Made From Scratch
Our Story
A labor of love, a tribute to family tradition, and a testament to resilience
Founded by Lisa Umansky
Polka Dot Pound Cake is more than just a bakery — it's a labor of love, a tribute to family traditions, and a testament to resilience and creativity. Founded by a passionate baker, Lisa Umansky, whose roots in baking stretch back to her Norwegian heritage, the bakery's story began long before its storefront on Long Beach Road.
After moving to Rockville Centre, NY in 1993, Umansky spent the early 2000s raising two daughters. However, her creative spirit called for more, and she turned to baking, a skill she had honed throughout her life, inspired by her mother's recipes. From 2008 to 2012, she sold her lovingly crafted baked goods at farmers' markets across Long Island, where her reputation for delicious, homemade treats quickly grew.
The turning point came in 2012, shortly after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Seizing an opportunity to expand her side business into something bigger, Umansky opened the doors to Polka Dot Pound Cake on Long Beach Road. What started as a humble side project became a beloved local institution, known for its whimsical name and unforgettable flavors, embodying the warmth, heritage, and tenacity of its founder.
Today, Polka Dot Pound Cake continues to serve its community with a wide range of baked goods, all made from scratch and with love. Each bite is a reminder of the bakery's journey — rooted in tradition, fueled by passion, and built on the belief that even the smallest endeavors can rise into something extraordinary.
Meet the Founder
Lisa's Story
From dance studio to farmers' markets to a beloved bakery and café.
In 1985, Lisa Umansky opened her own dance studio, which she owned and taught at for 12 years. In 1997, she decided to hang up her tutu to spend more time at home with her daughter Emily. A year later, her second daughter, Hannah, was born. Before long, afternoons often meant flour on the counter and the joy of baking together.
Those family baking sessions sparked a new dream. The answer was right in front of her — the banana bread cooling on the counter. Inspired by the heavenly aromas of her Norwegian mother's daily baking, Lisa carried forward a love for traditional American classics. The name Polka Dot Pound Cake — and its signature ribbons — pay tribute to her mother, who sewed cheerful polka-dotted trim onto the dresses she made for Lisa as a child.
1985
Lisa Umansky opens her own dance studio, which she owns and teaches at for 12 years.
1997
Lisa hangs up her tutu to spend more time at home with her daughter Emily. A year later, her second daughter, Hannah, is born.
Early Days
Afternoons mean flour on the counter and the joy of baking together — family baking sessions spark a new dream.
2012
Polka Dot Pound Cake is a favorite at 13 farmers' markets across Long Island. Lisa's husband Paul joins the family business.
Dec 2013
Lisa opens the Polka Dot Pound Cake storefront in Rockville Centre, which quickly becomes a neighborhood treasure.
2015
Lisa and Paul partner with Old Westbury Gardens, where Paul operates Café in the Woods.
Fall 2018
The Rockville Centre bakery expands to include a café and Afternoon Tea room.
Today
Full catering services at Old Westbury Gardens and Rockville Centre bring the same warmth to private events.
Made From Scratch, With Love
Rooted in Tradition
Every bite tells the story of a bakery built on family, heritage, and the belief that small endeavors can rise into something extraordinary.