The King Cake Drive Thru made a stop at Rally Cap Brewing Co. on Saturday, Jan. 31, for its third annual Baton Rouge pop-up.

Originally based in New Orleans, the drive-thru serves as a hub for customers to purchase king cakes from a selection of local bakeries…both big and small.

Founded three years ago by Michael Graves and his wife, the King Cake Drive Thru has grown from a shared love of the Mardi Gras dessert into an annual event many look forward to each year.

“Every year we take a look at all the bakeries in New Orleans to see if there’s anyone new,” Graves said. “We make a list of our favorites and what we think everyone would enjoy.”

The drive-thru operates rain, shine, or snow, allowing customers to get a slice of the action.

“They’re excited to get a taste of home they’ve been missing or to try something new they can’t get locally,” Graves said.

Run by family and friends, demand for the pop-ups is high. Lines often begin forming nearly two hours before events start, and king cakes frequently sell out within hours.

“It’s crazy,” Graves said. “I can’t get here early enough, and we can never have enough, but we do our best.”

The King Cake Drive Thru has hosted events across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, and plans to return to those locations in the future.

Although the drive-thru visits Baton Rouge only once a year, customers can find it in New Orleans every Friday through Monday during the Mardi Gras season from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or until sold out, on Metairie Road.