A downtown Iowa City cupcakery is closing its doors after 13 years in business.
Molly’s Cupcakes, 14 S. Clinton St., made the announcement in a social media post July 11. The business’s last day will be Aug. 10.
“Like many small businesses, we’ve faced mounting challenges in today’s economy, and while this chapter is ending, we know the memories (and sugar rushes) will live on,” franchise owner Jamie Smith said in a Facebook post.
Ms. Smith envisioned the Iowa City shop — the third in the Molly’s Cupcake franchise — as an alternative alcohol-free hang-out downtown, according to a 2012 Daily Iowan article.
“I think it’s a great alternative for younger adults,” the article quoted Ms. Smith. “It’d be a good way for them to socialize but not necessarily go to the bar. When the 21-ordinance [went into effect], the city was really looking for alternatives.”
Molly’s Cupcakes – headquartered in Chicago – was founded by John Nicolaides in 2007 and named after a grade-school teacher, “Miss Molly,” who baked cupcakes as birthday treats for her students.
“This has been a truly special journey — one filled with birthdays, late-night cravings, study breaks, proposals, and so many moments we’ll never forget,” Ms. Smith said, in the same Facebook post. “We are endlessly grateful to our loyal customers, our amazing staff, and this supportive community that has made Molly’s feel like home.”
Molly’s operates 15 locations across New York, Illinois, Ohio, Iowa and Michigan. The Iowa City closure comes one year after the Bettendorf shop shuttered, citing poor sales, leaving Des Moines as the only remaining Iowa location at 215 E. Third St.
