The Ames community will have to look elsewhere to indulge its sweet tooth in more than 100 different cupcake flavors.

The Cupcake Emporium, which is located on Main Street, will close its doors Saturday after five years of serving the Ames community.

“It’s really disappointing in a lot of ways,” said Cindy Hicks, executive director of the Main Street Cultural District in Ames. “The Cupcake Emporium is a huge draw for downtown. It’s brought a lot of recognition and business to our main street community.” 

Tawnya Zerr, owner of The Cupcake Emporium, is moving from Ames to Colorado in search of other goals.

“There’s a million different things that fell into place at once,” Zerr said. “The main reason is I’ll be moving to Colorado in a year, so that made the decision final.”

When Zerr first started, she was told the business wouldn’t last more than six months to a year. After five years of business, Zerr said she was pushing away her dreams, and the move persuaded her to follow those dreams.

She has been experimenting with grilled cheese, including different types of cheeses and dips. Zerr said her food trailer might do some test runs to gauge the success of the grilled cheese.

During her time in Ames, Zerr also debuted on Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.”

“Most people question, ‘Was it fun?’” Zerr said. “I always laugh because I think if you have that much pressure and think it’s fun, you’re crazy. At that moment, it was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

While preparing for “Cupcake Wars,” Zerr ran mini challenges every night after closing time and sent videos to Food Network to prove she could compete at that level.

“Cupcake Wars” is not something Zerr would participate in again unless “it had to do with Buddy Holly or vintage cars.”

Zerr said she has received emails from customers saying she has made all of their kids’ birthday cakes and is sad to be leaving the Ames community.

“As I would say, I got to see this wild, crazy dream of mine come true and grow and be part of the community,” Zerr said. “It’s insane how much we will be missed.”

As for the future of the corner of Kellogg Avenue and Main Street, Hicks doesn’t think it will stay vacant long.

“Main Street is a very vibrant place for business to be, and I think it will fill up fast,” Hicks said.

Some businesses that have already contacted her about the location include a barbecue restaurant and home decorating store.