By Kate Allen
Before November, Jackson residents had to search far and wide to find a decent cupcake — crème-filled, sprinkled and iced. Now, cupcake connoisseurs and average snackers alike can look no further than HaliHannigan’s Cupcakery.
The brand-new cupcake shop is located in The Columns at 1032-M Vann Drive next to Jackson Sport and Fitness. HaliHannigan’s is hosting a launch party, Nov. 18, from 5–7 p.m., and will formally open Nov. 20.
“These are not your everyday cupcakes,” said Christi Bartlett, co-owner of HaliHannigan’s along with her husband Neill Bartlett.
Christi Bartlett has been a baker and cake designer for 25 years. The shop is named after the Bartlett’s three daughters — Hali, Hannah and Morgan.
HaliHannigan’s offers a seemingly endless variety of cupcakes: regular and jumbo cupcakes sprinkled and dusted with sugary confections; filled with cream, ganaches or fruit jelly; and frosted with rich buttercream or cream cheese.
Their most unique cupcake is for thrill-seekers. The treat is a chocolate, cinnamon and chili cupcake, filled with a chocolate and chili ganache and topped with fudgy chocolate buttercream.
“Rich and chocolaty with a light, spicy little explosion in your mouth,” Christi Bartlett said about this off-the-wall cupcake. “If you have a special flavor you just can’t live without and we are not offering it on our regular baking rotation, we are more than happy to accommodate a special order of a dozen or more.”
However, for the less adventurous cupcake enthusiasts, vanilla and chocolate can still be found on the cupcakery’s constantly changing menu. In addition to cupcakes, the shop serves specially roasted coffee, chai-tea lattés and frappes.
Christi Bartlett said she wanted HaliHannigans to have an atmosphere of “Alice in Wonderland” meets “Willy Wonka” and adult meets kid-friendly.
“We want people to walk in and fall in love with the smell of cakes and coffees and we want to know each and every person by name,” Christi Bartlett said.
The store offers wireless Internet and tables for those who want to stay a while.
“I am excited about having a cupcake shop because we love cupcakes so much here,” said Anna Avery, junior elementary education and learning foundations double major. “Sometimes you just don’t have time to make your own.”
Christi Bartlett said, “Cupcakes are society’s newest affordable luxury that at the same time give you the comfort you felt as a child.”
HaliHannigan’s plans to network with other local vendors to promote a “buy local” theme in Jackson. Christi Bartlett said she has a strong desire to give back to the community.
Students with a valid student ID receive a 10 percent discount at the store.
Each month, the cupcakery intends to feature a school or society with a special cupcake. Some of the proceeds from sales of those cupcakes will then be donated to that group.
“It’s the least we can do to say ‘thank-you’ for supporting us,” Christi Bartlett said.
HaliHannigan’s Cupcakery will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
