2 minute read
A Slice of Culture in the Heart of Downtown
Catalina Ruiz sharing her American Dream through Cupcakes & More
BY SULLY PINOS | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER
Cupcakes & More, a destination for sweet treats in Downtown York, has been in operation for over five years, first opening its doors at Central Market at 34 W. Philadelphia St. in 2018. With nearly a dozen different cupcake flavor options and specialty cakes by order, Catalina Ruiz has chosen the path of entrepreneurship as part of her American dream.
Catalina started working at Central Market in the “Just Cupcakes” stand and later had the opportunity to purchase the business and continue its legacy under the name “Cupcakes and More.” She is grateful for the encouragement she had to pursue the business and the resources to help her business grow, such as a BLOOM grant and the classes on financial management with the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center.
Catalina and her family have been in York for over 20 years, coming from Mexico, and love the sense of family and support throughout the community. Often, you can find her family members helping at the stand. She attributes much of her success to learning the passion of cooking from her grandma and relatives during her upbringing in Mexico.
“I have always had a deep respect for my culture because I consider that, like many others, it is very rich and contributes cultural and gastronomic value to the world,” shared Catalina. “It has been important for me to be able to learn recipes to give you a little piece of my sweet Mexico”.
In furthering her support of her heritage, Catalina volunteers with the local York County Hispanic Coalition with cupcake fundraisers for their scholarship program to help students achieve their own version of the American dream of pursuing higher education.
WHAT TO TRY: The Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake continues to be a favorite, but checking out the Saturday specials, like Catalina’s Mexican-style Tres Leches Cake, is also highly recommended! You might also find other Mexican dessert treats like churros and Conchas.
CATALINA’S PICK: Raspberry Chocolate Cupcake and the Quesillo, a version of Mexicanthemed cheesecake.
