Collegiate Times

Drillfield Delight.  The Huckleberry Blueberry. Yes, these are Blacksburg landmarks, but they are also flavors of some large, delectable treats at Gobble Cakes, a new cupcake bakery opening today.

Owner Jill Justice has reclaimed them as her own in hopes of satisfying the sweet tooth of the Blacksburg community.

“We really want to help out the community, here," said Holly Burns, a close friend of Justice’s who is assisting with the opening of the store. "Our owner, Jill (Justice), is a graduate of VCOM, and her brother went here too. It’s definitely all in the family.” 

The bakery hopes to cater to those in a hurry and want a small treat — or those with a small appetite, who might not want a whole cake.

 “We will be open at all different kinds of hours, so we definitely hope to attract the late night studiers, as well as those who may be exploring College Avenue on any given weekend night,” Burns said.

The business sold almost 2,000 cupcakes during the Steppin’ Out festival held in downtown Blacksburg in August with only six flavors on the menu. The full menu will consist of nine flavors, seven of which will be named after Virginia Tech landmarks.

“We have Hokie Love, which is our signature red velvet, as well as the Gobblerita, which is a lime cupcake with lime frosting, and the finish will even have a little bit of salt sprinkled on top,” Burns said.

Just ahead of the college football season, Gobble Cakes will also offer catering options for football tailgates. Other events it would like to cater include rush events and weddings. It is making an effort to satisfy the community, including having later hours for students who would like a late night treat.

Gobbler Cakes isn't the only option for students with a sweet tooth though, as Kristina Bettner, a sophomore business major, pointed out, it will have to compete with Campus Cookies. 

Bettner and her friends would order Campus Cookies for each other’s birthday, making a surprise delivery into a small celebration. Ordering cupcakes might now be a better choice, said Bettner.

The delivery minimum is a baker’s dozen (13) of cupcakes, and each cupcake will be sold for about $3. That dozen will be $36.

Gobble Cakes will also have cookies and drinks for sale.

Justice is now a doctor at VCOM and will be working in the store, alongside several bakers, 5 managers, and 12 store-front employees. They are still seeking more employees. 

Gobble Cakes will be open from 4:30 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. on opening day, and is located at 145 College Ave. 

A version of this article appeared in the Aug 31 issue of the Collegiate Times.