Cupcake owner named Food Network Champion

The owner of the Cupcake bakery and wine bar, Kevin VanDeraa, was named the winner of the Food Network’s “Cupcake Champions” competition, Sunday night, reported the Pioneer Press.

VanDeraa will receive $50,000 in prize money as the winner of the TV reality show.

VanDeraa’s success on the show has boosted sales at Cupcake, located on University Avenue in Minneapolis, which had suffered because of light-rail construction.

VanDeraa also recently received approval from the St. Paul City Council for parking variances. This approval will allow Cupcake to expand to a second location on Grand Avenue.

A carrot cake cupcake, s’more cupcake, and Boston cream cupcake were among VanDeraa’s winning recipes on the show, reported CBS Minnesota.