners of CR rededicate themselves to a quality product and, in fact, create a product and eating experience that can not be matched at home, I doubt they will survive the current economic situation and the changing mores of the American consumer. 5-10 years ago, plunking down $5 for a decent latte and a mediocre piece of pastry was so routine we didn’t even think about it. It feels to me that people are placing a higher value on quality, and aren’t as willing to reward indifference.

[oldgrayboarder]

My 2¢:

I don’t like cupcakes that much, and I’ve only been in Cupcake Royale once or twice, but I thought their bran muffin is to die for – probably the best one I’ve ever had

[Laconique]

@Twisted Barbie- maybe because they also sell traditional morning items- coffee and pastries- and few people want to eat cupcakes at 7 in the morning?

I like cupcake royale. I like specialty cupcakes. If I’m having an event or a party, I don’t want to bake 50 cupcakes. And I certainly don’t want to try to recreate a pumpkin maple cupcake or a salted caramel cupcake.

Some people hire others to clean their house, mow their yard, stay home all day with their offspring, make and bring them a pizza, etc. No one is forcing you to buy expensive cupcakes. If you think you can do better at home, go for it.

[villagegreen]

word.

[CMP]

I tried the pumpkin maple and carrot cupcakes over the weekend and they were actually quite good. Love the maple frosting.

I run through the Junction early in the morning and see the delivery van outside anywhere from 5:30-6:30 so that should give them enough time to start frosting the cakes for a 7:00 opening. Yes, it’s early, but if someone wants some cupcakes before work, then they should be ready by store opening. At least Bakery Nouveau emits wonderful aromas as I run by.

[kblsngrits]

what a bunch of whiny babies.

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