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Blake Warman didn’t set out to become one of the industry’s “Cookie Kings.”
Truth be told, the young entrepreneur’s journey to cookie stardom began with him actually trying to avoid sweets. Born and raised in Long Island, Warman struggled with weight growing up. During his senior year of high school, he decided to make a change. A well-regimented fitness journey led to him healthfully losing 80 pounds, but he learned that though he changed many habits he couldn’t let go of his sweet tooth.
At 17 years old, he found solace in baking for others and, after much experimentation, landed on what would become his signature 6-ounce cookie recipe. Blake experienced a newfound joy gifting these tasty treats, and overwhelmingly positive feedback ensued. Soon, the conversation became dominated by friends and family asking, “So when are you going to start selling these?”
Warman hadn’t even considered a career in cookies when he moved to South Florida to continue his education at the University of Miami. But, as he perfected his craft, he became besieged with requests for his irresistible products, he launched The Blakery in his dorm room in 2019. As word took off, he went digital, launching a website and orders exploded as word-of-mouth and his bonkers baked goods went viral on Instagram. Warman developed a dozen unique flavors, all stuffed with different sweets and hand-decorated with toppings.
But what set The Blakery apart was that the flavor of the cookies still had that “grandma’s kitchen” at-home taste – a winning combination that took The Blakery to an abundance of online orders and quick expansion.
The Blakery’s success soon earned Warman a coveted spot at Time Out Market in Miami Beach until its closure in 2023. Since then, Warman has focused his efforts on nationwide delivery, while still attending to the South Florida fanbase that got him started.
Now, just around the corner is Warman’s biggest project yet, a complete rebrand during which The Blakery grows up. The latest version of Warman’s cookie creations debuted on Monday, May 6.
“I was a kid when what would become The Blakery got started,” said Warman, who now calls Miami home. “Much has happened since then and it happened fast. With this rebrand and relaunch, I finally had a chance to make sure my brand, my personality and my product were all on the same page.”
This new chapter in The Blakery’s evolution will include the introduction of unique new flavors, ingredients, as well as a luxurious upgrade in aesthetics, packaging, not to mention the ordering and delivery experience.
His knee-buckling good Chocolate Chip cookies have been dubbed The MILF (Mouths in Love with Flavor), Brownie Batter upgraded to the Deep Dark Secret, and Cookies ‘n Cream renamed the Creamy Dream (“one sultry dance on your tastebuds”). Warman also continues the fan-favorite Cookie of The Month, now known as Blake’s Best Kept Secret, which will be revealed only via @TheBlakery on Instagram.
Warman not only has the rebrand on his mind this May, but memories of a recent trip to London. In February 2023, Warman went “across the pond” with 25 other entrepreneurs to audition for a spot on the new season of Gordon Ramsay‘s Food Stars television show.
The high-stakes competition series features U.S. contestants filmed across Ramsay’s native Britain. Food and beverage industry professionals, like Warman, are put through a multitude of challenges designed to showcase their skills, as Ramsay and Lisa Vanderpump search for the next great culinary entrepreneur. The season premieres Wednesday, May 22, at 9 p.m. on FOX!
Warman’s dedication and perseverance are on full display with his success with The Blakery. Though he didn’t set out to become an entrepreneur, the 24-year-old has quickly proven himself as such. He continues to push the boundaries and has even more in store for the brand.
“I envision us becoming not just a cookie company, but a beloved brand known for our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. I see us expanding our reach, captivating new audiences, and becoming a household name synonymous with delicious treats and memorable experiences”, Warman said.
“My hope is that as The Blakery evolves, we never lose sight of our core values — fun, creativity, and community. I want to continue pushing the limits of what’s possible in the world of baking, while staying true to the traditions and flavors that make us who we are.”
For more information, visit theblakery.co.
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