I Built a Bakery. Now I Need to Rebuild It for My Body.

Hi. I'm Rory Kandel — founder of Rory’s Bakehouse, a frozen bake-at-home bakery built on love, nostalgia, and resilience.

I started Rory’s Bakehouse during lockdown, mostly as a way to stay busy and channel my lifelong love of baking. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was building my childhood dream — a bakery that ships frozen treats nationwide, designed to bring that fresh-from-the-oven magic straight to your home.

On the outside, everything looked like it was rising beautifully. But behind the scenes, my health was starting to crumble. After months of strange symptoms, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in December 2023. I’m only a year and a half into this diagnosis, but already it has dramatically changed how I move through the world — literally. Walking, something I used to take for granted, has become something I have to focus on with every step.

Still, I show up every day. I love what I do too much to stop. Some people might hang up the apron — and no judgment if they do — but that’s not me. I just need a few accommodations to keep going.

The floors in my kitchen came with the space — I didn’t choose them, and they were never designed with accessibility in mind. Now, every uneven tile feels like a hurdle. I’m still figuring out the right mobility aids, but even without them, just getting from one side of the kitchen to the other can be exhausting, painful, and sometimes even dangerous. What used to be second nature — moving freely, carrying trays, baking with ease — now takes so much more from me.

Replacing the flooring with a smoother, accessible surface and adding a small ramp at the back door would change everything. It would give me the freedom to move safely through the space I’ve poured my heart into — and help ensure I can keep doing what I love for years to come.

This space isn’t just where I work. It’s where I dream, create, and connect with customers who’ve turned into a community. I’ve come this far through grit, cookies, and a whole lot of heart. I’d be so grateful for any support in making this next phase possible.

If we’re lucky enough to exceed our goal, every additional dollar will go toward something even bigger. Any money raised above and beyond what we ask for will be donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society — an organization that’s become deeply personal to me since my diagnosis. Your support not only helps me keep baking, but also gives back to a cause that’s working toward better treatment, awareness, and ultimately a cure.

Thank you so much for reading, for caring, and for cheering me on.

With love,

Rory