A sweet new addition is coming to central Towson.

La Cakerie, an up-and-coming commerical bakery founded by Food Network's Cupcake Wars winner Jason Hisley, is opening its first retail store at 49 W. Chesapeake Ave. in mid-October. The bakery will specialize in morning pastries such as croissants, cupcakes and other desserts and savory items such as gourmet pretzels.

"I'm really hoping to bring in a European flair," said Hisley, who earned a bachelor's degree in baking and pastry arts, and has trained in bakeries throughout Europe. "But items like cupcakes also appeal to the American palette."

Hisley, who also claimed a second place win on Sweet Genius—another Food Network pastry competition—thinks his custom wedding cakes will also prove to be a successful line.

"I think there's a need in the Baltimore area for higher end cakes at affordable costs," said Hisley, a 2006 Bel Air High School graduate.

Locals may also recognize Hisley as the former head pastry chef at Flavor Cupcakery, which has locations in Cockeysville and Bel Air. He left employment at Flavor to start his new venture with La Cakerie.

"I still have a great relationship with Flavor," he said.

La Cakerie will also offer minimal seating, but a good deal of space will be devoted to showcasing the bakery's committment to fresh, handmade products.

"We want to be able to dip a truffle or strawberry into chocolate and be able to hand it right to the customer," Hisley said.