I got to spend my lunch break with Steve Lewis of Gideon's Bakehouse, A small local bakery creating big things. On a quest for the perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie for himself, 15 years and thousands of tests later, his work was complete. Their cookie isn't just a product. It is a history, the sweet and the salty, the thrill of a first kiss, and the solitude of a heartbreak. In October 2016, Gideon’s opened up its first physical shop at the beautiful East End Market, Central Florida’s original food hall, with one employee and an $800 budget. Within weeks of opening, their little 286 square foot bakery was being called Best Cookies in Orlando, Florida, the United States, and the Planet Earth from publications ranging from New York Times to The Boston Globe, Sports Illustrated, Delish.com and countless more. Their growth and popularity has lead to their new flagship store opening June 2020 in Disney Springs.
I spoke to Steve about how he came up with his cookie 20+ hr cookie recipe and how his cookies became close to 1/2 lb in weight. When he knew this was what he wanted to do. How even with all his growth he has remained consistent & staying true to the original process, cutting no corners, and still putting every handmade detail into the 20 hours required to prepare a single almost half pound Cookie or a tall slice of Cake. I asked Steve what advise he would offer someone starting and already in business. As well as, what his new location at Disney Springs has allowed him to expand his brand and Gideon's Universe.
Lunch with Biggie is an Orlando podcast about small business and creatives sharing their stories and inspiring you to pursue your passion, with some sandwich talk on the side. Created, edited and produced by Biggie- owner of the sandwich themed clothing brand- Deli Fresh Threads.
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Gideon's Bakehouse Social: