Oxford will soon welcome a franchise of the award-winning Smallcakes Cupcakery.

Smallcakes Cupcakery was founded by Jeff Martin, a baker who’s been featured on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” and “The View,” as well as in several celebrity wedding receptions. With franchises in 31 states and counting, Smallcakes is one of the fastest-growing bakeries in the country.

Elizabeth Williams, who is opening the franchise with her husband Stuart, said the idea to bring Smallcakes to Oxford came after one of the family’s annual beach trips.

“My in-laws have a place in Sandestin, and we always go to the Smallcakes down there,” Williams said. “We always get a dozen, all different types and eat them over our vacation. It’s so cute, and we thought it would be a great idea for Oxford.”

The bakery will serve ice cream and two different sizes of cupcakes, which come in 18 different flavors and are baked from scratch every morning.

Some of the more popular flavors, Williams said, are red velvet, chocolate cream and cookies-n-cream. Bakers from the corporate office will be brought in prior to opening to train staff in the baking and decorating methods the store has become famous for.

“When I went for the first time, I couldn’t believe it,” Williams said. “They’re like pieces of art, sitting in the display case.”

Smallcakes Oxford will be located in the Oxford Galleria II shopping center, between Chicken Salad Chick and Treehouse Toys.

To prepare for the grand opening in the early fall, Williams said she and her husband have been busy making sure the walls are painted, cabinets are installed and tables are ready for customers who want to sit for awhile and enjoy their treats.

The location of the store, as well as its fun and inviting atmosphere, Williams said, will make Smallcakes a prominent part of the community for both adults and children.

“We really want families and children to enjoy the cupcakes and the ice cream,” she said. “They’re so yummy and cute. We want to be able to help with fundraisers and just have our products out there for people to enjoy.”

For more information, visit http://smallcakescupcakery.com.