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LaGana’s Cake Jefe is entering an indulgent new chapter.
Real ones know no meal at LaGana is complete without a slice of cake from Carlos Lemus Sr. Earning himself the nickname “Cake Jefe” and a dedicated fanbase since the fine-casual burger room’s 2024 opening, the baker is no stranger to the local limelight. And, now, Cake Jefe is stepping into his own: opening a new dedicated bakery, Lina’s Bakery & Café, with his son Carlos Lemus Jr.
Targeted for an August opening in the Premier Cakes location in Falls Village, the new space allows the cult cake hero to expand his dessert offerings, dream up new creations, and finally give customers the full bakery experience, says Carlos Jr.
“What makes his story remarkable is that he has built a loyal following while working out of a tiny restaurant kitchen that was never designed to be a bakery,” he adds, noting that despite limited space, equipment and time, Cake Jefe turned the small burger spot’s kitchen into the birthplace of some of LaGana’s most memorable desserts.
Beginning his foray into the world of sweets as a cheesecake decorator for The Cheesecake Factory, Carlos Sr. not only bakes all of LaGana’s cakes—the cacao masterpiece is borderline legendary—he’s also in charge of creating multiple original dessert courses for the eatery’s highly anticipated monthly omakase dining experiences. And he’s been doing it all on Sundays, the single day of the week LaGana is closed for business.
“The success we’ve had at LaGana reignited my passion for baking and creating, and now feels like the right time to pursue that dream again,” maintains Carlos Sr. “I’m excited to create, work with talented people, and bring joy to others through what we make. Seeing people smile because of something we created is what excites me most.”
Cake Jefe’s journey mirrors the two influential women he named the new location after—his mother and mother-in-law—both named Lina. “Their work ethic, sacrifices and unwavering support inspired not only the name of the bakery, but also the values on which it was built,” emphasizes Carlos Jr.
In addition to Carlos Sr.’s locally famous cakes, Lina’s will feature unique pastries a la those omakase desserts—alongside coffee in the morning and wine and beer in the evening. Complete with vinyl tunes in the background, cozy love seats and two-tops, the bakery gives people the op to hang out from 7am to 7pm. … And fear not—exclusive goodies will still be available at LaGana.
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