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Meet Sandra, A Homebaker Turned Bakery Owner!

  • Writer: Sandra Kravitz
    Sandra Kravitz
  • Mar 30
  • 3 min read

Hi, I am Sandra, an inspired homebaker who found her way into a local staple!


If you’ve ever wandered downtown in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, and caught the sweet aroma of freshly baked cheesecakes and delicious treats, you’ve likely experienced a little magic from the Cheesecake Shoppe & Café. This beloved bakery has been a local treasure for nearly 50 years, serving original New York-style cheesecakes that keep people coming back for more... or as we like to say, "ruining people's diets for decades!"


My story is one of passion, family, and a love for baking that turned into a dream come true. Alongside my brother Jimmy Mazzola, I took over the bakery just before the Covid pandemic, stepping into big shoes with a heart full of inspiration. I am excited to report that we have weathered the pandemic and I have finally found some time to share my inspirations with you here!


This blog will be your go-to place for seasonal recipes, updates on new cheesecake flavors, special events, and all things Cheesecake Shoppe & Café. If you love baking, planning parties, or just enjoy a good slice of cheesecake, you’re in the right place.


Eye-level view of a slice of our Original NY Style Cheesecake with a marble backdrop
A slice of our Original NY-Style Cheesecake

My Journey from Homebaker to Bakery Owner


My love for baking started in my own kitchen. I have always been the family’s go-to baker, experimenting with recipes and tweaking flavors to perfection. Baking is more than a hobby for me, it’s a way to connect with people and share joy. When the opportunity came to buy the Cheesecake Shoppe & Café with Jimmy, we felt the fit.


Taking over a bakery with such a long history wasn’t easy, especially with the challenges that came with the pandemic. But our hands-on approach and creative spirit helped the bakery not only survive but thrive. I am passionate about keeping the original New York-style cheesecakes true to their roots while also exploring new seasonal flavors that surprise and delight customers.


What Makes the Cheesecake Shoppe & Café Special


The Cheesecake Shoppe & Café isn’t just a bakery; it’s a community hub. For almost half a century, it has been a place where families come to fuel their memories. Our cakes have been at the heart of family gatherings, weddings, fundraisers, birthdays, and corporate events for decades. As we grow, we ensure that everyone is committed to preserving that welcoming atmosphere while adding their own personal touch.


Here’s what you can expect from the Cheesecake Shoppe & Café:


  • Classic New York-style cheesecakes made with traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients

  • Seasonal and limited-edition flavors inspired by our team's baking experiments and local tastes

  • Special events and promotions that bring the community together

  • A cozy café experience where you can enjoy your cheesecake with a cup of coffee or tea


Our goal is to make every visit feel like coming home to a familiar, delicious treat.


A close up view of our Original NY Style Cheesecake topped with classic Cherry pie topping. This is one of our customer's favorites!
Our Original NY Style Cheesecake topped with classic Cherry pie topping. This is one of our customer's favorites!

What You Can Look Forward to on This Blog


This blog will be the new home for my seasonal recipe ideas and updates from the Cheesecake Shoppe & Café. Whether you’re a home baker looking for inspiration or someone who loves to plan parties with unique desserts, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.


Some of the things you can expect:


  • Seasonal recipes that you can try at home, inspired by my baking experiments

  • Behind-the-scenes stories about the bakery and its history

  • Announcements about new cheesecake flavors and specials

  • Information about upcoming events and community gatherings

  • Tips for hosting parties and celebrations featuring cheesecake


I want this blog to be a place where cheesecake lovers and home bakers feel connected and inspired!

Join Us on This Sweet Journey


I’m thrilled to invite you to subscribe and be the first to know when the blog officially launches. By subscribing, you’ll get updates straight to your inbox about new posts, special offers, and exclusive recipes.


Welcome to the Cheesecake Shoppe & Café, where tradition meets fresh ideas and every slice tells a story. Sandra’s passion for baking and community shines through every cheesecake, and I can’t wait to share more of her journey with you.


A close up view of one of our tasty treats - the chocolate bumpy-style cake with homemade buttercream and chocolate ganache.
One of our tasty treats - the chocolate bumpy-style cake with homemade buttercream and chocolate ganache.

 
 
 

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