“The recipe for success really is hard work and dedication,” says Kendel Harrigan, and the Antiguan baker has proven his own words true by capturing two prestigious titles at the 2025 Caribbean Baking Awards.
Harrigan’s meticulous craftsmanship and creative flair earned his business, The KenDen, the coveted Best Cupcake award through public voting, while his leadership of Team Wadadli Stars secured victory in the fiercely competitive Tropical Paradise Tier Cake category in a bake-off.
From humble beginnings as a culinary student to regional recognition among the Caribbean’s finest bakers, Harrigan’s journey exemplifies how passion, perseverance, and precision can transform a personal interest into award-winning artistry that brings national pride to Antigua and Barbuda.
In the bake-off in Tortola, Harrigan was assisted by his best friend Jahkaydah Isaac.
“What I can say about winning the Tropical Paradise category of the Caribbean Baking Awards is that it really, really means a lot to me,” Harrigan told Observer.
“It’s something that I would have set out to participate in months ago, and for me as a cake decorator here in the Caribbean, we face a lot of challenges along the way but to have the opportunity to put my best foot forward, representing my island, representing my brand, the KenDen, and just showcasing my talents on the grand stage, it really means a lot to come out victorious,” he added.
Team Hibiscus Sweets VI from the US Virgin Islands emerged as the overall winner in the bake-off competition, capturing victories in the Flavors of the Caribbean and Tropical Fruit Cupcake categories.
Team Bombshell from the British Virgin Islands won the Cultural Heritage category, while Team Donmnik Dou from Dominica won the Island Spice Cupcake category.
Harrigan’s success in practical competition came after receiving nominations in five different categories: Best Wedding Cake, Best Buttercream Cake, Innovative Baker of the Year, Best Cake Designer, and Best Cupcakes.
“Being nominated for five different categories for the Caribbean Baking Awards 2025 was truly an amazing feeling,” Harrigan said.
The competition featured approximately 70 nominations across 18 prestigious categories, with winners representing countries throughout the Caribbean. Harrigan won Best Cupcakes.
He said: “For my support system, my family and friends who saw it fit to vote for me and allowed me to come out on top and to receive the Best Cupcake Award, that just speaks volume.”
Another Antiguan, Lana Williams, won the Cake Hero award, bringing further recognition to the country’s culinary talent.
Harrigan’s culinary journey began in 2017 when he enrolled at the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute. With strong support from friends and family, he transformed his personal passion into a successful enterprise, establishing The KenDen, which now offers a range of bespoke cakes and other baked goods.
Referring to his hard work and dedication, Harrigan said: “It’s something that I would have tried to instil in myself from a very young age, and up until this very moment, I’m still just always so in awe of what I can accomplish whenever I really put my heart, mind and soul into something.”
Harrigan expressed gratitude for his support system and invited continued support saying “I am very, very honoured to have been the recipient of the Best Cupcakes Award. I’m just filled with gratitude and I just continue to look for support from my friends and my family, the region abroad, and just have to tell persons to look out for what’s to come for the KenDen.”
