Disappointing cakes. The "buttercreams" are made with shortening, and no butter at all. Anyone who has tasted real buttercream knows that it is not as shelf stable or white as shortening frosting and tastes like real butter. The chocolate cake has some kind of flavoring in it. Fake rum, maybe? I really think people buy these cakes because they don't know any better. Perhaps the term "buttercream" is used loosely outside of Europe, but true buttercream is not a concoction of Sweetex (sweetened shortening, commercial grade) and some other fake ingredients. Carl also is very stuck in his ways when it comes to design. He's not on the cutting edge, he will only do certain designs that he's been doing since the 80s. There will be no rolled fondont ribbons or pulled sugar flowers or bright colors. If you want a simple cake, and don't mind that it is frosted with fake buttercream because that's what is more shelf stable and easy to work with, then go to Carl's.
I see that since I posted my review Deb R. from Carl's Cakes commented. Thanks for your comment and those pictures. I can definitely tell which ones Carl decorated as opposed to other cake decorators working there. The cakes with a very simple piping design and love birds have Carl written all over them. The cakes that are more creative and interesting are done by other people. Oh, and you guys must go through a TON of shortening for all that "buttercream"!