MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – Heidi Vukov, owner of Croissants Bistro & Bakery in Myrtle Beach joined News 13 Now at 9 a.m. on Thursday to talk about hosting the 5th annual cupcake eating contest on July 4th. Watch the videos to learn more.

The following is a press release from Croissants:

Croissants Bistro & Bakery, Myrtle Beach’s favorite low-country bistro, will host its 5th Annual Cupcake Eating Contest on Monday, July 4, 2016 from 2-4 p.m. at Heroes Harbor at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.“Croissants is excited to once again bring the community together for some friendly competition on the Fourth of July,”said Heidi Vukov, owner of Croissants. “We are looking forward to another fun and successful event, and are delighted to team up with Broadway at the Beach to host the event at one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular landmarks.”

Competition participants, 18 years and older, are invited to “have their cake and eat it too” during this cupcake eating marathon. The winner will receive $500 cash, a two-night stay at the Breakers Myrtle Beach Resort, and will be crowned 2016 “Cupcake Champion” of Myrtle Beach. Second and third place winners will be awarded with prize packages from area attractions. Registration will be $25 per person and will include entry into the contest, a Cupcake Eating Contest t-shirt, and a signed Reggie Sanders baseball card. The competition will begin at 3 p.m. Interested parties should register at http://croissants.net/2016-cupcake-contest/.

In 2015, forty-eight competition participants were given five minutes to eat as many cupcakes as possible. Three contestants tied for first place consuming 22 cupcakes each and were forced into a two-minute sudden death round. William Flynn was awarded Third Runner Up, eating a total of 31 cupcakes, Second Runner-Up, Dennis Devorick (2012 “Cupcake Champion”), ate a total of 32 cupcakes, and Steven Schuster devoured a total of 33 cupcakes and was named Myrtle Beach’s 2015 “Cupcake Champion.”

The event will, once again, team up with former Major League Baseball player, Reggie Sanders, and the Reggie Sanders Foundation in an effort to raise money and build awareness about autism.

While on the show, Vukov also talked about plans to expand. She said she and her husband will develop a spot in the Grand Dunes area, which will house a second location of Croissants and a new concept restaurant. The following is a press release (dated June22) about the new development:

Heidi Vukov, owner of Croissants Bistro & Bakery, today announced that “Heidi’s Corner” is coming to the Grande Dunes in the spring of 2017, creating 75 new jobs in the area. Heidi’s Corner will house a second location of the popular Croissants Bistro & Bakery, as well as a new concept restaurant.“It has been incredible to watch as Myrtle Beach grows as a culinary tourism destination,” said Vukov. “We’re thrilled to introduce two new restaurants into the culinary scene and are excited to offer some fun new things, with an interactive customer experience, creative dishes and excellent service.”

The City of Myrtle Beach Community Appearance Board approved preliminary plans for Heidi’s Corner on Thursday, June 16, 2016.