Our baked goods are handcrafted, with these hands!
Vanessa
(aka Veeg, aka VG herself!)
Vanessa is the ultimate talent behind the scenes and an absolute wizard in the kitchen. She attended the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY in the early ‘80s and has been mastering her craft ever since.
*Fun fact: Vanessa has lived all over the country and the world, including a few years in Italy as a child!
Dave
(aka Cookie Man, aka the Pie Guy himself!)
Dave is the “Master Sweets-Slinger” and everybody’s favorite face of VG’s Bakery! He has been married to Vanessa since 1982 and has been supporting their joint bakery dream ever since.
*Fun fact: During his school years at Farragut High, Dave was the lead singer of a band called Johnny Flush and the Commodes. He was Johnny!
Katie
Daughter of Vanessa and Dave, Katie likes to consider herself “Master Sweets-Slinger Jr”, following in her dad’s footsteps! She is General Manager at VG’s and has been an official part of the team since 2009.
*Fun fact: Katie has a side-business painting custom pet portraits! It’s called Boogity Paint. Check her out on Instagram @boogitypaint
Riley
Son of Vanessa and Dave, Riley was born with a talent for cooking and baking. By 8 years old, he was cooking whatever he was craving. It was normal to wake up on the weekends to him preparing scratch-made pancakes or breakfast burritos! Riley is a Baker in the VG’s kitchen and has been a part of the team since 2011.
*Fun fact: Riley has always had an artistic flair. As a kid, he was known to make his own clothes! He is also an amazing stencil-artist and an avid skateboarder.
Mason
Husband to Katie, Mason loves to say that he “married-in” to not only the Gwin family but also the VG’s family! He started in 2010 as a dishwasher, worked up to Assistant Manager, and now is our Marketing Manager and can be spotted at the Market Square Farmers’ Market booth!
*Fun fact: Mason has been known to dress up as his former-employer’s mascot – such as the Pirate at the Long John Silver’s drive-thru and the Shoney Bear on Sunday mornings!
Julie
Julie is the smiling face behind the scenes. Stepping in as VG’s Office Manager in 2013, she immediately became an invaluable member of the team with her knowledge of numbers and always-positive attitude! Julie is a mother of 3 and these are her wonderful children.
*Fun fact: Julie LOVES yoga. It is her favorite form of “self care”. If you see her, ask her about it!
Hannah
Hannah works on the VG’s team as our only Cake Decorator. Hannah joined us in 2016 and has wowed us with her quickly-expanding skill set ever since! Not only does she keep our cake case stocked for those ‘last minute’ needs, but her specially decorated cakes have really showcased her skill. Hannah is always surprising us with new techniques & fun cakes designs. We love having her in our Cake Department!
*Fun fact: Hannah LOVES music festivals. She’s been to more than 10 and is just getting started!
Melanie
Melanie works for the VG’s team as a Farmers’ Market Representative. Melanie has been a part of the team since 2007, making her one of the longest-standing employees!
*Fun fact: Melanie is a talented singer and musician and can play many different instruments. She even spent some time as a Jingle Writer!
Drew
Drew works at VG’s as a Kitchen Assistant, bringing a quiet but witty personality to the shop everyday. Along with being a reliable assistant, he also happens to be our “Master Hand Pie Maker”! Those beautiful hand pies that you all love at our farmers’ markets are crafted daily by Drew. He has been a part of the team since 2015.
*Fun fact: When Drew isn’t busy making the world’s best hand pies, he is a talented rapper!
Sarah
Our newest member of the VG’s team! After a full season working the farmers’ market booth downtown with Mason, Sarah joined Katie’s front-of-house crew in the fall of 2022.