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.