Barrie fans of the retail chain COBS Bread don't need to drive out of town to enjoy its tasty treats anymore.
“It has been a long time coming, but we are here now and look forward to many years to come,” COBS Bread local owner Lisa Mitchell tells BarrieToday.
Mitchell herself faced a long journey to make her dream come true. It took 18 months from the time she started to look into the business until the day she opened the franchise in December 2021.
By the time she completed her 16-week training at another COBS bakery to learn the basics of the baking and business model, there was COVID and the world stopped.
“Of course, a global pandemic was not part of the plan and the opening day was delayed several times," she says.
Despite the up and downs, the opening couldn’t be more gratifying.
“We had a successful opening day and opening week, and we thank all of our customers who made the first day and every day after a success," Mitchell says.
A popular bread-focused business, COBS Bread offers a variety of breads and other baked goods daily.
Mitchell says the sourdough bread is extremely popular, along with the high-fibre bread.
“Our high-fibre loaf tastes just like white bread, but has four times the soluble fibre, making it a healthy choice," she says.
Mitchell, who loves the Cape Seed Loaf, added that all the breads are made from scratch with no added preservatives or artificial ingredients.
As far as treats, she says the scones and danishes are customer favourites.
“Lemon blueberry scones probably top the list," Mitchell says.
In response to requests from customers in Barrie, the menu has expanded recently to include COBS Bread's marble rye and a cheddar garlic sourdough Vienna.
While the quality of the products is consistent with other COBS stores, Mitchell believes her customer service is their hallmark.
“Our staff takes great pride in our products and making our store look appealing to our customers. On special weekends, for example, we offer treats like banana chocolate chip scones and fun buns," she says.
The COBS Bread location, at the Big Bay Point and Yonge Street intersection, is also distinctive.
“We happen to be a larger COBS than most. Our location is wide, bright and the smell of fresh baked goods welcomes everyone," Mitchell says.
Despite the success, Mitchell still thinks the store is one of Barrie's best-kept secrets: “We need to get the word out that we are here and open seven days a week," she says.
Mitchell says it’s also not uncommon to hear customers say, "It's about time Barrie got a COBS!"
COBS Barrie is planning to host a belated opening day fundraiser this year, with all proceeds going to local charities.
“It is a bit late, as it typically occurs before opening, but due to cold weather in December and COVID, it had been postponed,” Mitchell says.
The store regularly donates all end-of-day products to local charities across Barrie supporting families in need.
COBS Bread Barrie is located at 494 Big Bay Point Rd., and opens Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.
