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The Voice of Cheesecake: Uncle Cheesecake’s Voice Discovered
July 30, 2019
High Point’s got a new uncle in town… and he’s got cheesecake! Daniel Gray worked as a private chef and has even been featured on Food Network’s Chopped but around these parts he’s known as Uncle Cheesecake. Daniel is the founder, owner and mastermind behind the custom cheesecake and dessert bar located right here in High Point. After years of trying to find the perfect cheesecake recipe, Daniel finally created it. And soon, bringing the cakes to parties and gatherings between friends wasn’t enough. The business blew up, and now Daniel operates a full store front in High Point that serves up mouth-watering desserts. Read below to learn more about the chef behind the sweets.
Q: How did you wind up in the world of baking?
A. Well, I was originally training to be on the savory side of things. But I found myself complaining about there being no good cheesecake in the area. So I set out to create a cheesecake for myself. It took me 2 years to perfect. I was originally doing it for personal use and had no intention of selling it, but then people started asking about it. Then I started selling to friends of friends. Then, I decided to sell to the masses.
Q: How did you get to your current position?
A. I am the owner and creator of the recipes.
Q: What is on the horizon for you?
A. More eateries, sweet and savory.
Q: What type of career would you have in an alternate universe?
A. Professional soccer player and chef.
Q: What do you wish you knew when first starting that you know now?
A. It would take a lot of work and that I couldn’t do it all myself.
Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
A. I love clocks, coins, and maps.
Q: What motivates you? / What inspires you?
A. My daughter Dallas.
Q: What gives you the biggest satisfaction in life?
A. Seeing hard work pay off.
Q: Best career advice you have ever received?
A. Don’t forget who you are.
Q: What is your proudest achievement to date?
A. Being a father to the cutest little girl in the world, Dallas Mackenzie!!!
Q: Favorite book (business or pleasure)?
A. The Great Gatsby
Q: Best vacation you have taken?
A. Shenandoah Valley in VA
Q: Where will find you on a Sunday afternoon?
A. During football season, watching the Dallas Cowboys playing, or at the shop (Uncle Cheesecake).
Q: Your go-to cocktail (or mocktail)?
A. Water or Lemonade.
Q: What makes you truly happy?
A. My Faith in Jesus Christ and watching the fruits of my labor in all facets of my life (marriage, personal, business).
Q: As you know, HPU is right here with incredible students looking to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams – what three pieces of advice would you give them?
A. Be smart, be patient, be good.
High Point Favorites
Q: What do you love about life in High Point?
A. Everything is a stone’s throw away.
Q: What are some of your favorite activities in High Point?
A. Hanging out and playing basketball and going to High Point Rockers baseball games.
Q: Where do you like to grab a cup of coffee?
A. DeBeen
Q: Local shops doing everything right?
Q: Where do you go to unplug?
A. The High Point Public Library
Q: Restaurant you can’t get enough of?
A. Tops China
Q: Favorite place to grab a drink?
A. Uncle Cheesecake makes great Custom Lemonades.
Q: Excluding yours, what High Point company or business do you admire the most?
A. Penny Path
Q: Where would you tell a first-time visitor to High Point to go and why?
A. Biscuit Factory – the food is delicious. Or Uncle Cheesecake to get a type of cheesecake that originated in High Point, and also customized desserts!
To find your own favorite cheesecake from Daniel Gray, visit his shop at 3800 Tinsley Dr., Suite 111 or call 336-804-5638. Uncle Cheesecake can be found online at www.unclecheesecake.com or on Facebook and Instagram at @UncleCheesecake.
Voices Discovered is a series where High Point Discovered asks questions to High Point business leaders and entrepreneurs to share their view. Consider it a peek into the heart and soul of our local businesses. We hope you will be inspired to investigate more. Past guests have included Palmer Linwood Smith and Torrey Lowe.
Discover our High Points,
The HP Discovered Team
Photography by Maria West Photography
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