On Saturday February 20th Welna II Hardware and the new Cake Eater Bakery joined forces for the first of two fundraisers for Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG). For the event Welna II agreed to pay for the ingredients and the Cake Eater bakers, Sheela and Emily, baked the delicious cup cakes. A second event at Welna II Hardware is scheduled for Saturday, March 13th starting at noon and going until they run out. Last December Cake Eater Bakery provided treats at Welna II Hardware during the Franklin Frolic and according to neighbors they disappeared very quickly.
Jim and Sue Welna's store is located in an older brick building at 2201 E Franklin Avenue (on the corner of 22nd and Franklin Avenue), Welna II hardware is a neighborhood family owned full service hardware store that has served south Minneapolis for the last twelve years. South Minneapolis residents probably recognize the family name and are also familiar with Welna II's sister store owned by Jim's brother Mark, located in a recently built store at 2438 Bloomington Avenue. The original Welna Hardware store was across the street, where the entire Welna family has been helping their neighbors build a better place to live since 1954. Jim and Mark's parents, both 80-years-old, still work six-day work weeks helping out their sons, just like their parents did for them.
The interior of Welna II still has so much character in a time when many retailers would rather demolish than remodel and enhance the existing inner beauty. Walking through the doors of this business was like stepping back in time. The warm, and refreshing greeting upon entering seemed genuine and equally rare; the employees at Welna II made me feel like my business was welcomed. The shelves were full of all the products urban dwellers are looking to buy and at competitive prices. For the environmentally conscious they carry dual flush toilet components, that can save over $225 per year, no-VOC NatureScape paint and many other environmentally friendly products. Naturescape paint is owned by Benjamin Moore and Welna II sells it for about half the price as most paint stores. A visit to this Seward institution reveals why this neighborhood business is surviving and thriving.
Welna II's partner in the fundraiser, Cake Eater Bakery, was selling cupcakes for $1 with all proceeds going to SNG. They sold all 300 cupcakes and plan to double the amount for next month’s event. Mark also donated cranberry juice to go with the baked goods and the event raised a total of $350 for SNG.
Cake Eater Bakery is a shop founded by Sheela of Miely Leche and Emily of Awesome! Coming in early April, Cake Eater Bakery II will be opening at 2929 E. 25th Street in Minneapolis in the old Cliquot Club location and they're honored to be a part of the Seward Neighborhood. They even have a new phone number, 612-354-7178, which owners Sheela and Emily joke, "We have a phone number! WHOA! We're not open yet, but it is exciting to have a phone number that's not my cell phone."
They'll be offering a variety of freshly baked treats everyday, including vegan and gluten free offerings. Not only will they be offering the most creative and flavorful baked goods and fabulous coffee, they'll be introducing fantastic Popsicles made by La Chiquita Helados y Paletas on the west side of Saint Paul. The flavors are amazing, Sheela's favorite is the pineapple chili. They look forward to seeing you there!
Everyone seemed excited about the venture, and were more than happy to buy up the wonderful cupcakes for a dollar. Look out cake eaters, your mouths are about to start watering. I know mine did, and they were scrumptious!
So come to Welna II Hardware Saturday, March 13th, because starting at noon, the fun starts all over again. It will be a good thing in the neighborhood.
Check out the video of Saturday's event below:
http://www.cakeeaterbakery.com/www.cakeeaterbakery.com/title.html
