KGW News broke the story today that Cupcake Jones, the popular Pearl District bakery has closed without notice.
Customers have been unable to get deposits back and employees say they are owed money. KGW reached out to the owner multiple times, and though she responded to text messages, she would not answer questions about why the company closed or if customers who have paid deposits will get their money back.
The store originally opened in 2007 when cupcakes were suddenly a thing. Cupcake Jones was riding on the skirt tales of Saint Cupcake which had been getting loads of media attention. When we reviewed the bakery Lizzy Caston and I weren’t particularly impressed with the space or the cupcakes. In May 2017, original owners Lisa Watson and Peter Shanky sold the business to local TV producer Melissa Jespersen. They also had a branch at NE 14th and Alberta street (now closed) and more recently opened a branch in Vancouver Mall.
If we hear any details about the closure or find out about deposit refunds, I’ll update this story.
Darrell says
The location on Alberta is now operated by Sugar Street Bistro and is rocking it with lunch items plus treats and sweets.
Sharon Mabaet says
I just want to say that i hope all the brides that have been effected by this that have placed deposits and have not had money returned, file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. This is just bad business to not notify your clients and not to mention the stress that it has placed on couples anticipating their big day. The deposits need to be returned ASAP, and dont really care what the explanation is for the business being closed, its just rude. I feel for the employees who worked in this business and i certainly hope that the owner Susan Jesperson does the right thing and contacts the clients and refunds their money asap and pays her previous employees. This just makes me sad , annoyed, and angry that there has been on communication from the owner to the clients and a blatant disregard for the emotions and feelings of all that have been traumatized by this. It is a very big deal when you are planning a wedding and you put $450 down and now poof than money is just gone.