Sweet Success
February 25th, 2010
Diva's Coffee and Cupcakes owner Gordon Wilkins shares his recipe for creating a cool, community gathering place
by Diane Hartford
The way owner Gordon Wilkins tells it, it all started with a tree. "I'd been laid off from my previous job and decided that this time around I was going to answer only to myself," Wilkins told me, as he described how the idea for a cupcake and coffee shop came to him in the middle of the night. His new business venture - success or failure - would rest squarely on him, so Diva's Cupcakes and Coffee was established in the fall of 2008
Once Gordon put together his business plan, he began the search for the right place in which to open his cupcake and coffee emporium. When the realtor showed him the property at 3300 South and 1560 East, he was immediately taken with the large Sycamore tree that majestically stands guard over the establishment, and envisioned a patio area that flanked the grand tree.
Gordon and some friends immediately got busy building out a new patio area. Despite the wintry cold outside right now, a tour of the patio reveals cozy nooks where customers can gather with friends to catch up or hunker down solo with their laptops. Did I mention that Diva's provides free Wi-Fi?
Come temperate weather, Diva's hosts a monthly indie film night where local independent filmmakers show their films on large screens outside on the patio. The event has understandably become immensely popular.
But Diva's is much more than just a tranquil patio. When you enter Diva's, the first thing you see is a long counter that ends with a display case full of scrumptious looking cupcakes. In addition to the usual suspects (chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, carrot cake, etc.), Diva's also offers some unusual morsels. Gordon highly recommends the delicately-flavored pear almond cupcake. I was intrigued to learn that Diva's also offers vegan and gluten-free cupcakes in addition to their buttery confections. In fact, Diva's is striving to be your gluten-free treat source.
You can park yourself at one of the high tables as you enter the front door, or move a little bit further into Diva's and plunk yourself down on one of the comfy couches flanked by bookshelf-lined walls. But my favorite wintertime spot is in the space that was a greenhouse when the previous tenants' offerings were more of the floral variety rather than the sweet treat assortment.
The greenhouse is grounded by a large, twinkle-light adorned ficus tree and all around the space are large plants and intimate seating arrangements. Gordon says, "I originally figured that I'd use the greenhouse as a storage area but pretty quickly I realized that we'd need the additional seating space."
Now the greenhouse has all the elements represented: earth (the incredible plants provided by Cactus & Tropicals and Millcreek Gardens), water (the soothing water feature), fire (yes, there are flames incorporated in the water feature), and air (the warm, tropical atmosphere made my turtleneck sweater superfluous).
Another appealing feature is their drive-thru window; a life-saver for parents whose children disclose the night before that they need to bring treats to school in the morning! I can also imagine swinging by Diva's drive-thru on my way to work for some caffeine-filled fuel and a dozen mini-cupcakes for my co-workers.
Those lacking a sweet tooth shouldn't count Diva's out, however. Although Gordon's original business plan only included cupcakes and coffee, the offerings have expanded to include sandwiches and homemade soups. I couldn't help but jealously eye the vegetable wrap sandwich that was delivered to the table next to me while I sipped my herbal tea. Diva's emphasis is on fresh, healthy food.
You should also know that Diva's is becoming a popular Sunday morning destination for brunch. Sunday morning diners will be thrilled to learn that Diva's was recently awarded a beer and wine license from the DABC, so now you can sip on mimosas while devouring your brunch.
Diva's has become a favorite community gathering place for book clubs to meet and for local authors to do readings or book signings. Local artists also utilize the wall space to display their art. The community feel at Diva's is tangible. You are just as likely to see a table full of grandmas chatting as bankers in business suits.
Gordon says that Diva's has enjoyed success because, (and I agree) "it's a great space, with good food and our customers end up becoming friends."
Learn more about Diva's:
lf you liked this article about great local cuisine, check out our previous article on Diva's cupcakes and also our Go Local Guide featuring the best of Salt Lake City
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