Former NFL player, partner open new Gigi's Cupcakes store in Chattanooga

Contributed photo from Gigi's Cupcakes
Contributed photo from Gigi's Cupcakes

A new Gigi's Cupcakes store is opening at 1925 Gunbarrel Road.

A grand opening is scheduled for Feb. 8, just in time for Valentine's Day. A portion of the proceeds from the grand opening party will be donated to charity.

According to a news release, the new owners include Chattanoogan Dooley Swafford and Jamar Israel (Fletcher), a former first-round draft pick of the NFL's Miami Dolphins. Before joining the NFL, Israel was a college All-American football player at the University of Wisconsin. While in the NFL, starting in the early 2000s, he also played for the San Diego Chargers, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals.

"I've always been interested in the food and beverage industry," Israel said. "Plus, I just love sweets."

Founded in 2008, Gigi's Cupcakes operates 70 locations nationwide. According to the in-store menu, the company carries cupcake flavors such as "Confetti Fun," Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, "Chocolate Salted Caramel," "Scarlett's Red Velvet," "Strawberry Shortcake," "Turtle Cheesecake" and more.

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