Alum's cheesecakes draw national TV attention

BY VIRDIANA CAMACHO / VN STAFF WRITER

When ReShawn Wilder was studying at Detroit Mercy seven years ago, he didn’t know that cheesecake would play a big part in his future.

But it has.

Wilder is making a name for himself by building a cheesecake empire through Eyes of a Foodie.

Wilder, a 2013 communication studies graduate, has been cooking for 19 years.

Watching his grandmother and mother piqued his interest in cooking.

When out eating one time, a friend encouraged him to audition for Master Chef.

In the beginning, he didn’t think that he would be able to do it.

However, Wilder, 29, said one of his friends said a simple phrase that changed everything: “What if it does work?”

First time around, Wilder stated that he did not make it far into the auditions.

But the second time, he advanced further than most.

He made a cheesecake because he noticed that those who made desserts did better.

When on Master Chef, Wilder mentioned the food that he chose was a Biscoff cookie butter cheesecake that he created.

Wilder had three minutes to plate his dish without knowing anything about his cheesecake.

“I had no idea how it tastes, if it’s cooked fully through,” he said.

A judge approached Wilder, took a bite of the cheesecake and said, “Oh, my gosh.”

A producer came and took some slices, and everyone was asking what he had.

“It’s just cheesecake,” he replied.

Everyone wanted a piece.

“The other people auditioning were like, ‘Cut me a slice!’ ” said Wilder.

Wilder’s cheesecakes have caught the attention of Williams-Sonoma, a retail company, which reached out to him about doing a popup at their locations, and Google, which placed a large order for cheesecakes.

Detroit channels 7 and 2 have both interviewed Wilder, as well.

Wilder said he started off with four nostalgic flavors: cookie butter, banana pudding, strawberry shortcake and white chocolate blueberry combo cheesecake.

However, how he has 20 flavors, if not more.

Eyes of a Foodie has caught the attention of many, and Wilder continues to take orders and create flavors.

On his Instagram page, he promotes his cheesecakes (and other tasty foods), as well as his popup events.

Popups are small, temporary shops that sell items for a few days or hours.

Wilder’s next popup will be Feb. 8, 6-8 p.m., at 5070 Shaefer Rd. in Dearborn.