This year, LadyCakes Bakery founder Bess Charles has expanded her beloved bakery to a new location on Cape Coral Parkway East, right in the heart of the South Cape’s entertainment district and Community Redevelopment Area (CRA).
Charles, who founded LadyCakes on Del Prado Boulevard in 2014, always dreamt of being part of the CRA. “The vibe they’re creating down here is really cool—a foodie-based, walkable district. I really wanted to be a part of it,” said Charles, reflecting on her decision to open her new location on January 1st.
As part of the CRA, LadyCakes became eligible for the CRA’s Breaking Barriers to Business grant program, launched in May 2023. The program is designed to invest in local businesses and support the growing number of shops in the district.
At a CRA meeting on September 10, the Board awarded grants to several businesses, including LadyCakes, Nice Guys Pizza, and Palace Pub & Wine Bar, to help cover recent remodeling expenses. These businesses, all located on Cape Coral Parkway East, are receiving support from the CRA to make their spaces more accessible and inviting.
The CRA Board, composed of Cape Coral City Council members, oversees a separate budget funded by property tax growth within the CRA district. This budget is exclusively used for investments in the district, with tax growth and investments directly connected.
The Breaking Barriers program is designed to encourage business growth and retention in the area. Grants reimburse businesses for expenses related to meeting land development and fire codes, such as renovations and construction costs. The program requires a minimum $25,000 investment, with grants covering up to 20% of the total project cost, capped at $50,000.
LadyCakes received $7,817 to help cover $39,088 in upgrades, which included kitchen renovations, new flooring, ADA-compliant restrooms, and upgraded electrical and plumbing systems.
Palace Pub & Wine Bar was awarded $34,480 to assist with $169,469 in renovations for their new space, including ADA-compliant restrooms, plumbing and electrical upgrades, a new bar, and other improvements. Owner Ryan Lay moved the pub from its original location for several reasons, including rising rent and the opportunity to move into a new space next to Nice Guys Pizza.
Nice Guys Pizza, known for its creative pies and vibrant murals, received $28,520 for a $142,602 project to add an outdoor seating area and an awning. The grant helped cover a portion of the building and permit fees for the expansion. Co-owner Greg Gebhard recommends trying one of their specialty pies for an unforgettable experience.
With the support of the CRA, these local businesses are creating unique spaces that will continue to attract visitors to the South Cape district, adding to the area’s dynamic, foodie-friendly atmosphere.
