Bryan Hynson, Brian Orakpo, and Michael Griffin. Image courtesy of Gigi's Cupcakes.
 
In early 2018, Gigi’s Cupcakes is expanding to Austin, Texas with its first location in the city. The largest cupcake franchise in the country will be opening the new store under the ownership of NFL players Brian Orakpo and Michael Griffin.

Orakpo, a former Pro Bowl defensive end, and Griffin, a former Pro Bowl safety, first met while playing together at the University of Texas. There, they met good friend Bryan Hynson, who will also own and operate the Gigi’s Cupcakes location.

Orakpo and Griffin both ended up playing for the Tennessee Titans after college, which is where they first became familiar with Nashville-based Gigi’s Cupcakes.

“When I moved to Nashville in 2015, one of the first things I was introduced to was a dozen of Gigi’s Cupcakes. Once my teammates gave me some, I fell in love,” says Brian Orakpo. “Football players and cupcakes don’t exactly go hand and hand, but that’s what makes this so much fun. We’re family men and we know that everybody loves a good cupcake.”

“We are excited to bring a piece of Nashville to Austin,” says Michael Griffin. “The city is growing rapidly with students, young professionals, and families, which makes it an ideal spot for a dynamic cupcake chain.”

“These men are perfect candidates to bring Gigi’s Cupcakes to Longhorn Country,” says Gigi’s Cupcakes founder Gigi Butler. “I know all about putting muscle into a business in order to get it off the ground and it’s a dream come true to work with three men who share our passion, enthusiasm and work ethic that will ensure this store opening is a big win for all.”