A Group of NFL Players Are Bringing Nashville Cupcakes to Austin

A group of NFL football players and former Longhorns are opening a cupcake shop in Austin. Brian Orakpo, Michael Griffin, and Bryan Hynson are franchising a location of the Nashville-based Gigi’s Cupcakes out in Bee Cave by early 2018.

Orakpo and Griffin met while playing football for the UT Longhorns in 2003 through 2008. The two then played for the Tennessee Titans (Orakpo is still currently on the professional football team), where they were introduced to the Nashville-based Gigi’s Cupcakes. The two paired up with former fellow Longhorn Hynson to bring the franchise to Austin.

Gigi’s cupcake creations range from chocolate chip cookie dough (topped with an entire cookie). wedding cake, red velvet to gluten-free options. There are cheesecake versions, as well as miniature ones.

“We are excited to bring a piece of Nashville to Austin,” Griffin said in a statement. “The city is growing rapidly with students, young professionals, and families, which makes it an ideal spot for a dynamic cupcake chain.” They plan on hosting events with UT Austin.

Founder Gigi Butler opened Gigi’s Cupcakes in 2008 in Nashville. It expanded with over 100 locations across the country. There are cupcake shops in Cedar Park and Georgetown.

Austin saw the expansion of Los Angeles-based cupcake shop Sprinkles with its all-hours vending machine in the Domain Northside.

• Gigi’s Cupcakes [Official]
• Gigi’s Cupcakes [Facebook]