Gerald Hawkins Jr

**Late-breaking news: Gerald named 2022 First Runner Up Pastry Chef of the Year on Monday, August 8th, by the NCRLA. Congratulations!**

Gerald Hawkins was raised among the tobacco fields of "Norlina", a small town in northeastern NC. With 6 years of pastry experience from the Charlotte area to Upstate SC, Gerald is known for his focus on desserts crafted with local ingredients from across the region. Steeped in southern tradition and African-American heritage, with modern techniques and savory elements, he uses every dish as an opportunity to honor farmers and producers from every corner of the Carolinas. He will be joining the team at Seabird Restaurant in downtown Wilmington, NC beginning this August.