Magnolia Bakery started as a small neighborhood bake shop in New York City’s Greenwich Village and quickly rose to fame as a cupcake destination, thanks to “Sex and the City.” Today it numbers 53 locations and franchises are popping up around the U.S. and the world.
Bobbie Lloyd has been with the company 20 years, joining when there was just that one original shop. She has served in a number of capacities, including president and COO, CEO, and now chief baking officer, sharing that title with her other role as chief brand officer. She admits that you wouldn’t think those job responsibilities could fall into one person’s lap, but the baking hat is the one she loves best, and she regularly goes into the kitchen right across from her office to create dessert recipes and bake.
Bobbie Lloyd, chief baking officer, Magnolia Bakery
Lloyd developed her passion for baking at the side of her great grandmother, grandma, and mom, and took her first cooking class at age 8. She eventually went to culinary school, worked in a number of restaurants, and opened a place called American Accent with a partner in Boston. When that restaurant closed, she moved to New York, became a personal chef for Calvin Klein, worked her way up from server to manager at Union Square Café, and opened a wrap concept before wraps were a thing.
At Magnolia, Lloyd takes special pride in the company culture she has nurtured and the care and time she puts into training and mentoring. Another proud moment: Magnolia Bakery’s banana pudding was recently named No. 1 on Food Network’s Top Ten Desserts.
Listen as she shares insights into her role as chief baking officer and Magnolia’s global growth plans — one cupcake and container of banana pudding at a time.
Menu Talk is a collaboration between Restaurant Business Senior Menu Editor Pat Cobe and Bret Thorn, senior food & beverage editor of Nation’s Restaurant News. You can subscribe to it wherever you listen to podcasts.
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