What is the Union Bank Place pop-up space?
We want to give growing businesses the space to thrive. In creating a downtown hub for business, our Small Business team dreamed up the brilliant idea of allowing a small business to try out a physical location before committing to brick-and-mortar retail. Three times a year, we give a different qualifying small business the “keys” to the pop-up shop for a four-month retail stint. Scroll down to see the businesses selected so far!
SHMILY Tree Cakery
SHMILY Tree Cakery is taking over the pop-up shop from Tuesday, September 1, to Friday, December 31. Founder and owner Cheryl Kirby will be offering delicious desserts such as cookies, cake pops, cake cups, and more. Click to read Cheryl’s story and learn more about what she plans to bring to the pop-up shop, and stay up to date with Cheryl’s availability and product selection by following SHMILY Tree Cakery on Facebook and Instagram.
Vital Vines
Throughout the summer of 2026, Vital Vines brought unique floral arrangements, houseplants, locally sourced produce, and horticultural advice to the pop-up shop. Click to read Sydney's story and learn more about what she offers — and stay up to date with her journey by following Vital Vines on Facebook and Instagram!
ET's Sweets
ET’s Sweets took over the pop‑up shop during the first few months of 2026, offering baked goods from morning through late afternoon on select weekdays. Owner Erin Odem provided a variety of treats, including allergy‑friendly and keto options. Learn more about Erin’s story and the delicious items she offered in the pop‑up space.
KT Designs
Kassie Thompson of KT Designs brought her wares to the pop-up for the end of 2025. She had plenty of expertly crafted Husker and sports décor and fall seasonal décor to start, followed by a wide range of holiday gift and décor items. Whether customers were looking to purchase gifts for others or pick up something special for themselves, KT Designs offered products at all price points. Be sure to visit KT Designs’ website or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
Rising Rolls Baking Company
A sister duo from Rising City, Alexa and Rylie Carter have already established themselves as in-demand bakers. Bringing their inventive baked goods to Union Bank Place in spring 2025 also coincided with their college careers in the Engler Program at UNL. Locally famous for inventing the Chili Roll, the sisters set up shop from May through August 2025. Make sure you’re following them on Facebook and Instagram or checking out their website for updates!
My Big Fat Greek Bakery
Fay Deligiannis-Worstell came to our pop-up shop with more than three decades of experience learning from one of the best bakers in Lincoln — her mother. Her authentic Greek pastries and other assorted baked goods brought the best Mediterranean flavors to our pop-up shop, and she's still going strong! Visit her website or connect to her Facebook to learn more, and click through to learn about her small business startup story.
Truth Papers
Lindsay Griepenstroh combines modern design with antique production methods to create one-of-a-kind stationery and other assorted products. Her heartfelt, quirky, and creative products make for great gifts (or a special treat for yourself) and are created on a century-old letterpress. Give her Facebook and Instagram accounts a follow or check out her Etsy shop or website for more information!
Moose’s Mad Fresh
Matthew “Moose” Morrison is well-known throughout Lincoln as the man behind the mad-fresh chip dippables at vendor markets and select grocery stores. His guacamole, hummus, and salsa varieties are made fresh every week with all-natural ingredients. We’re proud to have had him in our space, and you can check out his healthy lineup of products by following Moose on Facebook or his website.
Studio Trouvaille
Ann and Shane Walsh, co-owners of Studio Trouvaille, combine craft and art to create one-of-a-kind shadowboxes and other decor items. Drawing inspiration from folks they meet and speak with at vendor shows, as well as from nature and abstraction, the Walshes’ creations are meant to stand out. They were guests in our pop-up shop in early 2024, and you can learn more about them on Facebook, Instagram, or their website.
Susa’s Sweets & Balloons
Susa's Sweets & Balloons was our first-ever pop-up business! Owner Bia Espinoza specializes in delicious desserts and balloon arrangements to fit any occasion or theme. Her customers rave about her attention to detail and the delicious confections she designs. In addition to cakes, Bia also creates show-stopping custom gelatin pops, flan, buñuelos, candied apples, dipped pretzels, handmade flowers, and layered gelatin pieces that can only be described as scrumptious works of art. Learn more about Susa’s Sweets by reading this blog or by checking her out on Facebook and Instagram.
