Sprinkles will officially open its Georgetown location at 3015 M St. Thursday, making it the California-based cupcakery's first East Coast store. Monday local businesses had a chance to check out what the new neighbor had to offer. The Georgetown Business Improvement District got the word out to local businesses, who could stop by and take home a baker's dozen of free cupcakes.

Candace Nelson, the owner and originator of Sprinkles, said when she and her husband first opened their store in Beverly Hills, "nobody got it."

Charles Nelson, Candace's husband and co-owner, said when the two first brought cupcakes to the market, "nobody was selling [cupcakes] for over $1.50. But since Sprinkle uses high-end ingredients like imported vanilla and cocoa, they charge more.

Charles said when they first decided to open a store, it was a challenge just to find a landlord who would rent to them. Several hung up on him and one said he was only interested in a long-term tenant. Nine stores later, location is less of an issue.

When asked about the other cupcake locations that already call Georgetown home, Charles said, "there's enough room for everyone."

Decide for yourself at the grand opening Thursday, March 3, beginning at 9 a.m.