Pastry offerings at Cake Thieves. 

After a five year wait, San Antonio's Cake Thieves has finally opened doors just east of downtown. Signage indicating the vegan bakery's existence has long signaled its arrival at Hackberry Market. Now pastry lovers who have been disciples of Kia Geronimo's longstanding pop-up can enjoy Cake Thieves six days a week. 

The shop is cozy and inviting, covered in colorful tile and clean white surfaces. Patrons are presented with an overflowing pastry case, filled with technicolor pop-tarts, creamy scones, and hearty cakes. It was raining on Tuesday morning — opening day. Not only did this make conditions ideal for a hot cup of coffee, but it also bodes well if you're superstitious. Geronimo's partner and recent co-owner Sam Martinez reminded me of this as she recounted remarks made from her godmother who paid tribute just before me. 

Kia Geronimo, Cake Thieves owner. 

Kia Geronimo and Sam Martinez, Cake Thieves co-owners. 

"It' a good sign on your wedding day, it's an even better sign on opening day,"  she said.

Accompanying my coffee was a pink and jammy mixed berry pop pastry and a massive London Fog scone that tasted delicate despite its size — like Earl Grey, milk and lavender. If you're wary of anything "vegan" this may be a good place to start. The quality is such that you don't even notice there's nary an animal product. If you're already vegan or vegan-curious, the plant-based  nature of the treats is (forgive me) just icing on the cake. 

Cake Thieves was created in 2012 by Lauren O’Connor. Geronimo, former General Manager at Bakery Lorraine and creator of monthly pop-up VeganStopShop, started working with Cake Thieves six years ago and ultimately took over as the sole owner. Martinez, with a background in catering and restaurants joined the team in December when her and Geronimo got engaged. The highly anticipated brick-and-mortar has been in the works for five years. 

Pastry offerings at Cake Thieves. 

Cake Thieves is located at  1602 E. Houston.

In addition to the espresso and pastry menus, the shop plans on adding gourmet doggy treats and grab-and-go vegan food options (like chicken and egg salad sandwiches on fresh bread) once they get settled. 

Tentatively, the shop will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Find it at 1602 E Houston Street. 

Cake Thieves is located at  1602 E. Houston.

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Cake Thieves is located at  1602 E. Houston.

Pastry offerings at Cake Thieves.