Gigi’s Cupcakes, charmingly known as “Gigi’s” among locals, has everything it needs in order to remain one of the sweetest shops in Raleigh. Walking inside the sheek pink and black decorated Gigi’s, the smell of freshly baked goods and buttercream icing immediately fills the room with a sweet aroma sure to please. Beautifully decorated treats line the front display case from top to bottom and, after biting into a Gigi’s cupcake for the first time, customers are left wanting more of what can only be described as pure bliss. 

Before Gigi’s became a popular spot, there was only one store established in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2008. Since then, the franchise has expanded from one location to almost 100 stores in over 20 states. Luckily for those in the Triangle area, Gigi’s Cupcakes has found a home right here in Raleigh. Located on Oberlin Road, Gigi’s is just a short drive, bus ride or even walk away from NC State’s campus and, with generous hours of operation, there is plenty of time for customers to stop in for a quick treat after any meal of the day. 

“Gigi’s cupcakes are a delicious treat that brings a smile to your face, ” said Ryan Winz, a second-year studying industrial engineering.

Gigi’s Cupcakes’ mission, for more than seven years, has been to ensure every customer leaves the shop with a cupcake — and a smile. Rick Setaro, owner of Raleigh’s Gigi’s, described the shop as a happy place that all craving a sweet treat are welcome to.  

“No one should ever leave a cupcake shop angry,” Setaro said.

With over 15 flavors, there is a cupcake for every palate. Gigi’s offers freshly made, gourmet cupcakes in a wide array of flavors, ranging from “Wedding Cake,” a  basic white cake-based cupcake topped with vanilla buttercream frosting, to more extravagant options like a peanut butter-filled dark chocolate cupcake topped with crushed pretzels, chocolate and buttercream icing. Customers can also try one of the seasonal specials, which are ever-changing along with customer-based needs and trends. This season’s menu hosts three unique flavors: white chocolate strawberry, dark chocolate cherry and strawberry stuffed French toast.

Customers can order cupcakes in any assortment, which grants cupcake lovers even more flavor options and combinations. Gigi’s also strives to cater to a large audience by offering two gluten-free cupcake options and miniature cupcakes for customers that are looking for smaller portions.

Gigi’s does not stop at selling just cupcakes, however. The shop also creates sheet cakes for birthdays and three flavors of personal-sized cheesecakes: classic cheesecake, turtle cheesecake and black forest cheesecake.

Not only does Gigi’s have a flavor for all cupcake lovers, it has arrangements for all occasions as well. Gigi’s caters special occasions like birthdays, weddings and holidays with specialty cupcakes and assortments. An assortment of specialty cupcakes is bound to brighten even the most mundane work-related meetings. 

In order to expand its reach, Gigi’s Cupcakes regularly posts updates and tasty looking cupcake pics to their various social media outlets. But be warned, scrolling through posts of mouth-watering cupcakes may produce cravings that can only be satisfied by going into the shop oneself.

No matter what taste a customer is in the mood for, Gigi’s Cupcakes has it covered. And, with a convenient location and reasonable pricing, there’s no excuse not to check out all Gigi’s has to offer. With its variety of products, friendly service and sassy atmosphere, Gigi’s Cupcakes is the perfect place to enjoy a quick snack with friends or a dessert after a tiring business luncheon.

“We’re not solving the world’s problems, but we’re making a product that makes people happy,” Setaro said.