Last night, 120 people gathered at Bluebird Barbecue in Burlington to pay homage to one woman.
Just a few months ago, Gretel-Ann Fischer was considering closing her Winooski bakery, Cupp’s. Now, thanks to a spot on TLC’s “Next Great Baker,” business is booming. Last night, the show revealed that the Vermont baker came in second in the competition.
This morning, I checked in with Fischer. It wasn’t easy for her to take the time. She said that a line of people was waiting for the bakery to open at 6:30 this morning, and autograph-seekers and fans are still pouring in.
The crazy day started just two hours after Fischer finally fell asleep. “I was so amped up,” she said.
Though Fischer didn’t win, in a tearful speech to guests she said that she would be OK either way. That’s right, she didn’t know the outcome. The TLC crew filmed both her and competitor Ashley Holt winning, but the women didn’t know which version would run until the rest of us did.
Ultimately, Fischer said she’s pleased with the outcome.
“I don’t mind. I’m in a better position,” she said. “If I had won, Buddy [Valastro, “Cake Boss” and “Next Great Baker” host] owns me for that year… Now I have free rein to promote my own business.”
Fischer believes that the fact that she has her own store and Holt does not may have played into Valastro’s ultimate decision.
And things are great in Cupp’s land. Fischer has had more cake orders in a single month than ever before, which is especially notable in normally quiet January and February. The extra business will soon necessitate new hires.
Fischer will also need help in the bakery because some of her time is now being spent on two cookbooks, appearances on other national TV shows, and a series of guest videos for a popular website.
“In my wildest dreams, I never would have imagined this,” said the baker.
We leave you with something else Fischer said she never could have imagined: the supportive chants of her Vermont friends, family and bakery regulars after she learned she did not win the competition.
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I was there and it was a fantastic outpouring of public support for Gretal-Ann! Most importantly to me is everything that she and her bakery makes has a fantastic taste.. That seems to be something the Next Great Baker Show doesn’t even consider while doing final judging which I think is odd. Gretal-Ann is great just ask Buddy’s whole Family!
I’m glad that Gretal Ann did not win. I can not support someone that deliberately sabotages her competition. I said to myself, Gretal Ann must be extremely insecure if she feels the only way she can win it to play dirty. I would not support her or her bakery.
I just hope that she doesn’t teach any of her employees how to bake, as “cooking 101” is to sabotage the stuff around you.
I was really disappointed to see her move on to the top three. She should have gone several competitions back. But the worst was seeing her continue forward after deliberately and blatantly cheating. It’s impossible to respect a person who does that. Just look at the lessons she’s teaching her kids, and her employees. It’s OK to sabotage your competition in the name of “competition.” Is it really? That’s a cop-out and a line of BS, Gretel Ann. You didn’t deserve to be in the top three – you’re more of a bottom feeder, in my honest opinion. I have no respect for you or your presumably failing business (though I doubt any of the stories you told, along with your big crocodile tears along the way).
I am so glad you did not win, Gretel-Ann. To deliberately cheat and sabotage others and then say it was justified because of competition? You, my dear are what is wrong with people these days. Win at all costs… To hell with anyone else. “I deserve everything because I played most strategically” What a load of CRAP!. What did you teach your children? Your staff? Your crocodile tears were annoying throughout the whole competition, because out of one side of your mouth you are crying poverty and how you needed the $ to keep your shop open. Then out of the other, you slag everyone around you and throw them all under the bus. You are not to be trusted. Jenn was an outstanding competitor who showed strength of character and never compromised basic morals just to win. She tried her best with what she had and I think she should have won the whole thing. I somehow think it didn’t even occur to her to cheat, whereas that was what you chose to do throughout the whole competition. I am no fan of Ashley,but I think Buddy was wise not to choose you as the winner. If you were capable of being that deceptive and justify it, how could he trust that you would not sabotage his business with cheating, lying and stealing? Then you sealed the deal in my eyes by saying that Buddy was running a daycare when he chose Ashley. You are a sore loser. You sank yourself into quite a pit of distrust by your own choices and actions.. and I would not step foot into your bakery even if I was starving…….pathetic!
All Gretal Ann did throughout the show was show what a terrible person she is. Why people would support her after watching the show is beyond me. She has mediocer talent and showed she will cut corners to get ahead.
WHAT A LOW-LIFE!!! Wow, is this where we’ve come where a cheater like this person could be praised by anybody??? If this lady would blatantly cheat while on national TV I can’t imagine what she does behind closed doors in her bakery. I’m sure she lies cheats and steals from customers. She’s an embarrassment to Vermonters, we are honorable, good people. You, my dear, ARE NOT!!!!!
I am so relieved she did NOT win. Not cheating because it’s completion? Look at Lance Armstrong. I am disappointed that Buddy did not bring that point up.
for sure a bakery i would steer clear of….how talented could she be if she has to cheat
She sabotaged and cheated a couple of times. That’s foul playing there.
Cheater. Should’ve been disqualified.
Pathetic behavior. I just watched season 3 so I am way behind but my goodness, I am so glad Buddy dodged that bullet! You are the child who has never learned humility, strength if character, or the Golden Rule. You are quite possibly one of the most self centered, arrogant, and prideful people I have ever witnessed on a competition show. Your pride definitely came before your fall. Have you learned anything? Were you humbled by the experience at all? For your sake and your children’s sake, I truly hope and pray that you learned some powerful lessons about putting the needs of others before your own because, in the end, this is the only way your character can be elevated and you can experience greater rewards. I know you must be in quite a bit of emotional pain after the competition aired. I do feel for you and pray that your heart is soft for healing and looking forward to better days.
I also just watched season 3 and I am mortified that Buddy would even allow Gretel-Ann to finish the competition. Cheating is not something you learn in culinary school! I’ve been to culinary school and cheating wasn’t in our curriculum. How she felt good about herself after that is unreal and I’m not surprised at all that she had to close her business. Accept your fate Gretel-Ann because you did it to yourself…