By ANGELINE CANDIDO
MyNorthwest.com

Cupcake enthusiasts in Seattle will soon have a new place to get their fix of the pint-sized dessert. Trophy Cupcakes is opening its second location at the University Village late spring.

Jennifer Shea and her husband Michael opened Trophy Cupcakes in the Wallingford neighborhood February 2007. Shea started baking at a young age and eventually became the designated baker for events thrown her friends and family. Nearly ten years in the making, it wasn't until her then-fiancé jumped on to the idea of a cupcake bakery that the business took shape. Since then Trophy Cupcakes has reached incredible popularity and was featured in Seattle Magazine's Best Deserts issue. Trophy features tried-and-true favorites like such as Chocolate Vanilla as well as unusual flavors like the Peanut Butter and Jelly cupcake.

Soon customers started to request a closer location. Deciding that the University Village could "use more sweets", Shea picked the shopping center as the site of her new bakery. "I thought it was the perfect location," says Shea. "The U Village is the European version of the promenade where the walk is a social experience. It's not just about shopping."

While the second Trophy location will feature the same cupcakes fans know and love there will be some differences. The new bakery is going to be slightly more pared down. There won't be any seating inside. Customers can buy their cupcake and enjoy it outdoors. "We really want the Wallingford location to be the flagship store. That you come there to hang out at Trophy," says Shea.

Trophy Cupcakes is opening its new branch mid-May at the University Village in the old Buster & Sullivan storefront.