Susan Sarich

Susan Sarich is an entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of SusieCakes, an American bakery brand known for its scratch-made, preservative-free desserts. With three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Sarich established her career before launching her own business. After graduating from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, she began her hospitality career at Hyatt Hotels, later joining House of Blues and working with hospitality groups such as Everest restaurant and Clift Hotel. Sarich then moved to Portland, Oregon, where she co-founded Zinc Bistrot, recognized by Zagat as one of America's Top Restaurants.

Sarich opened the first SusieCakes bakery in Brentwood, California, with a focus on using simple ingredients and family recipes to create high-quality baked goods. The business expanded to multiple locations across California and Texas, offering classic desserts baked on-site daily without mixes, artificial preservatives, or trans fats. SusieCakes emphasizes connecting through celebration and community, with a significant portion of its team comprised of women. The company has donated millions of dollars in baked goods to various causes and introduced nationwide shipping for made-to-order treats.

Sarich has been recognized in the business and food service industries, with features on the Today Show segment "She Made It" and inclusion in the Inc. Female 500 list, Entreprenista 100 Award, Forbes 50 Over 50 list, and the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Greater Los Angeles. She has served as a Dean's Distinguished Lecturer at Cornell University, is a member of the Board of Directors for the California Restaurant Association, and participates in organizations such as Young Presidents' Organization and Junior League. Sarich is noted for her leadership in entrepreneurship, bakery business development, and advancing opportunities for women in the food service industry.