Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Sarich.
Hi Susan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Susan Sarich, founder of SusieCakes, combines her passion for nostalgic baked goods with a deep commitment to honoring family traditions. Raised in Chicago, where her grandmothers, Mildred and Madeline, sparked her love for baking, Susan carried their carefully handwritten recipes with her when she moved to the West Coast. With a background in hospitality and a successful career spanning top-tier hotels and restaurants, Susan’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to create SusieCakes in 2006.
What began as a neighborhood bakery in Brentwood, Los Angeles, quickly grew into one of California’s most beloved destinations for classic American desserts. Known for offering everything from signature cakes to indulgent cupcakes, SusieCakes became famous for its homemade, from-scratch treats crafted with high-quality ingredients. Today, SusieCakes boasts over 30 locations nationwide.
In addition to her success in business, Susan is an advocate for women’s leadership in the food and hospitality industries and is recognized for her dedication to fostering careers for women. Her accolades include being named to the Forbes 50 Over 50 list, receiving the EY Entrepreneur of the Year ™ Award, and serving on the Board of Directors for the California Restaurant Association. When she’s not baking up delicious desserts, Susan enjoys traveling, supporting local animal and women’s causes, and continuing to grow SusieCakes into a nationwide sensation.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not exactly. Like many entrepreneurs, Susan Sarich has encountered her share of ups and downs along the way. Building a business, especially in the food industry, always comes with unique challenges, and SusieCakes was no exception. There were definitely hurdles to overcome, both expected and unexpected. From refining the business model to managing growth and navigating the evolving market landscape, it hasn’t always been easy. But each challenge played a role in shaping what SusieCakes is today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about SusieCakes?
SusieCakes’ founder, Susan Sarich, grew up in Chicago, where she was called Susie by her two beloved grandmothers, Mildred and Madeline. Every day, Susie would come home from school to enjoy her grandmothers’ company over a glass of milk and a fresh baked treat. When Susie grew up to become Susan and moved to the West Coast, she brought along her grandmothers’ carefully recorded recipes on handwritten 3×5 cards. Having grown her business to 30 locations nationwide and counting, Susan honors Mildred and Madeline in her dedication to their baking traditions, and her commitment to providing women with progressive careers in the food & hospitality industry.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always a mix of curiosity and determination. I had a strong sense of independence, but I also valued connection and tradition. I was drawn to things that allowed for creativity and expression, and I enjoyed activities that brought people together, especially around food and shared experiences. Looking back, a lot of what shaped me then still shows up in my work today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://susiecakes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susiecakesbakery/
Image Credits
SusieCakes
