Founded by Lada Sadovnyk, Muse Cheesecakes has secured a space on the base floor of Broadway Towers to open its flagship bakery and café. This milestone follows the company's rapid growth since its inception in early 2024, driven by Sadovnyk’s resilience and the support of the local community.
Sadovnyk, a Ukrainian immigrant who launched Muse Cheesecakes in January 2024, began the business from her home with just $100, baking Basque-style cheesecakes after fleeing war-torn Ukraine. Originally a content creator and model in Ukraine, she turned to her passion for baking upon resettling in San Diego with her husband and son, overcoming significant challenges including the loss of her previous business due to conflict.
The company gained traction with its first order - an Oreo Basque cheesecake - placed by two supportive customers, and has since expanded with the help of her husband, who assists with baking and operations. Muse Cheesecakes specializes in Burnt Basque cheesecakes, known for their golden-brown exterior, intentional cracks, and lack of crust, setting them apart from traditional American varieties. The decision to establish a permanent location comes after a year of pop-up operations, with Sadovnyk announcing the lease signing on Instagram.
"Despite a busy schedule, the 10x increase in responsibility, and the fact that we're about to take on a full renovation from scratch for the first time in our lives - we’re happy!" she posted, expressing gratitude to real estate agent Andrew Shemirani from Flocke Avoyer and Urban Strategies Group for securing the space, which exceeded her expectations.
The renovation will feature an open kitchen with limited indoor seating, complemented by a spacious 1,200-square-foot patio encircling the venue, offering ample outdoor space for customers. The café will expand its menu to include additional cheese-based desserts and rotating weekly offerings for lunches and breakfasts, though cheesecakes will remain the primary focus and priority.
The renovation will feature an open kitchen with limited indoor seating, complemented by a spacious 1,200-square-foot patio encircling the venue, offering ample outdoor space for customers. The café will expand its menu to include additional cheese-based desserts and rotating weekly offerings for lunches and breakfasts, though cheesecakes will remain the primary focus and priority.
This move represents a significant step for Muse Cheesecakes, which has relied on community support and Sadovnyk’s determination to grow from a home-based venture to a commercial enterprise. The Broadway Towers location in downtown San Diego positions the bakery to attract a broader customer base, building on the brand's early success.
Muse Cheesecakes Bakery & Cafe is anticipated to open between September and October 2025 at 1150 E Street in Downtown San Diego. For more information and to place an order, follow Muse Cheesecakes on Instagram.
Muse Cheesecakes Bakery & Cafe is anticipated to open between September and October 2025 at 1150 E Street in Downtown San Diego. For more information and to place an order, follow Muse Cheesecakes on Instagram.
Originally published on March 11, 2025.
