Gideon's Bakehouse at Disney Springs wins a Themed Entertainment Association award

Nov 16, 2021 in "Gideon's Bakehouse "

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Opening day at Gideon's Bakehouse Disney Springs

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Posted: Tuesday November 16, 2021 3:54pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Gideon's Bakehouse at Disney Springs has been awarded a Themed Entertainment Association award for "Themed Retail, Limited Budget."

Opening day at Gideon's Bakehouse Disney Springs

The massively popular bakery at Walt Disney World opened in December 2020 and immediately impressed with not only its cookies, but the exterior and interior design. The quirky and slightly sinister mood is wonderfully executed and goes a long way to elevating the experience of a visit to Gideon's.

Before opening at Disney Springs, Gideon's original location opened in late 2016 at Orlando's East End Market with one employee and an $800 budget. The Bakehouse quickly gained international recognition for its almost ½-pound, small-batch handmade cookies. Word quickly spread, and lines up to 80 minutes long became a regular sight – with locals and visitors alike all hoping to get their hands on their favorite flavor before Gideon's sold out.

Prior to opening, owner and creator Steve Lewis said, “We aim to make the wait in line entertaining by immersing everyone in a transformative environment that will share our story as they progress towards the counter. Experience is everything to us, so memorable sweets and whimsical atmosphere exist hand in hand. This opportunity is truly a dream come true and will allow us to flex all of our creative muscles in both desserts and decor. We’re passionate, inspired, and ready."

Opening day at Gideon's Bakehouse Disney Springs

The Thea Awards were founded by TEA in 1994. A Thea Award may be given to individuals, projects and technologies. To produce the official slate of recipients from hundreds of nominations received each year, the Thea Awards Judging Committee deliberates at length and then submits its recommended slate to the TEA International Board of Directors for final approval.

Gideon's Bakehouse Disney Springs exterior

The award to Gideon's Bakehouse will be formally presented in Spring 2022.

Chocolate Chip and Caramel

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Brian3 hours ago

Interesting. If what he says is true, the 'Ghosts of Gideons' is one person who does not work for his company. I think it's safe to say that at this rate, the smear campaign failed.

DCBaker4 hours ago

Here's a much longer response from Steve, owner of Gideon's Bakehouse. Use the > on the right to move through the slides.

FettFan2 days ago

https://www.cc.com/video/asf7w2/south-park-never-break-character

Brian2 days ago

Yes, with Unite Here.

Tha Realest2 days ago

I just read elsewhere the Gideon’s employees are unionizing.

MisterPenguin2 days ago

Never mind. My apologies. I was thinking that auto-gratuities could be declined. That used to be the case, but IRS now defines auto-gratuities as mandatory fees.

Lilofan2 days ago

The dining locations in my tourist area hiring part time are servers making $1K per week or more working 24 hours a week ( ie family ). Boss doesn't want to put them on full time w/ benefits. The food kiosks in town employ full time anywhere from 35 or more hours where they get paid barely above min wage and has that familiar cash tip jar by the cash register.

Lilofan2 days ago

Auto gratuity is written in black and white on the menu for X amount in your party , before you order. I don't question that. Have you seen that also?

MisterPenguin3 days ago

That extra line is if you want to give more than the auto-gratuity. So, if it's 18%, you might want to make it 20% or 25%. I'm surprised you don't cross out the auto-gratuity also.

Lilofan3 days ago

Tipping is something I'm looking for in the check dining in. At times when automatic gratuity gets added to our party the restaurant tries to be slick by adding another line item saying gratuity when I get the bill to sign from the server. I write a big X on that line. I'm no fool to tip 2x but some dining locations still do this practice.

jaklgreen3 days ago

That is assuming the person works full time and gets paid vacations. Most of these places don't give part time employees paid vacation time. And they are very stingy with hiring full time. Places rather hire 2 at part time to save on benefits. So if you are sick and need to stay home, you don't get paid.

Lilofan4 days ago

Different world in Japan pre covid where respect of others is prevalent. Locals wear masks to prevent spreading illness in public. It is a great country to visit.