Downtown BG might have gained a few pounds with its latest addition, Little Miss Cupcakes.

The bakery and soda shop, located on East Wooster Street, across from Dave’s Cosmic Subs, has more than 40 flavors of cupcakes. They range from red velvet to orange creamcicle, and more are added to the menu everyday, said owner Angela Bowen.

Bowen started Little Miss Cupcakes when her 12-year-old daughter took first place in a Portage River Festival contest in the summer of 2011. The winning oreo cupcake is now a regular on the menu, she said.

Little Miss Cupcake first opened in the Woodland Mall in November.

“Business was slow and there was less foot traffic,” Bowen said. “Business has definitely picked up and we needed more room. I originally wanted to be downtown, but was waiting for the right space to open up.”

Barbara Ruland, director of Downtown Bowling Green said the new location is perfect for business.

“The space itself gets a lot of traffic … [Bowen] made a good choice on location and can capitalize on it,” Ruland said. “The biggest hurdle she faces is something all businesses face — getting in the students’ faces.”

Aside from the strategic location, Ruland said Little Miss Cupcakes will also add to the downtown atmosphere.

“We haven’t had that kind of bakery in downtown for a while and it brings a new angle on that food product,” she said. “It’s a good comfort food if you want and a nice addition to downtown.”

For Bowen, baking is a family hobby.

“My mom made wedding cakes in the 70s, so I grew up with baking,” she said.

Like her mother, Bowen also offers wedding cakes along with cupcakes, shakes, malts, floats and coffee. The menu fits the 1950s motif of the store, with its Elvis posters and antique car memorabilia.

Now that the school year has started, Bowen said more and more students have been coming in.

“The reaction has been very positive,” she said. “More students know we’re here and start to come in to use the free wifi.”

Cashier and University junior Melanie Albertson said for students, Little Miss Cupcakes is a great hang-out spot.

“It really stands out,” Albertson said. “People will just walk by and stare at the glass and come in … and it’s the only cupcake place in town. Students are so excited and say they had no idea it was here and always say they’ll get so fat.” Recent alumna, Corey White, was one of those people who happened to stumble upon the store when she was going to lunch with some friends.

“[The staff] is really laid-back and welcoming for a student environment,” White said. “It’s relaxing and attractive for students instead of being in the Union.”

For more information on Little Miss Cupcakes visit littlemisscupcakes.net or facebook.com/littlemisscupcakes11