CupKates opens its door on Spence Street

What started as a birthday cake for her son has grown into one of Cairns’ most loved baked treats — and has now opened its doors for the first time in the heart of the city.

Kate Jordan has been baking sweet treats in her home kitchen under her business CupKates for 15 years. After proving incredibly popular at markets and on social media, Mrs Jordan has opened a store on Grafton Street, selling her home cooked cupcakes, slices, cakes and cookies on Friday and Saturday mornings. Picture: Brendan Radke

What started as a birthday cake for her son has grown into one of Cairns’ most loved baked treats — and has now opened its doors for the first time in the heart of the city.

After years of early mornings, market stalls, and word-of-mouth growth, Kate Jordan has opened the doors to her first store, CupKates.

The shop, located on the corner of Spence and Grafton streets, is filled with vintage tins, family photos, and the irresistible smell of baked treats.

“I’m not about the hustle anymore,” Ms Jordan said.

“Markets were where things really started to grow.”

Kate Jordan has been baking sweet treats in her home kitchen under her business CupKates for 15 years. Picture: Brendan Radke

Fifteen years ago, Ms Jordan — then a stay-at-home mum running a family daycare — crafted a dessert which unexpectedly sparked a new direction in life.

Although she’d always enjoyed time in the kitchen, it wasn’t until friends and family her to take it further that she did, and CupKates came to life.

“I started so slowly,” she said.

“I got my kitchen registered, did maybe one cake a week while still running daycare. It wasn’t glamorous. It wasn’t easy. But I just loved it.”

The new shop has been a hit with lines forming before opening, and goodies often selling out within the hour.

After proving incredibly popular at markets and on social media, Mrs Jordan has opened a store at 49 Spence Street. Picture: Brendan Radke

Selling home cooked cupcakes, slices, cakes and cookies each Friday and Saturday from 8am until 1pm or sold out. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ms Jordan says she has built a loyal following through consistency and connection.

“People say I’m lucky,” she said.

“But this didn’t happen overnight. My mum’s been washing dishes. My friends pitch in. It’s been a long road.”

Ms Jordan was nominated as a finalist for the 2025 Sole Entrepreneur of the Year in Cairns, with some customers being loyal to her since 2010.

“I’m really humbled by it,” she said.

On just her second day in the new store, Kate Jordan sold out of treats within the hour. Photo: Facebook.

Kate Jordan wrapped up her final day selling treats at pop-up shops in April 2025. Photo: Facebook.

She keeps things simple and focused: good flavours, fair prices, and no gimmicks.

“If it doesn’t taste amazing, I don’t want it on my counter,” she said.

Her inspiration comes from family memories, spontaneous ideas, and her two sons, Archer and Spencer, who occasionally chime in with names and cookie concepts.

“I love it. I genuinely love it,” Ms Jordan said.

Today, the business stands as a sweet testament to passion, persistence, and the support of a close-knit community.

“I still taste test everything. I still get excited about new ideas,” Ms Jordan said.

Originally published as CupKates opens its door on Spence Street