South Bay lovers of baked goods are stuffing themselves silly, buying in bulk for the freezer — and crossing their fingers.
One of the region’s best and best-loved bakeries, Icing on the Cake in Los Gatos, is up for sale. And customers are hoping that whoever buys the business can maintain the high standards set by baker-owner Lynn Magnoli, who founded the bakery in 1985 and, after 39 years, would like to explore some new avenues.
“After thoughtful consideration,” she wrote in an Instagram note, “the time is now for me to publicly announce that I am selling the business, and looking for a quality successor to keep this gem of a bakery thriving and evolving while providing me the time to pursue new endeavors and find different ways to be of service.”
She thanked her dedicated staff and loyal customers. “I am filled with immeasurable gratitude for everyone along this path affording me the opportunity to learn and grow, and for all the unforgettable memories I will forever cherish and carry with me.”
One of those loyal customers may very well become the bakery’s next owner.
A dense moist chocolate buttermilk cake with raspberry filling and rich cream cheese icing in a lacework pattern is one of the wedding cakes offered at Los Gatos’ Icing on the Cake bakery. (Patrick Tehan/Bay Area News Group File)
“I am currently in exclusive discussions with several strong buyers (all of whom are customers),” Magnoli said this week, “and look forward to seeing it continue on in the way that our customers have come to expect.”
She dispelled fears that the bakery was closing and assured her fans that the treasured recipes will be part of the sale. “Without them, there really is no Icing on the Cake.”
Over the years, Magnoli has amassed a huge catalog of baked goods, all made from scratch — from the namesake cakes and cupcakes to pies, cookies, biscotti, brownies, bars, loaf cakes, pound cakes, coffee cakes, pudding cups and bread pudding. Vegan and wheat-free options abound.
Her fans have expressed their appreciation to Magnoli for decades of sweet memories, along with their sadness that she is moving on.
“So how long do we have to fill our freezers??” DianneBP wrote on Instagram. “I wish you the best and thank you for 39 years of goodness. And yes, I have been coming for 39 years.”
“Nooooooo,” another customer, Monikagill, wrote. “Your bakery is a part of my kids’ and family’s memories, and we look forward to purchasing from you every chance we get. This is so heartbreaking.”
Others floated an idea for a first post-bakery project for Magnoli.
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“Now is the time to write a cookbook, the stories behind every recipe we all cherish!” customer Katbingaman wrote. “Best of luck to the new owners, as they have large shoes to fill! All the love to you and your future endeavors.” Customer Frostypink echoed: “Yes, do a cookbook of Icing on the Cake. You were my favorite bakery for over 30 years. Best of luck. You truly did a wonderful job!”
Magnoli promised prospective buyers and her customers that she will make herself available to assist, if needed, to ensure a smooth transition. “Icing has lots of years left in the tank.”
Details: Open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (8 a.m. for phone orders) at 50 W. Main St., Los Gatos; www.icingonthecakebakery.com
