The Bakeshop On Boundary

We are truly grateful for all of the support and opportunities that we have been given during our first five years of operation. - The Bakeshop On Boundary

How did the Thunder Bay community help you succeed?

The agricultural industry in the region is thriving as small producers explore creative and exciting ways of adding value to the milk, vegetables, and meat that they produce. This has led to partnerships with local producers that have undoubtedly led to the success of the bakery. Belluz Farms, Sleepy G Farm, Thunder Oak Cheese Farm, Roots to Harvest, and other small farmers markets have been essential to provide the exposure we have required to remain successful.

Retail partners such as Maltese Grocery, George’s Market, Dawson General Store, Brent Park Store, The Cheese Encounter, and Westfort Foods have provided space on their shelves. The bakery has also partnered extensively with restaurants and cafes, most notably Up Shot Coffeehouse and Bight Restaurant as well as Daytona’s and other cameo appearances across the city.

What were some challenges in starting your business?

We are located in the scenic and highly sought-after Municipality of Neebing, Ontario. The bakery is quaintly situated on Ace Mountain, overlooking the heart of the ciy’s agricultural community, the stunning Slate River Valley. The affordability and availability of land in Northwestern Ontario created an appealing opportunity for us to return to Thunder Bay from Guelph in 2013. The burgeoning interest in the locavore movement also allowed for the team to test out the skills they acquired while working the highly competitive hospitality markets of the GTA.

The transition did not come without its challenges. Although the team stayed within the same province, the marketplace was markedly different. We came up against difficulties sourcing many of the specialty ingredients and equipment to bring our classic

Parisian Viennoiserie to life.

How has COVID-19 changed your business?

The Bakeshop on Boundary is a business that has embodied the true spirit of experiential consumption throughout the pandemic. The mission was to provide the customer with the highest quality, handcrafted, artisanal product coupled with the knowledge and skills required to further their understanding of the beauty of slow food. This was accomplished by bringing traditional, artisan baking into the comfort and convenience of the home with the signature take-andbake line of frozen yeasted doughs.

The Bakeshop on Boundary provides a culinary experience that puts Parisian artistry into the hearts, hands, and homes of Northwestern Ontario.

What advice would you give to others looking to start a Business?

If you are making food, keep your cost of goods sold under 30% revenue. Grow a loyal clientele base by offering a superior and custom experience. Also, develop a marketing and advertising program that promotes the importance of reinvesting time and energy into the stewardship of our agricultural and local business communities, and focus on product quality—not only with food integrity, but attention to detail. Lastly, be kind.