Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery
Charlie Hawks started Charlie’s Gourmet Pastries in October of 1971; he followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps in becoming a baker. He and his wife Mae raised six boys in Miami before moving to Orlando and opening the bakery. During those years one of his greatest thrills was working alongside his sons, Stanley and Gary, to make the 10th Anniversary Lunar Landing, a very large replica cake for NASA. He was also thrilled to bake a 70th birthday cake for celebrity, Lawrence Welk. In 1981 their youngest son Gary took over the reins of the bakery and Charlie and Mae were able to retire. Gary ran the bakery for another 40 years winning numerous awards.
We look forward to carrying on a rich history that is deeply rooted in this community and will continue to sweeten the lives of those we serve for generations to come!
Awards & Recognition
ORLANDO MAGAZINE - 2023
The 2023 Dining Awards Readers’ Choice List awarded Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery First Place for Best Bakery, First Place for Best Old Favorite, Second Place for Best Frozen Treats & Third Place for Best Desserts!
NORTH AMERICAN ICE CREAM ASSOCIATION - 2023
The 2023 North American Ice Cream Association’s annual Conecon Convention, Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery was awarded Top Scoring Blue Ribbon Winner for our Strawberry Ice Cream, Blue Ribbon Winner for our Vanilla Ice Cream & Red Ribbon Winner for our Chocolate Ice Cream!
ORLANDO MAINSTREETS - 2023
Curry Ford West celebrated 15 years of Orlando Mainstreets and Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery was awarded Best Private Improvement!
ORLANDO SENTINEL - 2023
The Orlando Sentinel’s 20th Annual Foodie Awards Readers’ Choice Award for the Best Bakery in Orlando goes to Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery!
PROCLAMATION
The City of Orlando proclaims February 23, 2022, as Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery Day! Charlie’s Bakery has been an iconic establishment for over 50 years in Orlando! We look forward to celebrating Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery Day for years to come!
ORLANDO MAGAZINE - 2016
The 2016 Orlando Magazine’s Dining Awards are in, and the 2016 Best Bakery goes to Charlie’s Gourmet Pastries!
ORLANDO WEEKLY - 2012
Orlando Weekly presents the Best of 2012 and the Best Bakery goes to Charlie’s Gourmet Pastries!
BEST OF ORLANDO - 2009
Best of Orlando 2009 and Charlie’s Gourmet Pastries was voted #1 for the Best Bakery in Orlando!
ORLANDO MAGAZINE - 2006
In 2006 Orlando Magazine’s Dining Awards present Charlie’s Gourmet Pastries as the Best Bakery in Orlando!
DAILY MEAL - #59 BEST BAKERY IN AMERICA!
The Daily Meal recognizes the 75 Best Bakeries in America. Representing Orlando strong is Charlie’s Gourmet Pastries coming in at number 59!
FOODIE AWARD - ORLANDO SENTINEL
The Orlando Sentinel’s 17th Annual Foodie Awards Readers’ Choice Award for the Best Bakery in Orlando goes to Charlie’s Gourmet Pastries!
AMERICAN TOWNS - #7 MOST DELICIOUS BAKERY IN AMERICA!
Fifteen of the most delicious bakeries in America and Charlie’s Gourmet Pastries sweetens up Orlando coming in at #7!
Get In Touch
Since 1971, we’ve been making delicious desserts that many generations have grown to love. At Charlie’s we care about the team that make these customer experiences come true. We are always looking for diligent people who strive to work in an environment which delivers consistent products in a clean and bright environment. If you feel you meet this criteria, please click the link below and send your resume to us.