New dessert bakery gearing up to open in downtown Dayton
A locally owned bakery that specializes in gourmet cupcakes and desserts is gearing up to open in the shadow of the Victoria Theatre in downtown Dayton.
Kia Johnson of Dayton said Wednesday that she has leased space at 15 E. First St. on the ground floor of the Biltmore Towers to transform her home business to a bricks-and-mortar presence. Kia Cake & Company will be a dessert cafe, with a focus on cupcakes and other sweet treats, and it’s expected to open in late spring or early summer, its founder said.
Johnson, who lives in the Dayton View area, currently creates cakes, cupcakes and other specialty desserts for all occasions from her home business.
“I’m grateful to be able to grow in a city that help build what Kia Cake & Co has become today,” Johnson said.
Baking is not only her passion — it helped save her life, Johnson said.
After launching a career as a teacher and then becoming a stay-at-home mom after her third child was born, Johnson suffered what she called “a freak accident” eight years ago while celebrating her oldest daughter’s 7th birthday at a skating rink. She broke her leg in four places, underwent surgery and could not walk for nearly a year.
“That day completely changed my life,” Johnson said. “After I learned how to walk again, I made a promise to use all the gifts and talents God had given to me and to pursue my dream to become a baker.”
Johnson also derives inspiration from a younger sister who died four months ago.”She affectionately called me ‘Cupcake,’” Johnson said. “I want to honor her and continue to make her proud, and I want to create a legacy for my children as well as hers.”
The 763-square-foot space near Main and First streets will suit her needs well, the bakery founder said.
“I love being in the heart of the Gem City,” Johnson said.