Founded in 1971, Charlie’s Bakery has been a mainstay in the Orlando Conway area community for over 50 years. Recently, the original owners sold their bakery to the Hage family who are now taking over the shop – rebranding and updating the bakery, adding a home-made ice cream component, keeping many of the same Charlie’s original recipes, as well as adding a few touches of their own (like the family carrot cake recipe!). The iconic “chef’s hat” logo can be found on the pastries and items that kept the original “Charlie’s” recipes untouched.

“We are excited to carry on the rich history and tradition that Charlie’s Bakery has given to the Conway community for 50 years” said Tricia Hage, new owner. Charlie’s Bakery will now be known as Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery.  Owning an ice cream shop has always been a dream of new owner, Tricia Hage, combining her love of family, tradition, community and all things sweet, including homemade ice cream.

“It is without saying that Charlie’s has been a landmark and a tradition to this community. Our family has known and loved Charlie’s since its inception in the 1970’s,” said Hage. “We look toward the future with some new additions, traditions and family recipes of our own. Our family has been a part of this community for over 75 years. The Hage family has been small business owners for generations in the Greater Orlando area and we are excited to carry on that legacy.”

Tricia Hage is an entrepreneur, lifelong Orlando resident, and the new owner of Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery. For over 20 years, she has been a self-taught baker and an avid businesswoman. Tricia’s mother-in- law, Sandy, is also an avid baker. Her delectable recipes and love of baking inspired Tricia.

Without fail every birthday, Sandy would always make ice cream cookie sandwiches and ice cream pies for Tricia. You could probably walk in today to her mother-in-law’s house and open the freezer and find a wrapped ice cream cookie sandwich.

Living and working in Conway has always been what Tricia and Troy have done, they are lifelong residents and entrepreneurs. Being a part of and working in this community is the heart of who they are. Today, Tricia looks forward to Charlie’s Bakery & Creamery carrying on its rich history that is deeply rooted in this community and will continue to sweeten the lives of those it serves for generations to come.

Tasty Chomps Interview with Charlie’s new owner Tricia Hage 

Tasty Chomps: What are some of your favorite items right now at Charlie’s?

Tricia Hage: Most of our pastries are popular because no one else has them…napoleon, eclairs and cream horns to name a few. I don’t know of anyone else in the area that carries those daily.

– What makes Charlie’s special to you?

It’s history. I love that it was a family-based business and now I want to carry on that tradition. When I first bought the bakery, it felt like Gary’s and now it feels like mine. I want to continue to build upon the legacy of Charlie’s Bakery and continue to sweeten the lives of our customers for generations to come.

– Tell us about the new ice cream at Charlie’s

The ice cream is homemade; we make it right here in the store and we also try to use natural products when we can vs. dyes. We have come up with lots of good and creative recipes! We love ice cream, and we keep trying until we get the best of the best of every recipe we create. We don’t stop until its exactly where we want it. We buy high end ingredients because we think it makes a difference and are committed to making it the very best!

What are some things people can get with ice cream / flavors while there?

We have traditional toppings and cones. We also have dairy free flavors! At all times we will at least have 2-4 dairy free flavors in the case, that is also very important to us as I have a lot of friends who are dairy free, so I wanted to make sure I had some dairy free options for everyone.

Do you have a favorite?

Cookie butter with the Biscoff cookies, cotton candy and dairy free almond joy.

– What are some other upcoming plans for Charlie’s?

We have just renovated and updated the entire storefront. We are so excited about the new look, new display cases and of course the addition of homemade ice cream! I’m just so excited to see my vision and dream come together! My hope is to run this bakery & creamery and be successful. I want people to be happy, have less waiting and to also ensure guest have a good visit and experience. I take pride in my product.

– What are the most popular items at Charlie’s?

Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry Cheesecake and Key Lime Pie.

– What are some upcoming seasonal things you will be doing?

Seasonal ice cream flavors, gingerbread men at Christmas and we have a special re-grand opening over Valentine’s weekend, Show Your Love for Charlie’s.

Charlie’s Bakery and Creamery
http://charliesbakery.com/
3213 Curry Ford Rd, Orlando, FL 32806
(407) 898-9561