LUTHER COLLEGE CHIPS
Features
September 13, 2012
5
Casey DeLima/Chips
Decorah dreams of buttercream Margaret Yapp
Staff Writer
Giant cupcakes topped with swirls of buttercream frosting and a myriad of colorful sprinkles are beautifully placed on crystal plates in a shining glass case. Nestled next to the bountiful cupcake counter, a spread of coffee and lollipops shines like the truest beacon of hope. Yes, you have seen these things in your dreams, and yes, they are now a reality. The brand new Decorah cupcake shop Buttercream Dreams, located at 404 West Water Street, offers a cozy atmosphere to enjoy both classic flavors like chocolate and -Chrisann vanilla, and more adventurous options such as Maple Nut and Salted Dawg. In addition to the giant (and delicious) cupcakes, Buttercream Dreams also sells various types of candy and coffee. Co-owner and operator Kathy Thomas opened Buttercream Dreams with her husband Kevin after the demand for her cupcakes – previously sold at Fayette coffee shop Pavo Blue
– grew far beyond the couple’s baking capability. “My daughter and I became really into making cupcakes when she was in high school and we started selling them on the side just for fun,” Thomas said. “All of a sudden people went crazy [for] them. They kept coming into the Pavo Blue and asking if we were selling them.” Buttercream Dreams began sales on Aug. 2 of this year in an attempt to meet the demand. They had their official Grand Opening this past Thursday, Sept. 6. The store stayed open for extended hours to celebrate and it certainly paid off. “We sold over Zuerner (‘15) 600 cupcakes at the Grand Opening,” Thomas said. “And over 400 of those were in the first hour and a half.” Contributing to some of those sales were many Luther students who attended the Grand Opening, including Chrisann Zuerner (‘15) and Ryan Castelaz (‘15). Hoards of Norse men and women flocked to the store, skipping and giggling the entire length
“Buttercream Dreams cupcakes are delicious. If I had to describe them in two words they would be: moist heaven.”
of College Drive. “Buttercream Dreams cupcakes are delicious,” Zuerner said. “If I had to describe them in two words they would be: ‘moist heaven.’” Not only have customers found the cupcakes delicious, but the atmosphere also made cause for high marks. The cozy sitting area offers high tables for homework and enough space for groups of friends to enjoy. “All in all I had quite a positive experience at Buttercream Dreams,” Castelaz said. “I will indeed return to indulge in some more delicious strawberry cupcakes.” The excitement that Luther students have over the new cupcake joint is not a one-way street. Thomas is very excited about the involvement and hopeful employment of Luther men and women. “I would love to have some Luther students working here,” Thomas said. “Having some representation from the college would be great. I know that cupcakeries in college towns are very popular. I just hope we can meet the need.” Anybody interested in trying some dreamy cupcakes for themselves can visit
Buttercream Dreams. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Casey DeLima/Chips
Have your cake and eat it, too. Jayne Pearson (‘15) enjoys a cupcake at Buttercream Dreams during the store’s grand opening.