Three backyard fruit trees sparked what is to day a thriving gourmet food business for Rowena Fullinwider, founder and president of Rowena’s, Inc, in Norfolk, Virginia. As word spread about the “cake lady”, requests for Rowena’s specialty foods exceeded the capabilities of her kitchen.

Rowena opened her gourmet manufacturing facility in May of 1983 and in 25 years, her facility has grown to 18 employees, a retail store, staff offices, call center, tearoom, two spacious kitchens and two warehouses.

Rowena’s has been featured in national publications such as Lady’s Home Journal, Gourmet, Bon Appetit, Taste of Home and Southern Living, and has appeared on Food Finds on the Food Network, QVC, The 700 Club and The Today Show. Virginia’s Governor who declared Feb 20th as “Rowena Fullinwider Day” also has honored her.

She is the author of two children story adventure cookbooks and in 2003, she added “Celebrate Virginia!” , 400 years of Virginia history and 300 recipes, to her list of publications.

Rowena is active in her community and serves on numerous local boards and committees. Today, Rowena and her staff take personal responsibility to ensure that each customer and product receives a large measure of their finest ingredient, Tender, Loving Care.

Rowena recently sold Rowena's to local businessman, John McCormick, who continues the legacy of our fine quality and superior customer service.