Gwendolyn Rogers at 57, has had a passion for baking and cooking her entire life. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1965 she had a tough childhood. Coming from a torn family, and growing up in a dysfunctional home, she was forced to raise herself.  She grew up in Sun Valley, Idaho from elementary school through high school graduation. Her first job was at 13 cleaning the movie theatre. All through school she had multiple restaurant jobs as a prep cook, busser, dishwasher, cook, waitress and hostess. She would get herself to her job before and after school on her bike even when it was snowing. 

They moved back to Sun Valley, Idaho, (where she lived from the age of 6-18), and had three boys, all the while cooking for her family and friends. They decided to move to Indianapolis after the passing of her Father-in-Law, and the horrible event of 9/11. She was in her late 40's when they started over, moving to a new city with three little boys. She didn't know anyone, didn't want to make new friends and that is when she decided to bake full time.

Two years later, after designing, remodeling and building, she opened her first Cake Bake Shop. She started with herself and one employee. Gwendolyn was baking all the cakes, cookies and pies, running the cash register, delivering food, washing dishes. It was a huge success from the day the doors opened. She immediately had to hire more employees. She never advertised, doing all of her own social media to announce what she was making that day which then created a line out the door. She brought all of her pillows, holiday decorations and candles from her house to create a welcoming feeling to her guests. 

After five years and a lot of work she decided it was time to open a second location so she could accommodate more guests. Her bakery was also exploding in popularity across the country from O, The Oprah Magazine to Williams-Sonoma. Gwendolyn spent two years designing the second location, over 4,500 square feet, seats over 150, has a 2,000 square foot production kitchen just below the restaurant so everything on her menu is made on site from scratch.

When you arrive you walk through French doors, sparkling chandeliers over head, antiqued mirrors, French inspired furniture, beautiful seasonal decorations, gorgeous cakes on French porcelain platters topped with glass domes. Gwendolyn's shops offer the most incredible experience from ‘The Best Quiche You Will Ever Have’ to homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, even a true French Croque Monsieur. Behind the kitchen window you can see the master bakers gently sieving non-bromated flours from Vermont, there are large pots of French & Belgian Chocolate melting on the stove, cakes baking in the ovens and decorators frosting the most exquisite cakes. 

Gwendolyn’s Cake Bake Shop's have become the destination of Indiana for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and all the special occasions life offers. 

'Dream it, Do it'-Marty Sklar. 

Her shops were awarded 'Top Work Place 2021' for best employer by USA Today, awarded 'Certificate Of Excellence' from Trip Advisor 2021/2019, 'Diners Choice' 2020 & 2019, ‘Best Of Indy 2018’ ‘Best of the Midwest-2017’ by Midwest Travel Magazine, the winner for ‘Best Bakery’ in Indiana by Indy’s A-List’ 2017 & 2016.  Preceding, Gwendolyn was voted ‘Best Apple Pie’ by Channel 4’s RTV6, voted ‘#1 Cakes in Indianapolis’ by Best Rated, voted ‘Top Spot’ to visit in Indianapolis by Top Spots.
In 2016 & 2017, ‘Winner Best Bakery’ in Indianapolis by Indy’s A-List, awarded ‘Certificate of Excellence 2016’ by Trip Advisor, voted ‘Best Chocolate Chip Cookie’ in all 50 States by Tripping, ‘Best of the Midwest-2016’ by Midwest Travel, voted ‘#1 Bakery in Indiana’ by Trip Advisor, voted ‘Top 5 Bakeries in America’ by Central Restaurant. Featured as ‘Best of Indy’ with her Millionaire Cake on the cover of Indianapolis Monthly, rated ‘Top 10 Best Things To Do’ in Indianapolis by Zagat (#2), recommended by The Conrad Hotel as ‘Top 5 Must Do’s’ while visiting Indianapolis.
In 2015, was awarded ‘Top 25 Best New Restaurants’, voted ‘Best Desserts in Indianapolis’ by Indianapolis Monthly, won ‘Best Local Pie’ by B105.7, voted ‘Coolest Places to Eat in Indy’ by Yahoo Food, named ‘Must See Destination’ by Visit Indy.

Three layers of French chocolate cake with Belgian chocolate ganache, mint chocolate chip buttercream, mini chocolate chips topped with a pink silk peony. 

Over 37 Of Her Cakes, Cookies & Pies Are Now Available Under The Williams-Sonoma's Brand. Gwendolyn is excited to announce her partnership with the national brand Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn Teen and Tiffany & Co. Cake Bake Shop gift cards are also now available in all Costco’s in the state of Indiana and her shop has the highest selling gift card in the state to date with over 1 million dollars in sales. Gwendolyn's second Cake Bake Shop location in Carmel City Center has been open since July of 2019. Gwendolyn's restaurants and bakeries have been awarded 'The Best of The Best 2020'. Each location has a booking time of 2-3 months in advance. 

Gwendolyn has been an inspiration to many and has spoken at numerous events such as the Knapheide group, JCC, IUPUI Kokomo, Junior League’s Holiday Mart, Edge Mentoring, Dell Woman’s Leadership, Oasis Group and Indiana Design Centers ‘Setting The Table For Good Design’. She has even walked the runway to help raise money for ‘Dress For Success’, helping place women in the workforce.

Gwendolyn is excited to announce her next location will be opening in 2024 on the BoardWalk.

Gwendolyn Rogers-President of The Cake Bake Shop