Gina Maries Custom Desserts — Restaurant in Auburn

If it were possible to choose zero, or negative stars, I would. I can't rate the cake that I ordered, because Gina Marie's cancelled twenty-four hours before pick-up. If their cake was anything like their service (or lack thereof) it would go in the trash.

On Thursday, August 10th I went into her shop to order a very special 21st birthday cake for the following Wednesday, August 16th. I rarely order specialty cakes anywhere and so I specifically asked if a week was enough time. Gina assured me that it was and took the all of my information and stated that they require a 50% deposit - no problem. I requested a silhouette (horse) design and she told me to text the artwork so that they could give me a specific price and then I could pay the deposit. Again, no problem.

I texted the art and was quoted $115 cash. It seemed high, even for a quarter sheet, but as it truly was a special event, I didn't hesitate and dropped off a $60 cash deposit on Monday the 14th. I also had two separate text conversations during this time regarding how the cake would hold up in the heat (it was 103' at 6pm on the 16th) and also what time I needed to pick up the cake (1pm). All good - refrigeration check - be in Auburn by 1pm on Wednesday - check. Many thanks, blah, blah, blah.

On Tuesday the 15th at 12:23pm I received the following - quote:

Hey Bonnie! I left you a voice mail today. I didn't realize that your cake was due tomorrow. After checking your date and the book, there is no time for us to get this done. My apologies for the inconvenience. We will keep your deposit until you pick it up or we can mail it to you. Again, please accept my apologies for the screw up!

When I responded with an "are you kidding me?" I was told that they could have the cake ready on Friday. Friday? The birthday is Wednesday. You only have one 21st birthday. Would they suggest this for a wedding cake as well? When I then listened to the voice mail it was casual, almost sing-song and nothing short of "oh well, sorry!" No time? How about you work overtime to make up for your (in your words) screw up? How about you call around to your colleagues and come up with a solution? You had an entire week to figure this out.

I was fortunate enough to find another boutique bakery late in the day on the 15th and share the circumstances. When I asked if they could possibly do the cake they responded "of course". When I asked to leave a deposit they said "no need". When I asked how much it would be, they quoted a price that was half of the original cake. It was beautiful. It was delicious. Days later, the birthday girl is still raving about it.

There are many exceptionally professional small businesses in our community. We can pick and choose whom we want to support and why. Gina Marie's was a total fail and they truly don't care. I can't believe I was the first and I'd bet that $115 that it won't...

Gina created an amazing cake for our Taco Bell grand opening. The cake was a replica of our building and it came out beautifully. Her mother, Debbie, was great with communication. Even when construction delays forced me to change the due date at least three or four times, they were accommodating and responsive.

It was one thing for the cake to be beautiful, but it was also delicious! I chose to have a chocolate and oreo cake and the flavor was rich and the texture was fluffy and moist.

It is so great to have a bakery of this quality right...

Her cakes are incredible! I had a very unique order, I wanted her to make me a banana rum cake and a chocolate stout cake with a Baileys butter cream for my birthday. Both cakes were absolutely fabulous! The Flavors were perfectly done, The cake was moist and delicious, and the buttercream frosting was perfect on both cakes.

I am looking forward to the next time I need a cake , I can't wait to order from Gina Marie's Custom...