Shiro Desserts, An East Asian-Inspired Dessert Shop, Opens In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — Several weeks ago, 19-year-old UConn-Stamford student Sabrina Yang finished up her final exams like scores of other students.

But instead of taking a break after a long school year, Yang opened up her first business — Shiro Desserts, located at 172 Bedford St.

Shiro Desserts brings Asian-inspired desserts and beverages to Stamford. Yang, whose parents own Funland Frozen Yogurt in the Stamford Town Center, had the idea for the business about a year-and-a-half ago.

The shop features a variety of Asian sponge cakes, crepe cakes with an Asian twist, and the most popular item so far, a Korean bubble waffle. A cup is filled with ice cream, chocolate, seasonal fruit and a Korean street waffle which is sweet and airy.

Yang said the menu will expand as she goes along. She's open to suggestions from customers.

There are also fruit and milk teas, fruit ade drinks and yakult beverages in a variety of flavors. Shiro offers full cakes for birthdays or celebrations. Yang said baking is not allowed on the premises, so the cakes and desserts are prepared elsewhere.

Although Yang said she barely got any sleep between balancing school work and getting the business off the ground, she's "super excited" to be open.

"Everything you find in this store is hopefully going to be different. I'm just trying to bring different cultures together. For me, being an Asian American, I miss so much what we have in China," Yang said, noting that she loves when customers say they're reminded of something they had in East Asia. Yang's family is from Fujian, a Chinese province near Taiwan.

On Thursday, Mayor Caroline Simmons and Director of Economic Development Loren Nadres visited the dessert shop to welcome Yang with a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony.

"This is an incredible addition to Bedford Street and to our downtown here," said Simmons, who sampled some of Yang's offerings. "I'm so proud of Sabrina, a UConn student, who came up with this idea. She comes from an entrepreneurial family; having the vision, creativity and courage to start a business at 19 is really exciting. She's really an inspiration for other entrepreneurs."

The opening of the business also coincided with Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

"This is also a great way to celebrate Asian American culture," Simmons added. "That's one of the best things about our city. We have food from all over the world... It's a great way to celebrate the wonderful diversity of our city, and the incredible international culture we have here."

Nadres echoed Simmons, and said Shiro adds to the vibrancy of downtown Stamford.

"It's just incredible," Nadres said of Yang's willingness to open up a business at just 19. "It really speaks to the entrepreneurial spirit in our community here in Stamford. From the mayor's office, we want to support that as much as possible."

Yang said the reaction from the community has been very positive so far.

"Everyone has been so nice. It's more like having a friend walk in than a customer. Everyone that comes in, I feel like I can have a comfortable conversation with everyone. We already have a lot of regulars," Yang said.

Shiro Desserts is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and until 11 p.m. on weekends, seven days a week. For cake orders, call 203-276-1816.