Cake Bake Shop at the BoardWalk is now open

[Scalemaster34]

I suspect that there have been multiple issues.... nothing this size takes 2-1/2 years to complete.

They started this at a bad time, COVID was winding down...but construction prices were taking off and then food prices...

I expect there were some renegotiations that took place...

 

[gatour]

I can’t believe they are just filing the permit for the kitchen build. It makes me wonder if at some point in the construction there was a major issue with the existing building that had to be addressed before they could move forward. I would have thought the kitchen would have been one of the first things to be completed, not one of the last.

That is one thing Epic hasn’t had to deal with. It typically takes longer to gut and renovate an existing structure than to simply build new because there can be a lot of little surprises that can add to the time and expense.

Building a restaurant kitchen requires at least two steps. "Rough-in" i.e. putting in the piping, electrical and such stuff and then final build-out i.e. putting in the grills, refrigeration, prep tops. The recent permit can be for the kitchen final build out. This would be near the end of the process as you don't want the equipment just sitting around with the potential for the equipment to be damaged by other trades. Also the lead time for ordering restaurant can be a lot longer than ordering kitchen equipment for your home as some may be custom built or are in limited supply.

 

[boxer]

Building a restaurant kitchen requires at least two steps. "Rough-in" i.e. putting in the piping, electrical and such stuff and then final build-out i.e. putting in the grills, refrigeration, prep tops. The recent permit can be for the kitchen final build out. This would be near the end of the process as you don't want the equipment just sitting around with the potential for the equipment to be damaged by other trades. Also the lead time for ordering restaurant can be a lot longer than ordering kitchen equipment for your home as some may be custom built or are in limited supply.

There is a few more steps than that (lol), but yes that is the general idea. Not having equipment is no excuse though--as a 'good' Construction Manager would have all those 'long lead' items released immediately at the start of the contract--this way you are not waiting at the end for deliveries. My guess is there were changes/alterations to the Plans during construction, and it slowed the process. I would fire someone if equipment was the reason for the delay, as there is no real excuse to not have that ordered MONTHS (if not years) ago.

 

[Cygnus 2112]

I feel like this could've been used for something better like a nice/different type of restaurant. I'm not super familiar with the menu but the optic for most people will probably be "bakery" and that may limit traffic? All I know is as my kids and wife and I walked by the signs on the fence around it last week we were saying "those children in the pictures are probably moving into college as we speak".

 

[zackiedawg]

I think the food service at her restaurant is so completely different from what ESPN had that existing kitchen equipment was likely worthless - ESPN would have been heavy on grills and deep fryers - hers is going to be heavy on ovens and prep spaces. If the menu is like her other spots, there will be some grill food, maybe some fryer work, but it sounds a lot more like cold foods like salads and sandwiches and lots of baking.

Sad it's all been so slow - really need some more food spots there. I personally felt ESPN was a better fit for the Boardwalk, but would still be happy to try this spot once it opens - less for the cakes and such and more for the entrees...hopefully a good selection of soups, sandwiches, salads, etc will be nice to have.

I do still hope Big River's space gets something with more casual fare, diner or bar/pub grub style as that's what's really missing at Boardwalk since ESPN closed.

 

[OKW Lover]

think the food service at her restaurant is so completely different from what ESPN had that existing kitchen equipment was likely worthless - ESPN would have been heavy on grills and deep fryers - hers is going to be heavy on ovens and prep spaces.

Probably true. But none of that should have been a surprise to the new vendor.

 

[gmi3804]

I'm sure Disney would want the restaurant open sooner than later, especially since it was announced.

Sure. Like they did with Tron. :: snort ::

 

[HopperFan]

Sure. Like they did with Tron. :: snort ::

Not quite the same.

The Cake Bake Shop will make Disney money, and provide a dining location that will probably be in high demand that they don't have to operate or pay for.

TRON was 100% Disney owned and no doubt in my mind was delayed over and over to adjust their P&L each year. COVID caused them to play accounting games for a few years.

 

[gmi3804]

Not quite the same.

The Cake Bake Shop will make Disney money, and provide a dining location that will probably be in high demand that they don't have to operate or pay for.

TRON was 100% Disney owned and no doubt in my mind was delayed over and over to adjust their P&L each year. COVID caused them to play accounting games for a few years.

Of course not the same, but maybe even better, for Disney's bottom line. It could be argued that Tron makes Disney money, in the form of higher attendance to see the "new thing." I doubt many would plan a trip around visiting a new bakery, which will likely already get filled with people who are already there, no?

 

[OKW Lover]

TRON was 100% Disney owned and no doubt in my mind was delayed over and over to adjust their P&L each year. COVID caused them to play accounting games for a few years.

As a recovering bean counter I'm obliged to point out that construction project do not affect the P&L. They are a cash flow item but not and expense or income. Once in service (and only then) they become an expense as the cost gets spread over the expected life.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I feel like this could've been used for something better like a nice/different type of restaurant. I'm not super familiar with the menu but the optic for most people will probably be "bakery" and that may limit traffic?

On this I think judgement should be held until opening. We have no idea what the Disney menu will look like but if it’s like its sister restaurants it’s going for that nice vibe.

