CJ's was founded in 1996 by owner Cathy James.  CJ's comes from a very humble background and was something that was a very long time in the making.  Since she was a young girl, Cathy always enjoyed baking things, especially cakes, for family members on their birthdays and other special events.  She enjoyed doing this as a hobby at home and never really thought much about making it more than that.  She first thought of possibly expanding her hobby into a business venture when friends found out how good her cakes were.  She made a few for close friends but knew that she couldn't sell the cakes and make it into a business without going through the proper channels.

Having no business background, Cathy decided to go in with a friend and form a partnership, by opening a small, local deli on W. Carolina Ave. in Hartsville.  The deli was successful for many years and one of the big sellers was the layered cakes that she bought from a friend that owner her own small cake business.  When Cathy and her business partner decided to close the deli, she knew that she still wanted to have a business and this time wanted it to be all about sweets.  At the constant insistence of her father, Herbert, she approached her friend that supplied the layered cakes to the deli about purchasing her existing equipment and assets from her, and opening her own store.  Her friend happily accepted the offer, stating that she was more than ready to retire herself.  This was the point at which CJ's was born.

CJ's Cakes & Catering opened in the summer of 1996 in a small, two story house on Armory Street in Hartsville, just off W. Carolina Ave.  Things started off slow, as most businesses do, but gradually increased as time went by.  In the beginning, CJ's only sold the layered cakes, a few birthday cakes, and special ordered items like cookies, cupcakes, etc.  As the business slowly grew, Cathy knew that they would quickly outgrow the original location.

CJ's Cakes & Catering, Inc. moved to its current location at 315 S 5th St in Hartsville in early 2003 and has become a Hartsville staple ever since.  Now offering a full variety of items including party helpers, small gifts, Mayfield Ice Cream, Full Service Buffet and Catering, and of course CAKES!  CJ's also expanded for the first time to the neighboring city of Florence.  Now serving the entire Pee Dee, the possibilities seem endless for CJ's.  Cathy hopes to expand in the future to even more markets due to growing demand outside of the Pee Dee area.  CJ's has built a fan base that expands across the country and the world, having shiped cakes to all corners of the USA and even overseas!  If you're looking for just a sweet treat, a beautiful wedding cake or a great catering service, CJ's has you covered.  We are still family owned and operated and are ready to serve you!