Things are about to get a little more mysterious and delicious at Walt Disney World as Disney Springs prepares to welcome Gideon’s Bakehouse. Scheduled for a 2020 opening, this local purveyor of unique cookies and cakes will bring their unique flair to the entertainment district.
What’s happening:
- Multi-award-winning local business Gideon’s Bakehouse will be opening its long-anticipated second location in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
- The new sweet treat eatery is expected to open in 2020 at The Landing at Disney Springs and will feature an expanded menu of their cookies and cake slices.
- Guests will also be able to indulge in Gideon’s own line of unique iced coffees, like the Original Peanut Butter Iced Coffee, built to pair flawlessly with their desserts.
- In addition to their signature cookie flavors, new limited edition treats will be available exclusively during timed daily releases. And for fans who are wondering, yes, they will be able to enjoy the ever-popular Coffee Cake Cookie every morning at Gideon’s in Disney Springs!
- Finally, those looking for something extra special after dinner, Gideon’s is introducing a Hot Cookie Hour each evening.
Good to know:
- Beyond their delicious treats, Gideon’s is also known for its uncommon visual presentation.
- Their original location takes inspiration from artists like Edward Gorey while paying tribute to a similarly eerie fan-favorite attraction at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park. Its flagship location will look to build on that experience.
- Not only can guests expect a whimsical Victorian design to the new shop, but they can also look forward to collectible art becoming a part of their product packaging.
- The new Gideon’s location is being created with health-and-safety considerations in mind and its operation will model similar guidelines in use elsewhere in Disney Springs.
What they’re saying:
- Owner and creator Steve Lewis: “Exploring local food has become a large part of what it means to travel. We’re proud to be representing the creative Central Florida small-business scene, which has grown so much over this past decade. To go from a 286- square-foot bakery to the international stage that Disney draws is a remarkable experience. We’re doing this on our own steam, free from partners or investors. That has been made possible by the unwavering support of our local community.”
- Steve Lewis on their speciality treats: “We’re also excited to bring more cake flavors to our new location, offering never-before-seen creations like our special line of Double Frosted Cakes. There are more than a few secrets we have up our sleeves, but you’ll have to wait and see. It’s not Gideon’s if it isn’t a little dark and mysterious.”
- Lewis about what makes Gideon’s unique: “We aim to make the wait in line entertaining by immersing everyone in a transformative environment that will share our story as they progress towards the counter. Experience is everything to us, so memorable sweets and whimsical atmosphere exist hand in hand. This opportunity is truly a dream come true and will allow us to flex all of our creative muscles in both desserts and decor. We’re passionate, inspired, and ready.”
Via Disney Parks Twitter
The History Behind The Name:
- In his never-ending search for baking inspiration, Steve Lewis, the bakery creator, purchased what he thought was an antique cookbook published in 1898. To his surprise, the margins were filled with faded notes and doodles from what appeared to be a young boy who had dreams of becoming a baker. The name written at the back of the book was “Gideon,” and Steve decided to fulfill that child’s wishes with the name Gideon’s Bakehouse.
- Paying tribute to the origins of the name, Gideon’s shelves are lined with strange works of art, aging books, and curious antiquities from the Victorian era.
The Mission Statement:
- “Gideon’s Bakehouse began in a home kitchen with one goal: to create an extraordinary Chocolate Chip Cookie. Fifteen years and thousands of tests later, the work was complete. Our Cookie isn’t a product. It is a history, the sweet and the salty, the thrill of a first kiss, and the solitude of a heartbreak. Our desserts are emotional, personal, and we want to share our journey with you. We stay true to the original process, cutting no corners, putting every handmade detail into the 20 hours required to prepare a single almost half pound Cookie or a tall slice of Cake. We offer up our best expressions to you with a full-hearted invitation to learn more about one another. It is an opportunity to create an experience to remember. That is our brand.”
Meet The Team:
- Steve Lewis: Owner & Creator:
- Steve is a vocal music major that took up baking as a hobby. He moved to Orlando 25 years ago to try his hand at a small business with the opening of the trend-setting Winter Park art gallery Überbot. From there, he began testing his cookies on the art show crowds and eventually started Gideon’s in 2011 as a small home kitchen business.
- In 2016, John Rife, owner of East End Market, gave Steve’s ideas a chance, and within months of opening the first location, Steve’s recipes began winning awards ranging from Best in Orlando to Best in the World.
- Michael Reyes: Gideon’s Brand Manager:
- Michael is a lifelong creative who set off to Savannah College of Art & Design as an Illustration major and ended up in Graphic Design. After several years of freelance work, he started a personal art project he called “Terribly Odd.” In 2006, after gaining a modest fanbase, he was approached by Überbot, a Winter Park art gallery, about organizing his first solo show. This show would serve as the catalyst that set Michael’s career into motion.
- In the years to follow, he would participate in shows across the country, eventually landing a permanent spot at Pop Gallery at Disney Springs.
- Today, he continues creating fun and intriguing imagery for both clients and Terribly Odd alike.
- STUDIO 407:
- Gideon’s Bakehouse is proud to have joined forces with STUDIO 407 on this groundbreaking project. The imaginative staff of STUDIO 407 has designed significant themed attractions, restaurants, offices, mixed-use, and hospitality projects for owners, developers, and governments on four continents.
Gideon’s Bakehouse is expected to open at Disney Springs in 2020.
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