Orlando Voyager: Rising Stars: Meet Tricia Hage of Orlando

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tricia Hage.

Hi Tricia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2021, I took a leap of faith and purchased Charlie’s Bakery, Orlando’s oldest bakery established in 1971. At the time it was just a bakery with no ice cream and no seating. We saw the potential to revitalize and grow, so we expanded the store updated the interior and added homemade super-premium ice cream to the menu and rebranded it Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery to reflect our offerings. Today, Charlie’s is a place where tradition meets creativity, and where community comes to celebrate life’s sweetest moments.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest struggles I faced early on was stepping into a business with such deep roots. Charlie’s had been run by the Hawk’s family for nearly 50 years, and when I purchased it, I felt it needed an update. We also wanted to expand by introducing our super-premium ice cream, so we rebranded as Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery. While I knew change was necessary, to revitalize the business to attract new customers, many longtime patrons struggled with those changes. Some pushed back-sometimes harshly and that was difficult to navigate. My goal was never to erase history or upset anyone; it was to honor what Charlie’s has been while giving it the chance to grow and thrive. The truth is, if you don’t evolve with the times, you risk being left behind, and that was one of the first and toughest lessons I had to work through.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Rooted in our 1971 beginnings, we honor tradition while reimagining what a neighborhood bakery can be. Known as Orlando’s sweet shop, we craft award winning desserts from scratch, from cakes, and cookies to our super premium ice cream, made in house daily with options for everyone. With over 150 treats available daily, we offer the largest dessert selection in town. While we ‘ve long been a go to celebration bakery, we’re proud to be shifting the mindset-welcoming families to come in after dinner, share a treat, and create new memories together. We’re here for the community, we take pride in having something sweet for everyone to enjoy and we are incredibly proud of that.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that something will always go wrong. No matter how well things seem to be going, there’s always an unexpected challenge waiting around the corner. What matters most is your mindset. I’ve learned to take things in stride, recognize that everyone faces setbacks, and focus on how I respond. The quicker you can adapt, rebound and move forward, the less power those problems have to derail your day. It’s all about resilience.

Contact Info: