Q1: Your journey from Olympic swimmer to founder of one of Texas' fastest-growing dessert brands is certainly unique. How did Drizzle Cheesecakes come to life?
Stephen El Gidi: Drizzle Cheesecakes started as a passion project while I was still competing in swimming. I began selling cheesecakes at local festivals, and seeing the response from customers inspired me to dream bigger. Over time, we expanded to major events like the State Fair of Texas, and that momentum eventually led to opening our first storefront at Toyota Music Factory. It's been an incredible journey, and I'm grateful to see how much the brand has grown.
Q2: Drizzle Cheesecakes has experienced exciting growth, including expanding into Costco. What does that milestone mean for you and the brand?
Stephen El Gidi: It's a huge honor and an exciting next step for us. Costco allows us to introduce Drizzle Cheesecakes to an even wider audience while staying true to the quality and creativity that got us here. Every milestone reminds us how far we've come from those early festival days, and we're excited to continue growing while delivering the same experience our customers know and love.
Q3: You're returning to the State Fair of Texas as a 2026 Big Tex Choice Awards Sweet Finalist with Berry Me in Matcha. What inspired this newest creation, and what makes it a must-try for Fairgoers?
Stephen El Gidi: We're incredibly honored to be named a 2026 Sweet Finalist. We wanted to create something that felt both adventurous and approachable by combining rich New York-style cheesecake with flavors that are unique yet balanced. Berry Me in Matcha features our signature cheesecake hand-dipped in silky Belgian white chocolate, rolled in crushed matcha cookies for a delicate earthy crunch, then drizzled with white chocolate and sweet strawberry jam before being topped with a fresh strawberry slice. Every bite is creamy, crunchy, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet. We can't wait for Fairgoers to experience it for themselves.
Q4: Winning "Best Taste – Sweet" in 2023 with Biscoff Delight was a major milestone. Looking back, how did that recognition help shape the growth of Drizzle Cheesecakes?
Stephen El Gidi: Winning the award was a turning point for us. It brought incredible exposure to the brand and validated all of the hard work that went into developing our products. That recognition helped open new doors and gave us the confidence to take the next step toward opening our first brick-and-mortar location and continuing to grow the business.
Q5: Drizzle Cheesecakes has developed a loyal following in a city known for incredible desserts. What do you think keeps customers coming back?
Stephen El Gidi: We wanted to create something that's both familiar and completely unique. Our New York-style cheesecake is dipped in premium Belgian chocolate, served on a stick, and topped with fun, indulgent ingredients. It's a dessert that's easy to enjoy on the go while still delivering a premium experience.
Q6: From retail expansion to new Fair creations, Drizzle Cheesecakes continues to grow at an impressive pace. What excites you most about the next chapter for the brand?
Stephen El Gidi: We're focused on continuing to grow thoughtfully while never compromising on quality. Whether that's expanding into more retail locations, creating new flavors, or introducing Drizzle Cheesecakes to new communities, our goal is to keep sharing our passion for great desserts with as many people as possible!
“Every milestone reminds us how far we’ve come, and inspires us to keep growing.”
From festival beginnings to a storefront at Toyota Music Factory and expansion into Costco, Drizzle Cheesecakes has built a reputation for turning classic cheesecake into an elevated experience. Founded by former Olympic swimmer Stephen El Gidi, the brand combines New York-style cheesecake with premium Belgian chocolate and inventive toppings. Its award-winning Biscoff Delight earned Best Taste – Sweet at the 2023 Big Tex Choice Awards. In 2026, Drizzle returns to the State Fair with Berry Me in Matcha, a sophisticated new creation.