Indianapolis native Cindy Hawkins is preparing to represent her city at the 2026 World Food Championships this October. Hawkins, the founder of Circle City Sweets, will compete on the main stage in Indianapolis after years of traveling to the competition.
From farmers market stall to downtown bakery
Hawkins began baking in 2006, selling scratch‑made pastries at the Carmel Farmers Market. Her stall quickly grew into a beloved sweet shop that now operates inside The AMP at 16 Tech in downtown Indy. The bakery offers French macarons, flaky croissants, and custom desserts that blend Hoosier family recipes with classic French techniques.
Education and mentorship
When she isn’t perfecting pastries or competing, Hawkins shares her knowledge as a baking and pastry arts instructor at Ivy Tech Community College, a role she has held for nine years. She emphasizes confidence and hard work, telling students that “you have to be strong enough to lift a 50‑pound bag of flour” and that asking questions is essential to learning.
World Food Championships journey
Hawkins first entered the World Food Championships in 2015 and, after a rough debut, returned when the event moved to Orange Beach, Alabama. Since then she has reached the finals six times in eight appearances and captured the 2025 World Dessert Champion title. Her upcoming home‑city competition promises a unique experience: she will save on travel costs, enjoy the support of friends, family, and customers, and bond with her team in familiar Indy surroundings.
Supporting women in the kitchen
Hawkins notes that professional kitchens have historically been challenging for women, but she has seen a cultural shift, especially after the COVID‑19 pandemic. She describes her shop as a collaborative environment with steady staff, attributing that stability to respectful treatment and creative freedom.
Future ventures
Beyond the bakery, Hawkins and her husband run “Let’s Go Eat Food Tours,” a travel‑booking service that plans cruises and European vacations. They are preparing a France River cruise that will end in Lyon, a city Hawkins visits every two years for culinary shows. Additionally, the couple is developing “Team Indiana,” a nonprofit‑like effort that combines competitive baking with workforce development. Their next project, “Hoosier Hospitality House,” aims to provide teaching kitchens and event space for the community.
Local impact
Circle City Sweets has become a staple of Indianapolis’ culinary scene, offering residents a taste of French pastry made with Indiana heart. Hawkins’ participation in the World Food Championships highlights the city’s growing reputation as a hub for culinary talent and underscores the importance of local businesses that invest in education, mentorship, and community development.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
