About MK Cannelle

Chef Matt Knio discovered his love for baking at a young age while working in a bakery. An opportunity to work on a cocoa bean plantation in Ivory Coast deepened his fascination with the process of growing and extracting cocoa. Combining this knowledge with his passion for baking, he traveled to Paris to train under master pastry chef Claude Baraque and graduated from Academies De Versailles as a master artisan.

After interning at renowned establishments, Matt moved to the U.S., becoming head pastry chef at Michigan’s Ritz Carlton before opening his own bakery. Despite offers to expand elsewhere, his love for Detroit’s diversity and vibrant culture made it home. Through his dedication and talent, Chef Knio has brought the city access to fine French pastries and continues to share his craft with a growing audience.

The Timeline

1997

Matt Knio graduated from Academie de Versailles in France as a Master Artisian

2003

Cannelle Cafe launched in Michigan

2005

Matt Knio launched Golden Wheat Bakehouse

2008

Cannelle is voted Best of Detroit Hour Magazine

2013

Cannelle is voted to have the best macaroons in Metro Detroit by CBS news

2019

Cannelle adds a new location in Detroit

2021

Cannelle launches new location in downtown Ann Arbor

2022

Cannelle by Matt Knio recognized in Best of the Midwest issue of Midwest Living

2023

February opening Cannelle Farmington

2024

Cannelle Keego Harbor opens in June

2025

The launch of the MK Lounge in Detroit

2025

Matt Knio breaks ground in Northville.