As for the word “cake” limiting traffic- it’s there to drive traffic. Which I get as I’d certainly check out any place with the word Cake in its name! (Alas I already browsed their other menus since we’ve been waiting a couple years and highly suspect this will not be in my price range.)

 

[zackiedawg]

I agree that the word Cake may drive some traffic away. While those who like cake may want to check it out, the name doesn't imply that it serves actual savory and cooked foods - so many may skip it entirely when browsing lunch of dinner options, because they might not even realize it has foods other than baked goods. I admit I thought that myself when I heard about it. While I'd still prefer a more pub-grub type spot, I'm a little more optimistic after reading some of their other menus, which do have salads, sandwiches, and hot meals - I'm willing to try it at least once and see before forming my opinions about it.

 

[Mazz519]

Looks like it gonna be a great place just wish the ESPN Zone was still there !!

 

[georgina]

I miss the afternoon tea at the GF, so that is what I am most looking forward to.

 

[Genie+]

I agree that the word Cake may drive some traffic away. While those who like cake may want to check it out, the name doesn't imply that it serves actual savory and cooked foods - so many may skip it entirely when browsing lunch of dinner options, because they might not even realize it has foods other than baked goods. I admit I thought that myself when I heard about it. While I'd still prefer a more pub-grub type spot, I'm a little more optimistic after reading some of their other menus, which do have salads, sandwiches, and hot meals - I'm willing to try it at least once and see before forming my opinions about it.

Like Cheesecake Factory.

I was a bit resistant to idea of Cake Bake Shop at first. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. It has a fantasy vibe not unlike Disney. Cake in the name can’t hurt, right? It didn’t hurt CC Factory. And WDW guests are regularly celebrating special occasions. Most are willing to spend more than usual for that. Being able to order a fancy in-house cake over something more generic elsewhere? That’s a big plus. I also think the menu ties in well with Boardwalk/Beach Club theme as tea-room service has become popular around seaside destinations. It might work on many levels.

 

[Lillian Gracey]

Like Cheesecake Factory.

I was a bit resistant to idea of Cake Bake Shop at first. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. It has a fantasy vibe not unlike Disney. Cake in the name can’t hurt, right? It didn’t hurt CC Factory. And WDW guests are regularly celebrating special occasions. Most are willing to spend more than usual for that. Being able to order a fancy in-house cake over something more generic elsewhere? That’s a big plus. I also think the menu ties in well with Boardwalk/Beach Club theme as tea-room service has become popular around seaside destinations. It might work on many levels.

If the Cake Bake Shop was open during my trip (we leave on Monday), I 100% would've ordered a small fancy cake for DH and I since we're celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. We got married at Seabreeze Point so the BW area is extra special to us. I also love the aesthetic of the place so I'm looking forward to trying it the next time we're there. ESPN Club was never my thing, but I understand why people miss it.

 

[fla4fun]

I think the food service at her restaurant is so completely different from what ESPN had that existing kitchen equipment was likely worthless - ESPN would have been heavy on grills and deep fryers - hers is going to be heavy on ovens and prep spaces. If the menu is like her other spots, there will be some grill food, maybe some fryer work, but it sounds a lot more like cold foods like salads and sandwiches and lots of baking.

It is my understanding that the bulk of the baking will be done at the off site bakery they built in Kissimmee. It will be handling baked goods for online orders to be shipped and for the BW restaurant. The kitchen at the restaurant will handle the regular food items. The off site bakery, so far as I am aware, was completed a few months ago and may already be filling orders for shipping. I posted photos of the bakery under construction in post #188.

 

[tom1944]

Like Cheesecake Factory.

I was a bit resistant to idea of Cake Bake Shop at first. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense. It has a fantasy vibe not unlike Disney. Cake in the name can’t hurt, right? It didn’t hurt CC Factory. And WDW guests are regularly celebrating special occasions. Most are willing to spend more than usual for that. Being able to order a fancy in-house cake over something more generic elsewhere? That’s a big plus. I also think the menu ties in well with Boardwalk/Beach Club theme as tea-room service has become popular around seaside destinations. It might work on many levels.

When it opens I plan to order a special cake for my 50th anniversary. I have been married 37 years so it will be unlikely to be finished in time.

 

[Disturbia]

If the Cake Bake Shop was open during my trip (we leave on Monday), I 100% would've ordered a small fancy cake for DH and I since we're celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. We got married at Seabreeze Point so the BW area is extra special to us. I also love the aesthetic of the place so I'm looking forward to trying it the next time we're there. ESPN Club was never my thing, but I understand why people miss it.

FYI: cake options for Disney

https://www.disboards.com/threads/official-disney-cake-chatter-part-v.3558085/

If you’re dining at MK you might be able to add a specialty dessert to your dining ADR (CRT had a lost slipper dessert 2022)

https://disneytravelbabble.com/how-to/order-cake/magic-kingdom-specialty-desserts/

 

[Lillian Gracey]

FYI: cake options for Disney

https://www.disboards.com/threads/official-disney-cake-chatter-part-v.3558085/

If you’re dining at MK you might be able to add a specialty dessert to your dining ADR (CRT had a lost slipper dessert 2022)

https://disneytravelbabble.com/how-to/order-cake/magic-kingdom-specialty-desserts/

Our only ADR is at Shiki Sai, but maybe I'll check out Amorette's. Thanks so much for the links!