No matter the season, the mere mention of Dewey’s Bakery prompts the temptation to drop by for a cake square (or six!) after work or simply take a moment to remember how much this Winston-Salem icon has graced your family’s celebrations.
The excitement for this year is something special, as Dewey’s Bakery will turn 95 years old!
“Things have certainly evolved since Dewey’s served its first customer back in 1930,” shares Kayla Kubitz, Director of Operations. “That speaks volumes about our brand that has managed to grow, despite many obstacles we’ve seen over time.”
The Dewey’s team considers it an honor to serve the families of Winston-Salem and surrounding areas, decade after decade!
“Our storefronts hold such special memories and traditions for the community, and it’s so special to continue to cultivate that for our customers — season after season,” Kayla adds.
A Look Back at All the Sweetness
1930: Dewey’s Bakery opened its first storefront in Winston-Salem during the Great Depression, quickly becoming a household name.
1940s: Sugar rationing during WWII made it difficult to keep up with demand at the bakery, but customers were happy to contribute. Customers ordering cakes offered to bring in one cup of sugar to help in the production of their cake. Dewey’s also shipped 12,000 pounds of fruitcake to servicemen around the world to thank them for their wartime sacrifices.
1955: On Easter Monday of 1955, a fire destroyed the bakery. The community responded quickly to get the beloved business up and running again by offering temporary space and baking facilities. That same year, Dewey’s moved into its flagship location at Thruway Shopping Center — and they are the only original business still there today.
1976: Dewey’s creates its Pink Lemonade Cake, a zesty, one-of-a-kind flavor that’s been a constant fan favorite. That recipe is a well-kept secret, and you’ll have to visit the bakery for a taste!
2012: Dewey’s Fundraising Programs began, putting more than four million dollars back into the community since then — and still going strong — via partnerships with North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina schools, churches, and other nonprofits.
2020: The Dewey’s team did everything possible to protect Winston-Salem’s beloved brand during the pandemic, flourishing for many future generations to enjoy.
2022: Dewey’s Bakery expanded to Greensboro and opened its third location in Friendly Shopping Center.
2025: The bakery will be serving its one-millionth cake this year — so stay tuned to their social media to meet the lucky customer who gets to participate in that milestone!
Another factor that keeps Dewey’s a popular destination is that it’s a true one-stop shop for all kinds of memorable celebrations.
“We’re very focused on maintaining quality and excellent service — and walking into any of our three bakeries is truly an experience,” adds Kayla. “We create beautiful centerpieces with our cakes and pastries, but can also provide ice cream, balloons, party supplies, and the perfect gift for that special someone you’re celebrating!”
Serving so many generations — and now their children and grandchildren — is an honor no Dewey’s employee takes lightly.
“Every morning on my drive to work, I take a moment and reflect on how special Dewey’s Bakery is to our community,” shares Kayla. “Many generations have seen Dewey’s change and evolve over the years, yet we continue to maintain our hometown charm. It’s such a privilege to provide nostalgia to so many, seven days a week. Almost everyone who walks through our doors has a happy story to share about what Dewey’s means to them. Special occasion cakes, ‘welcome to the neighborhood’ gifts, and holiday sugar cake and Moravian cookies make up these memories and traditions, and we’re so fortunate to be part of them.”
While the Dewey’s collection of incredible cookies has recently expanded, ginger spice and sugar are still the most popular flavors. (Remember: you can only buy the classic ginger spice and classic sugar cookies at the three brick-and-mortar stores!)
Take a minute to think about your own favorite Dewey’s Bakery tradition — and stop in soon to join in their sweet celebration!
Visit Dewey’s Bakery’s flagship store in Thruway Shopping Center at 262 South Stratford Road in Winston-Salem, 336.725.8321, and at Reynolda Manor at 2876 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, 336.724.0559. Follow them on Instagram @deweysbakerywinston, on Facebook at Dewey’s Bakery Winston-Salem, and visit local.deweys.com to place orders for custom cakes, cupcakes, pastries, cake square platters or ice cream, plus an array of fun party accessories!