Gigi’s Cupcakes Is Icing On The Cupcake

At Gigi’s Cupcakes, West Omahan SuZanne Rogers offers sweet treats with a community flavor.

SuZanne Rogers believes in the power of the cupcake. Now approaching her one-year anniversary with Gigi’s Cupcakes at Village Pointe, Rogers is thrilled to see how her hand-stirred, baked-fresh daily cupcakes piled high with icing can change a person’s day.

“Everyone has a story and a need,” she says, “and cupcakes are an experience. They can be a special treat for someone having a great day – or for someone needing a pick-me-up. Or they can be part of a major event like a wedding, when the whole family is involved.”
Rogers and her husband, Grant, are local owners of the Nashville-based Gigi’s Cupcakes. The journey to their “jewelry store of cupcakes” began about four years ago. A West Omaha resident for 25 years, SuZanne Rogers felt inspired to open a business in her neighborhood that would utilize her entrepreneurial spirit, business background and community-focused heart. She just needed to find the right concept.

The ensuing search involved the whole family. Rogers’ two teenage sons, Jack and Sam, investigated business opportunities from cookie shops to assisted living services. Their guiding principle: What can we bring to West Omaha that’s special and currently unavailable?
“The yearning to do business and something special in the community brought us to Gigi’s,” Rogers said.

With its emphasis on local creativity, the franchise cupcake shop was an ideal fit. Rogers, who is a published children’s book author and a long-time volunteer at schools and hospitals with her certified therapy dogs, was attracted to the company’s national support for education and literacy. Among initiatives Rogers brings into her business: A reading rewards program that offers youth a free cupcake for every 10 books they read; fundraising opportunities for schools; and even cupcake donations on a teacher’s birthday. The shop also donates unsold cupcakes to hospitals, fire departments and community organizations.

For Rogers, cupcakes are her tool to offer her community a personal treat while giving back. “Cupcakes are personal, and I’m personal,” she said.

Choosing which one to try, then savoring the flavor – there’s something about a Gigi’s cupcake that is special. As she looks ahead with Gigi’s, Rogers anticipates continuing her spirit of “good service, good products” with new flavors and niche items. She’s excited to expand her fundraising partnerships with local schools and continue to give back to her community with her sweet, special treats.

“I feel all the more wiser and all the more ready for new things,” she said.

Leave a Reply