VGB story
The community of Victoria Beach has hosted a bakery within its gates for almost 100 years - and up until 2022 only two families had operated a bakery in VB. This all changed in the early Spring of 2022 when the lease of the building became available for a new tenant.
Jen and her family had no plans of opening a bakery in VB or in Winnipeg. However - there was no way Jen was going to let the tradition of having a Bakery at the beach fall away, and with her background in business and a love for baking - she took on the challenge…and quickly.
Business Building
With the the business plan near complete all aspects of building a business had to be fast tracked into action. All new equipment and retail displays were sourced, and the building was assessed for the work that would need to be done to bring it to code. The building was not in good shape - everything needed to be addressed (floors, walls, a lot of mold, ventilation, water, electrical, and overall aesthetic). Another challenge was that any work on the building wouldn’t be able to really start until Jen had the keys to the building and then until the water was turned on …. the contractors were available. So while the building thawed Jen worked on building the business behind the scenes….as fast as possible!
While she waited for the water to be turned on recipes were tested, retail designs were reviewed, a new POS was set up and a whole new Brand/Business was created.
The Challenge
When Jen approached the RM about submitting a proposal for the building it was mid March. The community council was still accepting proposals and time was not on her side. The building didn’t come with a ‘bakery’ or a ‘business’ - Jen would have to build it from scratch. The Bakery at VB traditionally opens the weekend of May Long. With the support of her partner Ryan she developed a business plan and a proposal for a new bakery in VB within a couple of days. A week later it was accepted….but that didn’t mean she would be able to open in 2022.
It Takes a Village
Over the next 12 weeks (yes only 12 - 72 days), with the support of her family and community, Jen created a NEW business and rebuilt a building to support a Bakery at 112 Birch Avenue. The Village Green Bakery - Opened its doors on July 1st 2022 to a very long line of happy and grateful community members. The doors closed 90 minutes later as everything was sold out!
Over the summer of 2022 the bakery thrived with support from the community and its team. Employing over 18 part time summer students and a host of volunteers to beautify the property making year one was a massive success!
The Village Green Bakery opens May Long weekend. Open on weekends only during the spring and fall and then over the summer it is open 7 days a week. The bakery is known for its hand made / rolled ‘beach bread’, cinnamon buns, face & imperial cookies, and a plethora of other cookies, buns and desserts. The bakery prides itself of supporting local and being very active in the community.