Mel Hanley and Gena DuBose launch adult Cake+Sip pop-ups in Asheville

M&G Events is hosting Cake+Sip pop-up classes in Asheville for adults to learn cake decorating, led by cake artists Mel Hanley of Brown Sugar Boulangerie and Gena DuBose of Gena Bakes Cakes. The organizers describe the sessions as intimate and themed, with each class capped at about 20 guests and including a social "sip" element.

The format is designed for small groups and hands-on instruction, a model that fits Asheville’s active pop-up and experiential-food scene. By pairing instruction with a social beverage component, Cake+Sip aims to give adults a night out that combines skill-building with community connection. The reporting available notes the "sip" element in a fragment that reads "wine, cocktail o" but that phrase is truncated and beverage specifics have not been confirmed.

For Buncombe County residents, the immediate implications are practical and economic. The collaboration between Mel Hanley and Gena DuBose highlights two local bakery-based entrepreneurs expanding into event production, which can generate revenue for the bakers, rent for local venues, and spillover business for nearby restaurants and retail. Sessions limited to about 20 guests favor an intimate experience but also mean access will be constrained; interested residents should expect classes to fill quickly once dates and ticketing are published.

There are policy and regulatory considerations tied to this kind of event. If the "sip" element includes alcohol, organizers and venues typically must ensure appropriate licensing, age verification, and liability coverage. Local permitting and alcohol service rules fall under municipal and county oversight, and clarity on those points is important for both organizers and attendees. Public-health and allergy disclosures are another practical area where event organizers should provide clear information in advance.

The Cake+Sip pop-ups also have a civic dimension. Events that bring residents into small-group education and social settings can strengthen neighborhood ties and support independent entrepreneurs, reinforcing Asheville’s reputation for creative food and craft experiences. Mel Hanley and Gena DuBose have existing local brands, Brown Sugar Boulangerie and Gena Bakes Cakes respectively, and the pop-ups extend those businesses into event-driven interactions that can broaden their customer base.

Missing from current reporting are concrete details readers need to participate: exact dates, venues in Asheville, ticket prices, registration steps, age limits, what materials or finished products guests take home, and a full description of the beverage offering. Organizers should publish those items promptly so potential attendees can make informed decisions and city or county officials can verify any required permits.

What comes next for readers is straightforward: watch for official announcements from M&G Events, Mel Hanley, and Gena DuBose with dates, venue information, and ticketing, and verify beverage and age policies before registering. The pop-ups present a new way for Buncombe County residents to engage with local food entrepreneurs while contributing to the county’s small-business ecosystem.