09/22/2026
Have you met Leah A. Henderson?
For over three decades, Leah Henderson has been an integral part of the D’Amico family, bringing creativity, craftsmanship, and a passion for making people happy through pastry.
Her culinary career began after college, when she spent four years working for a catering company in Lincoln, Nebraska. With a pastry chef as the owner, Leah found her first mentor and began building the foundation for her career. After moving back to Minnesota, she spent two years at Buttercream Desserts before joining D’Amico Cucina as a pastry chef in February 1994.
Over the years, Leah grew into the role of Corporate Pastry Chef, overseeing pastry programs for D’Amico restaurants in Minneapolis and Naples, Florida. In January 2019, she brought her talents to the catering side of the company, taking on her current role as Executive Pastry Chef.
Why did Leah become a chef?
For Leah, it started as a way to fill a creative void. While that creativity still inspires her today, her motivation has evolved over the years. Now, it’s just as much about the people enjoying what she creates and the opportunity to make someone happy, even if it’s through one big, glorious bite.
What is Leah’s favorite D’Amico dish to make?
It’s a tie between fruit pies and wedding cakes, each meaningful for a different reason. Fruit pies were one of the first things Leah’s mom taught her to make, and baking them still brings back that special connection today.
Wedding cakes hold a different kind of significance. Leah considers it an honor to create something that becomes part of such an important and memorable day in a couple’s life.
After over 30 years with D’Amico, Leah’s passion for her craft continues to shine through everything she creates. We’re so grateful for the creativity, expertise, and care she brings to our team - and for the countless memorable (and delicious!) moments she’s helped create along the way.
📸: Anna Grinets Photography
