Meet Garrett Lee | Chef/Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Garrett Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Garrett, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
I would say that the main habit that has helped me and is continuing to help me is 2 words…Consistency and Discipline! Whether it is making sure I create a schedule from week to week that I follow and maintain or making sure that the cake you enjoyed eating in May tastes exactly the same in December. When time got tough, and believe me they did, I found joy in knowing that the feedback from my repeat customers or “cakeheads’ as I like to refer them is that my product always tastes the same, full of flavor and nicely presented.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am just a man who enjoys creating a moments of nostalgia and fond memories through the consumption of my southern style cakes. The name of my company explains what my passion is, “Old Skool Cakes”! These cakes really are a slice above the rest. I pride myself on baking cakes and other specialty treats that you grew up eating and enjoying! My goal for every customer that tastes my cakes is that they reminisce on a time when they were a child looking forward to going to grandmas house for the holidays, or that young man who had flashback of growing up getting their favorite cake that mom made every year for their birthday. When I receive comments that my cake reminds them of a happy time in their life I know that my work has been done!

As it relates to how I got here professionally I’ll say this, it was certainly not easy but it was definitely worth it. As an entrepreneur I had to be able to make wise decisions, seek advise from those who were already in the business, and recognize that growing a successful business is a marathon and not a sprint. I also had to remember that a baby step is still a step! I learned that you have to keep learning and never ever become complacent.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my friend came in town for a week we would hit all the hot spots as it relates to food! breakfast joints would include Brick and Spoon, Keke’s, The Hampton Social, and the Citgo Gas Station on Old winter Garden road(trust me on this I am so serious it is the best country breakfast in town)

Lunch: Flyers Wings, Chicos Subs, Wright’s BBQ, 4 Rivers BBQ, Yummy Crab, Gyu Kaku Japanese BBQ, Le Taco Trap, Stacios Italian Deli

Dinner: Negril Jamaican Restaurant (best Oxtails ever) Boston’s Fish house, Rusteak restaurant, Lazy Moon Pizza, Stoningtons Fried Shrimp, Eddie V’s,

Desserts and treats: DG Doughnuts, Jeremiahs Italian Ice, Goffs Ice Cream( Iconic to Orlando), Twistee Treat, the Salty Doughnut

Hot spots: ICON Park, Shopping at Prime and premium Outlets, Shopping and farmers markets on Park Avenue in Winter Park. Scenic Boat tour in Winter Park. Florida Mall. Dancing and drinks at the “Blue Martini” Disney Springs, and Universal City Walk

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this Shout out to my recently deceased grandmother, Sadie Pelham. This woman was more than my grandmother, she was my friend, my confidant, and my biggest fan! I knew that if I earned her approval and respect in any area of my life I was headed on the right path. My strong work ethic, drive for excellence, punctuality, and positive attitude is attributed to her! I will always honor her even as she continues to watch over me.

Website: www.oldskoolcakes.com

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