The Sweet Spot OBKY serving up cake in a jar and more.

Content originally published by John Kirkpatrick in The Owensboro Times, August 2025. Story sponsored by Independence Bank. 

The Sweet Spot OBKY has quickly become a popular stop for dessert lovers, offering cakes in a jar, ice cream floats, and even some savory favorites from its food trailer.

Owner Ashlyn Keelin opened the trailer at the end of May after years of carrying the idea with her. She said her inspiration came during her time living in Washington, D.C., where the food truck scene thrived.

She noticed a growing number of food trucks in Owensboro, but a shortage in dessert options.

“I noticed at the time that there were a lot of great entrée options. There was only one dessert truck, and they had milk and cookies, which was a great idea. But nowhere had cake where you could just go get a slice of cake if you just wanted a little bit of something sweet,” Keelin said. “That stuck with me, and when the opportunity presented itself here, I decided to go for it.”

Keelin, a lawyer by trade, returned to Owensboro to help her family and found a food trailer for sale earlier this year. She leaned on her longtime hobby of baking and launched The Sweet Spot OBKY as a way to turn her passion into a business.

The business first gained traction with help from Kim’s Diner, where her cakes are still sold daily. From there, she expanded into the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market and local food truck lots. Keelin said the community has embraced her quickly.

“Everybody that we’ve talked to, that we’ve met at the Farmers’ Market, has been very nice,” Keelin said. “We always enjoy going on Thursday evenings when people are looking for food or dessert. It’s a really encouraging environment.”

The Sweet Spot OBKY’s menu is built around its signature cakes in a jar, which include staples like strawberry, birthday, German chocolate, and “Moo Cow,” a chocolate cake with white icing. Seasonal offerings rotate in, such as banana split cake and key lime pie. This summer’s ice cream floats, served in glass jars that customers keep, have also been a hit.

To balance things out, Keelin added fresh fruit jars, chicken salad made from her mother’s recipe at the former Sammie’s restaurant, and dips with chips or vegetables.

“We’re trying to find that sweet spot between dessert and something savory or good for you beforehand,” Keelin said.

Keelin credits her parents for helping her transition from law to running a small business, and she said she’s excited to continue growing The Sweet Spot OBKY’s presence around town.

The food trailer regularly sets up at the Street Eats lot on Parrish Avenue, The Lot on Fourth Street, and various community events. Keelin posts weekly schedules on social media to let customers know where to find her.