RENO, Nev. — Mix Bakeshop is in the running for the prestigious Silver Star, one of the top awards from Reno Food & Drink Week. This bakery, located at 1117 California Ave, caught the attention of guests and judges alike, finishing in the top four for the Features category.
Co-owner Kayla Van Every expressed her excitement, saying, “Being part of Food and Drink Week is special, especially this year since it was invitation-only. We truly appreciate the community’s support.”
Mix Bakeshop, known for its cupcakes, pies, and cookies, has been delighting customers for 17 years. Van Every and her partner Marlene Varca took over in October 2025 after dedicating nearly a decade to the bakery. Originally named Mix Cupcake Company, it grew to include Levi’s Pies in 2015 and rebranded as Mix Bakeshop in 2017.
### Guest Feedback and Secret Judging
During Reno Food & Drink Week, guests provided feedback based on their experiences, focusing on service and product quality. Varca noted the overwhelming support, “We felt honored that people came in and voted for us,” highlighting the bakery’s relationship with the community.
The top establishments now move on to a second evaluation stage. Secret judges will visit these businesses and assess them just like regular customers. This two-step process ensures a fair judgment based on both public input and expert evaluations. Only one Silver Star is awarded each year.
### Unique Offerings and Customer Loyalty
Mix Bakeshop’s menu is diverse. They feature up to 17 cupcake flavors, several pie varieties, and 10 cookie options daily. Van Every pointed out, “We’re one of the few bakeries in Reno that sells pies year-round.” During Thanksgiving alone, they sell about 1,400 pies, attracting customers even from California.
The bakery has built a loyal clientele. “We have some customers who visit us every week, and others come in daily,” Van Every said.
### About Reno Food & Drink Week
Reno Food & Drink Week is a unique program that recognizes outstanding food and drink establishments in the area. It transitioned to an invitation-only model in 2026 to focus on performance rather than fees. Eight locations, including Mix Bakeshop and others like 10 Torr Distilling & Brewing and Centro, topped the rankings through verified guest reviews.
Both the Silver Star and the Medallion, awarded to establishments in different categories, are based solely on merit, highlighting the quality and creativity of the area’s culinary scene.
As the competition heats up, the sense of community and support remains strong, showcasing the passion for local food and drink in Reno.
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Mix Bakeshop Reno Reno Food & Drink Week Silver Star award Reno bakery California Avenue Reno
