Charlie pic Charlie Hawks started Charlie’s Gourmet Pastries in October, 1971, at the age of 50. He followed his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps in becoming a baker. Charlie worked for 20 years at Wolfie’s on the Beach, in Miami, Florida. He and his wife, Mae raised 6 boys, before moving to Orlando. Upon opening the bakery, Charlie baked and Mae ran the counter. Many customers, to this day, remember stopping in and Charlie coming out to talk to them, offer them a cookie, a taste of something. He loved to meet and greet customers, recalling their names, throughout his years at the bakery. During those years he was thrilled to be asked to bake a 70th birthday cake for Lawrence Welk, who was performing in Orlando. His greatest thrill was working with his sons, Stanley and Gary, on the 10th Anniversary cake for the Lunar Landing. The cake was 5 foot by 10 foot. We had to rent out the back of the adjoining business to put the cake together, and then remove the door frame to fit the cake in the van the Space Center used to take the astronauts to the launch pads. Charlie and Mae were able to retire and enjoy their growing family of beloved grandchildren, once their youngest son, Gary, took over the reins of the bakery in 1981. Charlie’s has been known for their excellent product and continued quality. Gary continues to follow his father’s recipes and use only the finest ingredients to create all the delicious cookies, cakes, pies and pastries. The staff at Charlie’s have been with us from 31 years (John), to 5 years. There are 12 full-time employees, who all contribute to the success of the bakery. Our sales staff are friendly and love to interact with their customers. The decorators create memories that are shared for years by your family. That’s what we’re here for, to share your memories. To be a tradition, whether it be waiting in the lines at Thanksgiving and Christmas, having made your wedding cake 45 years ago, and now making your childrens’ children cakes. We take the responsibility of making your occasion very special! With Love from Charlie’s!