NJ Store Owner Says Power Outage 'Devastating Blow' In Tough Year

CHESTER, NJ - Cheryl Brown's bakery has faced a lot of adversity since opening in February 2010 more now than perhaps ever before. Her Sweet Spot Bake Shoppe won top prize on Food Network's "Cupcake Wars," survived Superstorm Sandy, COVID-19 and at one time created the official Patch cupcake.

But now the Long Valley native says after a decade of serving countless treats, provided numerous confections for holidays and special occasions and overcoming the adversity faced by small business owners everywhere, the power outage caused by Tropical Storm Isaias is another mountain to climb.

"This is a devastating blow during an already difficult time for small businesses," Brown said in a statement.

The storm that felled trees, flooded roads and robbed homes and businesses of power did not spare Sweet Spot this time, and the business lost all their perishable goods like milk, butter and eggs.

“It’s my 11th year in business and it has been the hardest one yet,” Brown told Patch. “ My heart breaks for restaurant owners who are dealing with extended closure, outdoor dining, etc.”

They were spared during Superstorm Sandy, and were one of the few places where people could find light and power while raising their blood sugar. In fact, Patch staff camped out in the store to make use of the electricity and WiFi while covering Sandy's aftermath. Read more: Sweet Relief From Sandy in Downtown Chester

"We were lucky, we never lost power," Brown said at the time.

Brown launched the business in Chester with no formal training, turning a hobby into a career with one goal:

• Provide our customers with fresh, delicious baked goods made from scratch with no added preservatives.

"We bake the same way for our business as we do for friends and family," she said. "No box mixes, no preservatives and certainly no ingredients that you can't find in your own pantry."

But that simple mission was enough to win them the top prize in "Cupcake Wars. In the end, passion and creativity outweighed training and experience when Brown, the only contestant not formally trained for baking, beat back a former cake boss employee and two other teams to win.

"I knew we could win because I know we serve delicious cupcakes every single day." Brown said at the time. Read More: Chester Bake Shop Wins 'Cupcake Wars'

As for now, Brown is focused on getting her shop back up and running as soon as possible. But until they have power restored, they will remain closed.

"Our phone lines are also down. The best way to contact us is at sweetspotnj@me.com," she said. "Thank you for your patience and as always, we appreciate your support."

She also exhibited the same strength that got her by adversity in the past.

“All things considered, I’m one of the lucky ones, but it’s still hard right now,” she said. “Things will get better, they always do.“

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