Gwendolyn is Honored to Join the American Academy of Chefs Culinary Hall of Fame™-Celebrity Chef

I am incredibly honored to share that I have been inducted into the American Academy of Chefs Culinary Hall of Fame™ – Celebrated Chefs as a 2026 inductee.

This recognition is especially meaningful because it celebrates not only culinary excellence, but also leadership, innovation, mentorship, and lasting contributions to our profession.

When I opened the first Cake Bake Shop, my dream was never simply to create beautiful desserts. It was to build places where families celebrate milestones, friends gather around the table, and every guest feels transported into something truly magical.

That vision has grown into restaurants in Indiana and at Walt Disney World Resort, a remarkable team of hundreds of talented individuals, and the privilege of serving millions of guests from around the world. None of it would have been possible without the extraordinary people who have believed in our mission every step of the way.

I am deeply grateful to Vice Chair Reimund D. Pitz, CEC, CCE, AAC, the American Academy of Chefs, and the American Culinary Federation for this incredible honor. Thank you for welcoming me into such a distinguished community of culinary leaders.

To our entire Cake Bake Shop family, thank you for your passion, dedication, and pursuit of excellence each day. This recognition belongs to all of us.

And to every guest who has celebrated a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or ordinary Tuesday with us—thank you for allowing us to be part of your life’s most meaningful moments.

I look forward to continuing to create unforgettable experiences, inspire future generations of hospitality professionals, and prove that kindness, beauty, and genuine hospitality will always have a place at the table.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Gwendolyn Rogers, AAC
Founder & Owner
The Cake Bake Shop®