New Orleans shows ‘outpouring of support’ after thief steals king cakes from bakery
A New Orleans bakery has had a sweet few days after a thief stole seven of its king cakes as Mardi Gras celebrations continue in the city.
A thief entered Bittersweet Confections last Wednesday and stole the cakes – and a case of vodka and cash – during a break-in, the New Orleans police department said.
The bakery told patrons about the incident on Facebook, quipping in a post: “Our thief stole seven king cakes and nothing else. Our king cakes are just that good. But please come and purchase one during our regular store hours.”
In a follow-up post, the bakery shared an announcement from its owner, Cheryl Scripter.
“Mardi Gras season is our most challenging time of year. We absolutely love serving up our King Cakes, but they take time and effort to consistently provide our best King Cakes. While I was hurt by this invasion of privacy, the support of our community brought a smile to my face,” she said before going on to implore readers to visit the shop, as well as a few other local bakeries in the area.
Scripter told the Guardian that the “outpouring of support” she’s received has come from locals, people from across the US and “even a few from faraway places like South Africa”.
“People have been so kind and supportive, mostly wondering if we are all okay and if they can do anything for us. It’s hard to feel sad when all you’re reading are nice comments about you, and Bittersweet. It warmed my heart knowing all the hard work and dedication from our staff was noticed,” she explained, adding: “Running a restaurant and a bakery is hard work, allencompassing, 24/7. It’s not for everyone but it’s my world and I love it.”
King cakes are ever-present throughout carnival season, which starts in early January and ends with Fat Tuesday – Mardi Gras itself, 13 February.
The cakes, usually colored with purple, gold and green sugar icing, are crafted in a ring-shape and often have plastic toy babies hidden inside, based on biblical tradition – if you cut a slice and get the baby, tradition says it’s good luck and you’re the “king” or “queen” of the day.
New Orleans, Louisiana, is the US city most famous for its Mardi Gras celebrations, attracting thousands – some say even millions – every year with numerous parades and activities.
Scripter noted that one upside of her bakery being robbed has been that “business has been better because of it”.
“I started Bittersweet 22 years ago as a sole employee, there are now 17 of us. 1000% I could never have afforded to buy this type of recognition!” she said.
This isn’t the only cake thefy in New Orleans so far this carnival season. Earlier this week, King Cake Drive Thru shared on Instagram that 100 king cakes had been stolen from its delivery van.
Coincidentally, one of the bakeries mentioned in Cheryl’s post was King Cake Drive Thru.
The business wrote in its post that it
was created in an effort to support local bakeries and “create convenience for all that wanted the best king cakes” in New Orleans. Scripter added: “Support your local bakeries no matter where you live. They work hard, all the time. Show them some love.”