A burst of cotton-candy color and sprinkles has arrived on McKinney’s historic Downtown Square.
Pinkitzel, the over-the-top cupcake, candy, and gift boutique founded in Oklahoma City, has launched its first Texas branch on Louisiana Street.
The family-friendly shop delivers Instagram-worthy displays, made-from-scratch cakes, and dozens of bulk candy selections to Downtown, which has already established itself as a regional destination for dining, shopping, and weekend strolls.
“People just love coming in here and using it as a photo opportunity,” Pinkitzel co-founder Jonathan Jantz explained.
Pinkitzel’s atmosphere is purposefully dramatic, with chandeliers, candy counters, a range of fantastical cupcake varieties, and ice cream and party packages for tea parties and cupcake creation events.
The brand, founded by Jonathan and his wife, Christa Jantz, lists the new McKinney location alongside Oklahoma City and Edmond on its website, marking the company’s entry into Texas.
The choice of Downtown McKinney is not coincidental. The city’s downtown is noted for its conserved architecture, an active events calendar, and a tight cluster of local businesses and cafés that attract families and guests from all over Collin County and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth region.
“Kitzel in Yiddish means tickle, so we want everyone to feel tickled pink when they come in,” Christa explains. “You know, you think of candy stores, you think of carousels, you think of anything whimsical and fun.”
In addition to its charm, McKinney is experiencing rapid expansion. The city’s population has grown quickly in recent years, and it has been recognized in regional real-estate reporting and national lists for its thriving housing market, which brings more foot traffic and new consumers to Downtown businesses.
Developers and retailers have taken notice: new buildings, increased rental demand, and amenities like as a proposed airport expansion are all part of the larger development that is altering the city.
The Jantz family described finding the Downtown property as serendipity. They noticed the area while on a walk, just as the lease sign was being up.
“There’s really not much property available,” Jonathan added. “This one came open and we jumped on it within a day or two.”
The far North Texas location features a cupcake decorating bar and can accommodate parties for both children and adults. Dallas will soon get a taste, as a second Lone Star State store opens in Bishop Arts in the coming weeks.
“I think making it an experience is really important and has really set us apart and created an atmosphere where people love to just get out with their family or bring their friends,” Jonathan told me.
