Meet Kate, Your New Local Bakery Owner in Scarborough, Ontario

Opening September 8 for Community Day, where 100% of sales will be donated to Boys and Girls Club of East Scarborough.

We’re so happy to introduce Kate, the proud owner of our newest bakery located in Scarborough, Ontario. Kate is passionate, community focused and a real go-getter. She is the perfect addition to our COBS Bread family and we’re so excited to have her on our team. Keep reading to learn a little more about Kate, what led her to this journey and how she plans on giving back to her community.

What did you do before becoming a COBS Bread bakery owner?

Very interesting question indeed! I did a lot of different things. My initial education was in Property or Estate Management but my first real job was in Corporate Banking – this was in my country of birth, Nigeria. I immigrated to Canada in 2003 and started in career in health care, first as a registered nurse and then as a nurse practitioner. I decided in 2019 that I wanted to give entrepreneurship a go and I couldn’t think of a better partner than COBS Bread and here we are!!! I am about to open my first bakery and the first COBS in the Scarborough area!

When did you join the COBS Bread family? Why did you decide to go with COBS?

I officially joined the COBS Bread family as a trainee franchisee in March 2021.

I decided to open a COBS Bread Bakery for a number of reasons. First, I love COBS Bread!!! Second, I share all the values and ideals that has distinguished COBS Bread from others – freshness, passion, quality, and community. Third, who does not like fresh baked goods? I saw the COBS Bread business model as one that filled a real gap in the community and therefore, will be less vulnerable to economic uncertainty.

What are you looking forward to about your new bakery?

I am looking forward to baking wonderful loaves, and treats every day for our community. I am also looking forward to creating jobs and opportunity in the community but most importantly, I am looking forward to engaging with the community and giving back.

Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker?

No!!! I was not much of a baker at all!!! Let’s say I cooked much more than I baked.

How are you planning on getting involved in the community?

I am planning on being very actively involved with the community not just through our End of Day Giving program, but being visible at other community events and in local schools. We will be supporting appropriate local events by providing some of our delicious baked treats!  As the bakery operator, I have also adopted a strategy of hiring really local, with a goal of 60% of our staff being from within a 5 to 8km radius of the bakery and we are working closely with community agencies to support that effort!!!

What charity are you partnering with for Community Day?

We are partnering with Boys and Girls Club (BGC) of East Scarborough. BGC East Scarborough seeks to provide a holistic approach as it supports children, youth and families to pursue healthy lifestyles, personal competency, self-esteem, social and cultural integration and a sense of belonging.

I chose BGC East Scarborough because I know the important role played by community organizations in supporting families. As a new immigrant to Canada in 2003, I certainly benefited from programs and services offered in the community. In addition, as a nurse practitioner, I can attest to the benefits of organizations such as BGC East Scarborough in supporting families, youth and vulnerable populations in our city. They are an important part of what it takes to build healthy, diverse, and vibrant communities!!!

And a couple of questions, just for fun!

If you were a treat or loaf from COBS, which one would you be and why?

Sourdough loaf! Tough and crusty on the outside but full of flavor on the inside!

What’s in your favourite sandwich?

My favorite sandwich is an avocado and egg sandwich made with COBS Higher Fibre Loaf!

What’s your favourite baking pun or joke?

Bake it till you make it.

Join Kate and her team on September 8 for Community Day at COBS Bread Morningside Crossing! If you’re interested in opening your own COBS Bread bakery, inquire today.