our story

The Sweet Lobby, based on Capitol Hill’s Barracks Row, is Washington DC’s upscale, award winning boutique bakery destination. The Sweet Lobby is known for both its classic as well as its globally inspired flavor incarnations and specializes in French macarons, cupcakes, madeleine, shortbread and more.

Our founder, Dr. Winnette McIntosh Ambrose, is an engineer-turned-entrepreneur and two-time Food Network Champion with over two decades of experience in the medical device, bioengineering and hospitality industries. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, Winnette took a detour from her award-winning career as a biomedical researcher to explore her passion for global flavors and French pastry technique, and opened The Sweet Lobby, in 2011. Our sister bakery, Souk, followed 4 years later!

Winnette holds undergraduate degrees in Chemical Engineering and French from MIT and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. Crediting both her technical background and her global exposure, Winnette is passionate about incorporating phenomenal flavor into everything that emerges from The Sweet Lobby’s kitchens. She has personally trained The Sweet Lobby’s bakers, with whom she works on a continual basis, to introduce daring new flavor incarnations, like goat cheese – caramelized pear and spicy curry mango, alongside classic varieties.

Whether you're treating yourself to a cupcake after work, picking up a box of pastries for a special occasion, or looking for show-stopping desserts for your next corporate event, we've got you covered!

So, join us on a flavor adventure! Whether you're a Capitol Hill local or just passing through, we can't wait to meet you!