Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery was acquired by The Derbyshire Group. Smallcakes opened its doors in 2008 in Overland Park, Kan., and has since grown to more than 180 locations across the United States.

Founder Jeff Martin made several appearances on The Food Network's Cupcake Wars as well as other national television shows. Martin will continue to contribute as an advisor to the company while he pursues new concepts.

A new team has been assembled to facilitate grow the concept. “I am thrilled to lead and serve the Smallcakes brand as we take it into the future,” says Kendall Hollingsworth, Smallcakes’ chief cupcake officer. “We firmly believe in our slogan of 'Maybe a Cupcake Will Help?', because, despite the circumstance, there is nothing that compares to the joy and nostalgia that tasting a Smallcakes cupcake brings.”

In addition to its acquisition of Smallcakes, Derbyshire Group has been active in the restaurant space via investments in such concepts Slim Chickens, Rock and Roll Sushi, Island Wing Company, Bold Brands, and others.