Chuck was fortunate to grow up in the food industry.  His passion for food began as a young child and was guided by the success of his grandmother, Elsie D'Ignazio. Grandma Elsie opened the Wayne Diner in 1955 and was one of the first female restaurant owners in the Philadelphia area. Chucks first job was working at the diner - filling whatever position was needed at the time. During his years at The Wayne Diner, Chuck acquired a passion for food and developed his own cheesecake recipe in 1971 at the ripe age of 16. And just like that - through the loving mentor ship between grandmother and grandson - D'Nardys Cheesecakes was born.

Chuck attended The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York and has been in the food business for 35+ years. Chuck has worked as the head chef for several large hotel chains before opening his own restaurant in Cary, North Carolina. With his daughters Elizabeth and Victoria, Chuck combined his passion for cheesecake with his love of local businesses to create the next cheesecake dynasty.

Elizabeth graduated from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina. For years she tried to keep her dad's cheesecakes a family secret but was finally convinced that the world needed to taste the world's best desert!

 

 

Our Mission

As we all know, there are many definitions out there for “natural food products” however, we draw a line when it comes to hydrogenated fats and artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and sweeteners. This provides our customers with a wholesome, natural product that taste great.

As concerns continue to grow regarding our Environment, a little info regarding our glass jars. When glass breaks down, it remains safe and stable, and releases no harmful chemicals into the soil. So even when glass isn't recycled, it does minimal harm to the environment.... Although it impacts the pricing of our jars in comparison to other packaging materials, I know you will agree, the evidence is clear that using glass packaging is good for the environment...