"To meet Val Jean-Bart of Val’s Cheesecakes is to adore him. Since opening up his namesake storefront on Maple Avenue in 2015, Jean-Bart has become a dessert supplier for some of Dallas’ most well-known establishments, like Terrili’s, Opening Bell Coffee and more.

His company’s growth is a direct result of his enthusiasm for his craft and his desire to keep his customers happy with a magical mixture of sugar, eggs, cream cheese, lemon and “lots of love.” And even more endearing is how he got into the trade — by making cheesecakes with his mother for four years as she battled terminal breast cancer and continuing to do so after her death as a means of honoring her legacy."

He baked in the basement of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and sold cheesecakes to restaurants until opening his own bakery on Maple Avenue in 2015. A location on Greenville Avenue followed in 2017.

What's more is his background (and skills he keeps fresh) is as a civil engineering leader with over 20 years of experience in roadway, utility design, master planning, asset management, marketing, sales and business development. Before starting Val's Cheesecakes, he has been an Asset Risk Manager with North Texas Municipal Water District, and a Civil Engineer with the City of Arlington. He has a Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering from University of Florida.