Something is definitely baking at Disney Springs—and it might be bigger than cookies.
A new filing has sparked speculation that the wildly popular Gideon’s Bakehouse could be expanding its footprint or branching into an entirely new culinary concept at Disney Springs. According to a freshly posted Notice of Commencement, the project involves a full tenant build-out at the former Art of Shaving storefront—a space that’s been sitting empty for almost a year, just a short walk from Gideon’s current location in The Landing.
Here’s where it gets interesting: the client listed on the permit is The First Raven LLC, which public records link to Steve Lewis, the creative mastermind behind Gideon’s Bakehouse. Neither Gideon’s nor Disney has made any official announcement yet, leaving plenty of room for speculation. Could Lewis be developing a sister brand that takes his darkly whimsical style into something new—say, a dessert bar or bakery café with a twist—or is this simply an expansion of the cookie empire that’s become a Disney Springs sensation?
Gideon’s story is one of small beginnings and big ambition. The brand launched in late 2016 at Orlando’s East End Market with just one employee, an $800 startup budget, and a dream of perfecting the “almost half-pound” cookie. Word spread fast. Long lines—sometimes over 80 minutes—became a common sight, and social media helped transform the underground bakery into a global must-visit for cookie lovers. When Gideon’s opened its larger location at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs in December 2020, it instantly became one of the hottest spots on property, often requiring a virtual queue just to manage demand.
The potential new venue, formerly The Art of Shaving, is a compact space but ideally situated along a bustling pedestrian corridor that guarantees maximum visibility. Whether this new project will proudly bear the Gideon’s name or introduce something entirely new remains a mystery. But one thing is certain—the involvement of Steve Lewis and his team signals that something creative and ambitious is in the works.
And this is the part that fans can’t stop debating: Should Gideon’s expand its menu beyond cookies—or would that risk diluting what makes the brand so special? Whatever direction this project takes, it’s bound to draw crowds, and probably another line stretching down the waterfront.
What do you think? Should Gideon’s stay true to its cookie roots or explore new territory at Disney Springs? Share your thoughts and theories—this might be one of Disney Springs’ most exciting mysteries yet.
