Local Baker Brings Custom Cakes & Other Confections to OTR

Cora’s Cakery to Celebrate Grand Opening Saturday

CINCINNATI (December 28, 2023) – Born and raised in Cincinnati, Shaucuana Knight recently signed a lease with Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) for a 632-square-foot space at 1426 Race Street in Over-the-Rhine (OTR). Saturday, Knight will celebrate the official grand opening of Cora’s Cakery – a bakery with a name that pays homage to her late grandmother.

After years in the corporate world, Knight ultimately left her position at the Department of Job and Family Services in 2021 to pursue her baking business full time.

“Growing up, we went to my grandmother Cora’s house for Sunday dinner,” Knight said. “She was a fantastic cook – but she wasn’t a baker. I always wanted a dessert after dinner, so that became my responsibility. She would make dinner and I would make dessert.”

Over time, Knight honed her skill of baking, frequently making sweet treats for family and friends. In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, she began operating within the Incubator Kitchen Collective and taking online orders. Knight also started attending farmers markets to help grow her customer base. From there, her business took off. Now, she’s ready and excited to operate in a brick-and-mortar space where she can make desserts for the entire community. Perhaps more importantly, Cora’s Cakery has applied to accept EBT benefits. Once approved, it will be the only small bakery business to do so in OTR.

“After years working at the Department of Job and Family Services, I came to understand the importance of accepting EBT benefits,” Knight said. “I want to make it possible for everyone to order custom baked goods, regardless of their income level.”

Known best for her cakes, Cora’s Cakery will also have a variety of other confections, including cupcakes, cake pops, cookies and more, readily available in her store. Additionally, she will take custom orders, and offer her signature banana pudding and cinnamon rolls on special days.

“Cora’s Cakery is a tremendous addition to the bakery & dessert scene in Over-the-Rhine,” said Lindzie Gunnels, Commercial Leasing Manager with 3CDC. “It’s heartwarming to collaborate with a tenant like Shaucuana who not only makes delicious treats but is also working really hard to grow and scale her business. We are excited about this opportunity for her to operate out of a storefront near Washington Park.”

Aside from custom orders and readymade baked goods, Cora’s Cakery also offers catering services and baking classes, and sells individually packaged cake and hot cocoa mixes that are resealable, made from scratch and free from preservatives. The bakery will celebrate its grand opening with a ribbon cutting Saturday at 12 PM and will remain open until 4 PM. All are invited to stop in and enjoy a variety of festive holiday treats available for purchase. Following the grand opening, Cora’s Cakery will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

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