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Ryan Gosling's Endorsement Sparks Bakery Boom in Florida

3/25/2026, 3:58:31 PM

Bakery Gains National Attention

The Cake Shop, a small bakery located in Tallahassee, Florida, has experienced a significant surge in orders following an unexpected endorsement from actor Ryan Gosling during his appearance on NBC's "Late Night with Seth Meyers." Gosling praised the bakery's "Popped-Tarts," which are homemade pastries that have garnered a cult following. He highlighted the connection to the bakery through Donna Richards, a wardrobe supervisor for "Saturday Night Live," who is the sister of the bakery's owner, Linda Richards. During the show, Gosling stated, “You have to order these Popped-Tarts,” emphasizing their popularity among SNL hosts and guests.

Immediate Impact on Business

Following Gosling's shout-out, The Cake Shop was inundated with requests, leading to a dramatic increase in demand for its pastries. Linda Richards described the situation as “on fire,” noting that the bakery received thousands of orders, including numerous bulk requests. The timing of the endorsement coincided with the bakery's spring break closure, resulting in a wave of pent-up demand upon reopening. Richards expressed her astonishment at the sudden attention, stating, “I was blown into another universe. That’s huge.”

The Bakery's Offerings

The Cake Shop has been a staple in Tallahassee for over 25 years, known for its homemade desserts and family recipes. In addition to the popular Popped-Tarts, which come in flavors such as strawberry, blueberry, cinnamon, and peanut butter and jelly, the bakery offers a variety of other treats, including oatmeal raisin cookies and chocolate chip cookies. Linda Richards, inspired by her family's culinary background, has infused the bakery with many cherished family recipes.

Criticism & Opposition

While the surge in orders has been overwhelmingly positive for The Cake Shop, the sudden fame of small businesses through celebrity endorsements can also lead to challenges. Critics argue that such rapid growth can strain resources and affect product quality. However, no specific dissenting voices were noted in the immediate aftermath of Gosling's comments.

Official Statements & Responses

Linda Richards expressed her gratitude for the unexpected publicity, stating, “Thank you, I was very surprised, and thankful,” in response to the outpouring of support on social media. The bakery's social media accounts have seen increased engagement, with many fans expressing excitement over Gosling's remarks and the bakery's offerings.

What's Next for The Cake Shop

As The Cake Shop navigates this newfound attention, it faces the challenge of meeting the increased demand while maintaining the quality that has made it beloved by locals. The bakery's ability to adapt to this surge will be crucial in sustaining its success in the wake of Gosling's endorsement.