WINCHESTER — What started as a small, basement-based business, where one man made and sold gingerbread houses at craft shows, has grown into two brick-and-mortar locations and an online store that ships nationwide.
The Gingerbread Construction Co., founded in 1980 by the late John D’Orsi, has stores in Winchester and Wakefield. You can find decorated and undecorated gingerbread houses in different sizes, gingerbread boy and girl cookies in standard and jumbo sizes, as well as 21 varieties of oversized muffins.
General Manager Michele Wilson, who has worked for the company almost since the beginning, said it takes four to five days to make the edible houses.
“It’s not as simple as baking a cake,” she said.
What makes The Gingerbread Construction Co.’s houses stand out against the competition is the taste, Wilson added.
“They’re very pretty, but they’re made for eating,” she said.
Decorated, undecorated gingerbread houses and cookies
Gingerbread Construction sells undecorated gingerbread houses in two sizes — small for $34.99 and medium for $42.99. It also sells decorated houses — small for $57.99 and large for $71.99.
Decorating kits for gingerbread cookies are also sold for $26.99. They come with white sugar frosting and snowcaps and gum drops.
Gingerbread houses are sold year round, not just ahead of Christmas. The company makes themed houses for other occasions like Easter, Valentine's Day and Halloween, as well as custom products for special events like weddings.
More than just houses
Gingerbread Construction is known for more than edible houses and figures. It’s also famous for its oversized frosted and filled muffins in 21 dessert-style and gourmet varieties such as gingerbread, blueberry, apple spice, carrot cake and more.
Online ordering
Gingerbread Construction has a website for online orders, which can be picked up at either the Wakefield or Winchester stores. For those who prefer to have orders shipped, visit gingerbreadusa.com/collections to see the products available for nationwide shipping.
Giving back
Gingerbread Construction recently donated all houses and decorating supplies for a festive gingerbread party hosted by Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, which grants wishes for children with critical illnesses.
In a press release, Monica Julian, senior manager of the Wish Community, expressed gratitude for the in-kind support that made the party possible.
“Community support from local businesses is key to everything we do at Make-A-Wish," she said in the release. "The Gingerbread Construction Co. went above and beyond, donating with heart and incredible generosity. We’re thankful to the entire team there for their time and efforts, which gave Wish Community members an opportunity to be creative and enjoy carefree time together. Especially during the holiday season, for our families who are facing difficult medical journeys, celebrations like this mean so much.”