Por Margie M. Palmer | Reportero SDUN

Ever since Babycakes Hillcrest first opened the 3766 Fifth Ave. location in 2009, owners Christopher Stavros and Rafael Del Rio have taken the community by storm.

The café, bar and cupcakery has become so popular, in fact, the duo was approached about opening a second location in North Park. Currently open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Babycakes Balboa Park is located adjacent to the Balboa Tennis Club tennis courts at 2221 Morley Field Dr.

Stavros said the decision to expand to North Park came after receiving a call from the Balboa Tennis Club, adding there have been several restaurants located next to the club in the past. “The Tennis Club came to us a couple months ago to say they were interviewing other companies to move into the space and they wound up choosing us,” he said.

Colleen Clery Ferrel, the Balboa Park Tennis Club director, said they approached Stavros and Del Rio because of their company’s established name in the community. “We interviewed six different companies but [Stavros and Del Rio] really stood out,” Ferrel said. “We’re very confident they’ll do well and we’re excited about this opportunity.”

Stavros said it was not until he got the chance to walk through the property that he saw its potential. “I saw the vision and it made sense,” he said of their decision.

Babycakes Balboa Park is currently open daily, but Stavros said there are many changes taking place over the next several months, including plans for a grand opening event.

“The concept for Babycakes Balboa Park will be a California casual café, with mostly outdoor seating,” Stavros said. “This will be more of a breakfast and lunch, Panini’s, soups, salads and comfort food place for now.”

Stavros said the restaurant will eventually expand to offer brunch and dinner. “Our hours will be modified once that happens,” he said.
The Balboa Park location will be more focused on entrees as opposed to dessert and cocktails. For Babycakes Balboa Park, cocktails are not currently offered and a limited selection of cupcakes will be available for purchase.

“In Hillcrest we offer about 25 different cupcakes on any given day but we’ll probably offer six of our most popular ones at Balboa Park,” Stavros said, adding the expansive parking near the new location allows for more convenient access for patrons wishing to pick up a box of cupcakes to-go.

District Three Councilmember Todd Gloria, whose district includes North Park, said he is excited about the expansion.

“When established businesses open new locations, they demonstrate the strength of our local economy and the pull of District Three’s unique neighborhoods,” Gloria said. “Opening a new location will mean more jobs and continued vibrancy of North Park’s business core.”

Stavros said he and Del Rio are excited about the new concept and look forward to having an official grand opening in late May or early June.