Nothing Bundt Cakes is opening a Springfield location on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 2476 Wabash Ave. in the Sherwood Plaza shopping center. The husband and wife team of Theo and Kristen Spilman are new franchisees for the bakery chain based in Las Vegas. Nothing Bundt Cakes started in 1997 and currently has more than 300 franchises nationwide, including a location in Bloomington and a store preparing to open in Champaign.

The Spilmans, who are originally from Springfield, most recently lived in Austria and managed a cafeteria at a seminary there. Both have worked in the food service industry since they were teenagers.

“Last August, we started considering moving back to Springfield,” said Kristen Spilman. “We were really impressed with the business model and the values aligning with ours,” she said of the couple’s decision to become franchisees for the Springfield area.

The Spilmans took part in “support team training in a functional bakery” at the company’s Dallas headquarters, learning all aspects of the business, according to Theo. They are now in the process of training the 19 employees they’ve hired for the Springfield store.

Theo described it as a “strangely good time to open,” noting that locations are set up for takeout, not dine-in. “People need some joy.  Cake is about togetherness and family and friends. We’re excited to be a piece of that and give people a chance to celebrate again.”

A grand opening celebration with giveaways, including free bundt cakes for a year, is planned for Aug. 28 and 29. The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting on Friday, Aug. 28 at 11 a.m.