Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Kravitz Jimmy Mazzola.
Hi Sandra Kravitz, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My brother and I were born in Detroit and now call St. Clair Shores home — the same community where our bakery is located. My love for baking began in childhood, spending time in the kitchen with my aunt and grandmother. Those early moments of learning, laughter, and the smell of something sweet in the oven continue to inspire me every day.
Although I’m not a professionally trained baker, I’ve always had a passion for creating and sharing homemade desserts. After years in real estate, I felt drawn to a new chapter. When The Cheesecake Shoppe became available for purchase in 2019, we saw an opportunity to preserve a local tradition and help it grow. I asked my brother to partner with me as he has many years in the coffee business and restaurant experience. We both saw this as a great opportunity to blend the bakery with good coffee and the best customer experience.
My brother and I took a leap of faith, reopening during the height of the pandemic. It wasn’t easy, but through hard work and community support, we’ve built something we’re proud of — a bakery that blends tradition, resilience, and the simple joy of something sweet.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most small businesses, we’ve faced our share of challenges — especially in the early years. Starting a bakery meant learning an entirely new industry while managing the demands of day-to-day operations. There were moments where balancing production, staffing, and customer expectations felt overwhelming.
The pandemic also brought unexpected obstacles — from supply shortages to constantly changing guidelines. But those experiences really taught us how to adapt quickly, stay creative, and rely on our team and community support.
Through it all, we’ve learned that challenges often lead to growth. Each one has helped us strengthen our systems, build a more resilient business, and focus on what matters most — consistency, quality, and the people who support us.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Most of my professional career was spent in real estate, particularly in property management. I started out in sales, where I really thrived in the fast-paced environment and the reward of working on commission. Over time, I moved into senior management roles.
Today, I bring that same business mindset and leadership experience to our bakery—managing operations, developing recipes, and helping our team grow. It’s been a rewarding transition that allows me to combine my professional experience with something I’ve always loved: baking.
My brother, who’s my business partner, also brings a wealth of experience. He started in retail management and learned early on how important it is to really understand and deliver what customers want. In 1991, he opened Java Coffeehouse in Royal Oak, where he developed a deep passion for coffee and hospitality. His background in marketing and training is a huge asset to our bakery—he supports our retail team and helps us keep the customer experience front and center.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
My brother and I really value collaboration — it’s at the heart of how we work. We’ve always supported each other, and we both thrive in a team or partnership environment. Over the past five years, we’ve focused on growing our business, supporting our staff, and taking the bakery to the next level.
As part of a small downtown community, we also understand how important it is to support other local businesses. We believe that collaboration strengthens everyone — whether it’s sharing resources, cross-promoting, or simply referring our customers and friends to neighboring shops and services. We all have something special to offer, and when we lift each other up, the whole community benefits.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecheesecakeshoppe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecheesecakeshoppe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Cheesecake-Shoppe-Cafe/100089200723855/
