The Rise of Sister Honey’s: How This Woman-Owned, Award-Winning Bakery in Orlando, Florida, Became a Sweet Sensation

Every day, I honor my mother, Sister Honey, by continuing the legacy of great baking.

Behind every great bakery is a great baker. This saying is especially true for Sister Honey’s, where Evette Rahman creates magic inside her award-winning bakery in Orlando, Florida. With the help of a strong support system, including her husband Andy Rahman, this adorable woman-owned bake shop has become a sweet sensation.

A family tradition

"Every day, I honor my mother, Sister Honey, by continuing the legacy of great baking." A woman on a mission to carry on her mother’s legacy, Evette Rahman accomplished this dream in 2012. She opened her small-batch bakery in SoDo (a trendy business district in downtown Orlando), naming it after her late Jamaican-born mother, whose nickname was Sister Honey.

Evette spent her childhood in the kitchen watching her mother, Eulalee Runcie, create non-traditional recipes after gaining inspiration from TV shows, cookbooks, and magazines. 

An “old-school cook and baker,” Evette recalls her mother creating delightful goodies in her oven using non-traditional methods. There were no measuring ingredients and no step-by-step processes; however, the sweet treats were always baked to perfection. Inspired, Evette decided to follow in her mother's footsteps by creating recipes of her own.

"I’m not a trained baker; I go off impulse and adjust the recipes as needed," she laughs. That is the true essence of an artisan - their artistry comes from within as they craft their creations. And I can confirm that Evette does indeed craft masterpieces. From decadent cakes and pies, cupcakes, cookies, and more, you can’t go wrong with any of her sweet confections. 

On the menu

My personal favorite is the pistachio cake, a pillowy, four-layer cake studded with pistachios and laced with pistachio filling and frosting. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds! I’ve also had the coconut and her famous hummingbird cakes, and they’re just as scrumptious. You can literally taste the love and care that goes into the top-quality ingredients as you savor every single bite of deliciousness.

Evette raves about the rum cake that is currently sold online. Rum and pound cake – you can’t go wrong with that combination! When I asked Evette about her favorite item on the menu, she said she prefers tart over sweet, so the lemon icebox pie is her go-to. She also loves the pineapple cake, which is on my list to try... along with the coconut cream pie and the seasonal pumpkin pecan streusel pie. Yum! 

An award-winning recipe 

Running a small business takes hard work, and Evette will tell you that her road to her success was not an easy one. Long days are spent in the small kitchen, meticulously crafting each delectable masterpiece. At times, unforeseen mishaps (like spilling a bag of flour) can interrupt the flow and the energy of the workspace. Fortunately, with her husband and family by her side, she conquers her obstacles and has become one of the most decorated artisan bakers in Orlando. 

Her first award came in 2006 at the American Pie Council National Championship in Celebration, Florida, where she won a blue ribbon for her Orchard-Fresh Apple Pie. Since then, she has won countless blue ribbons that are on full display inside the award-winning bake shop in Florida.

With recognition from Food Network, Southern Living, and Orlando Magazine, and as a James Beard Award semifinalist, there is no stopping Evette as she continues to make waves in the industry. As the 2019 World Dessert Champion winner and three-time winner for top desserts at the World Food Championships, one of the toughest food competitions in the industry, she is truly an inspiration. 

A standout small business 

I asked what inspires Evette, and was delighted by her response. Of course, her mother was her first source of motivation, but she is also inspired by her supportive siblings and family. However, her deepest source of inspiration comes from everyone who steps inside the bakery. She loves when returning patrons rave about all the decadent treats she bakes. With reviews like “best cakes in America hands down” and “simply awesome!!! You guys have me for Life!!!,” it's easy to see why Sister Honey’s is the best bakery in Orlando. 

When discussing their beloved patrons, Andy stated: “Customers are like family; we know their names.” He jokingly continued, “So, it's like Cheers, where everybody knows your name.” We laughed as Evette sang the famous theme song. It was quite a memorable exchange. 

When you visit this adorable bake shop, I guarantee you'll leave with a smile. Evette’s warm spirit and Andy’s friendly personality will capture your heart. They’re the winning combination and the icing on the cake at this hidden gem bakery in Orlando.

What’s next for Sister Honey’s?

Evette has big plans for Sister Honey’s. She dreams of moving into a larger space and spreading her culinary wings by creating a small plate menu. There was a twinkle in her eyes when discussing her future goals, so I am convinced there will be more incredible creations to come from this phenomenal woman as she diversifies and grows her business. 

Furthermore, her wish is that her children will step in and carry on her legacy like she did with her mother. I do not doubt that this small business in Orlando will be doing great things in the future. And Evette will inspire other little girls with a passion for baking to follow their dreams, too.  

Thank you, Evette and Andy, for such an unforgettable experience. Your cute bake shop will always be a place dear to my heart.

If you would like to support this woman-owned, award-winning bakery in Orlando, stop by their location in SoDo at 247 E Michigan Street. Out-of-towners and dessert lovers: be sure to visit Sister Honey’s website and place an order for your rum cake. Chances are, you’ll become a returning customer, too. Follow Sister Honey's on Facebook to keep up with all the gourmet pies, cakes, and seasonal delights.

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