Plaza sues Kansas City retailer for $51,000 in back rent and possession of the space

The Country Club Plaza has filed suit against tenant Cupcakin Bakery and owner Erica Harris seeking back rent and possession of the space.

The Plaza said Cupcakin Bakery signed a lease for a 1,110-square-foot spot in July 2019; the lease was modified in November and runs through July 31.

According to the lawsuit, Cupcakin has failed to pay rent since April 2020, and the Plaza is seeking $51,570.

A spokeswoman for the Plaza said it does not comment on litigation.

Harris did not respond to calls or emails.

Harris originally wanted to open her concept on the Plaza. Instead she started small, opening a dessert shop at 2311 E. 12th St. in 2014.

Then she tried a holiday pop-up in Overland Park’s Oak Park Mall in late 2017 before opening a permanent location there in March 2018. But that shop and children’s party place closed in 2019, according to Oak Park Mall officials.

Cupcakin Bakery opened as a year-long pop-up at 212 Nichols Road on the Plaza, next to Tivol, in 2019.

It offered a variety of parties for children: cake decorating, painting, princess spa or princess tea, and slime making.

The Plaza also has a lawsuit pending against former tenant Barton Perreira. It recently relocated.