Sweet Temptations of Loudonville Opens New Location In Diamond Point
Sweet Temptations, the cake emporium that’s become a Loudonville fixture since it opened in 2010, has expanded to Lake George.
Naturally, says Nina Crisafulli, who helped start the business with her sister Salina in their parents’ Colonie kitchen, the new location on Lake Shore Drive in Diamond Point will sell Sweet Temptations’ signature cupcakes, baked goods, fresh doughnuts and candy. But it is also a restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Crisafullis’ decision to open a shop in Lake George was hardly arbitrary. Their grandparents built a house at Shallow Bay in Bolton Landing decades ago, and the two have spent summers at the lake since they were born.
But Lake George also represents a new market for the Crisafulli sisters.
“We’re hoping to do more with personal service, providing custom made cupcake assortments for parties, benefits and family re-unions,” said Crisafulli. “We think that’s a service Lake George summer residents will especially appreciate.”
They also hope to expand their wedding cake business, said Crisafulli.
“That’s a market that’s growing slowly for us, since brides begin thinking about their weddings two years in advance, and we haven’t been in business much longer than that,” said Crisafulli. “But we definitely see a future there.”
Crisafulli says she hatched the idea for Sweet Temptations when she realized that her sister’s skill as a cake decorator could be more than just a hobby or a talent deployed as a favor for friends and family members.
“She was, like, ‘whatever,’ but I really pushed her,” said Crisafulli, who worked previously in her family’s plumbing and heating business.
Crisafulli attributes Sweet Temptations’ relatively quick rise to prominence in part to imaginative marketing and branding.
But, she adds, it’s the quality of the products that makes for loyal customers.
“Our frostings are made from natural ingredients,” said Nina. “We don’t use trans-fats, only homemade real butter cream. You can taste the difference.”