“Cupcake Wars” was a childhood favorite for Haley Barnett. She would watch the baking competition, print recipes from each episode and recreate them at home before rating her favorites.
Years later, when Barnett interviewed for a front-of-house position at Rise Bakery, the previous owner told her the bakery was preparing to compete on the same show.
“I just knew it was meant to be,” Barnett said.
Over time, Barnett learned the different sides of the bakery, moving from front-of-house into the kitchen before becoming a manager and eventually taking over as owner in 2023.
“We want [our bakery] to be a place where people can make memories, celebrate special moments, and of course, enjoy delicious treats made with lots of love,” she said.
For dessert
Founded in 2011, Rise Cupcakes has grown into a place where customers can find both classic treats and creative flavors. Barnett focuses on keeping the menu fresh by drawing inspiration from baking trends, holidays, movies and pop culture.
“We love experimenting with new flavor combinations and seeing what people get excited about,” Barnett said.
From cupcakes and cookies to cakes, brownies, blondies and bars, Rise Cupcakes offers something for nearly every sweet tooth. Barnett’s personal favorite is the bakery’s classic chocolate chip cookie.
“We splurge with the nice chocolate chunks and add flaky sea salt on top,” Barnett said. “We bake these fresh every single day, and they always sell out.”
Craving pumpkin?
Fall brings some of Barnett’s favorite flavors to the bakery, including pumpkin cookies topped with cookie butter cream cheese icing, fresh apple fritters and apple cider donut cupcakes.
“Fall is always my favorite baking season,” Barnett said. “We love everything pumpkin.”
Throughout September, customers can also find specialty cupcake flavors including pumpkin spice latte, German chocolate and caramel apple.
Staying local
Barnett said the bakery’s goal is to create a place where customers feel appreciated, whether they are picking up a treat for themselves, celebrating a milestone or ordering something to share.
“I would love for anyone who hasn’t visited our bakery yet to know that we put so much love and attention into everything we make,” Barnett said. “We truly appreciate every customer who chooses to support our small business.”
