Cape CRA Board bullish on cake, wine, pizza

LadyCakes Bakery founder and co-owner Bess Charles brought her custom-baked goods to a new location on Cape Coral Parkway East this year, in the heart of the South Cape’s entertainment district and Community Redevelopment Area.  

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, is be in the CRA,” said Charles, who started LadyCakes on Del Prado Boulevard in 2014 and opened her new location Jan. 1. “The whole vibe they’re trying to create down here is really cool, a foodie-based, walkable district. I really wanted to be a part of it.” 

Landing in the South Cape CRA made Charles eligible for the CRA’s Breaking Barriers to Business grant program. The Cape’s Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners adopted the program in May 2023 to invest in a growing number of shops in the district.  

At a CRA meeting Sept. 10, the board awarded grants helping LadyCakes, Nice Guys Pizza and Palace Pub & Wine Bar with recent remodeling expenses. The three businesses are all on Cape Coral Parkway East. 

The CRA Board is made up of Cape Coral City Council members, but they oversee a budget that is separate from the city’s funds. It is fueled by property tax growth within the special CRA district and used only for investments in that district. In practice, then, the South Cape CRA’s investments and tax growth go hand in hand.  

The CRA’s Breaking Barriers program is designed to grow and retain businesses in the district. The grants reimburse businesses for some of the renovation, construction and other costs incurred to meet land development and fire codes. They are for nonresidential businesses that have made a minimum $25,000 investment, capped at 20% of the total project cost up to a $50,000 maximum, among other requirements.  

On Sept. 10, LadyCakes received a grant reimbursing Charles for $7,817 out of $39,088 in upgrades that included kitchen renovations, new flooring, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant restrooms and an upgraded electrical and plumbing system. 

Palace Pub & Wine Bar was awarded $34,480 to help with $169,469 in renovations in a new space that included ADA-compliant restrooms, plumbing and electrical upgrades, an acoustical ceiling, painting, a new bar and other improvements.  

Palace opened in 2019 and became known for its wine and bottle service along with hosting local performers. They decided to move out of their old building for several reasons. The space was too big, the rent was rising, and they had the chance to occupy a new space right next to Nice Guys Pizza, according to owner Ryan Lay’s grant application. Nice Guy co-owner Greg Gebhard is a friend and mentor for Lay. 

Nice Guys was awarded $28,520 to help fund a $142,602 project to add an awning and create an outdoor space for customers. That paid for a little more than half the building and permit fees. 

The pizza shop opened in 2013 and soon became known for its creative pizza recipes, colorful murals and hosting local performers and artists.  

“Our specialty pies are what we are known for and if you come in here,” Gebhard wrote in a grant application. “I strongly recommend trying something a little outside of your comfort zone.”