Our Story

Discover the journey of Josée, a passionate entrepreneur whose love for baking led to the creation of The Bread Essentials. From the acquisition of a French bakery to the transition to a gluten-free haven, our story is one of dedication, innovation, and delicious discoveries.

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February 2013
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idea iconBackground & Inspiration

Josée's entrepreneurial journey began with over 20 years of experience running startups across various industries. Despite her diverse background, her passion for baking remained constant. Hailing from Montreal, she honed her skills in bread making through interactions with local bakers, forming a particularly strong connection with a French baker. This connection ignited her desire to venture into the bakery business, ultimately leading her to purchase the French baker's bakery and relocate it to West Toronto, where she resided with her family. Josée's fusion of business acumen and her love for baking laid the foundation for her bakery venture.

idea iconAcquisition & Relocation

The decision to acquire the bakery business from the French baker was a pivotal moment for Josée. After months of discussions and negotiations, she finalized the purchase and embarked on the challenging task of relocating the bakery to West Toronto. This relocation represented a significant shift in her life and career, as she ventured into a new territory to pursue her passion for baking and entrepreneurship.

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June 2013
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November 2011
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idea iconHealth Discovery & Motivation

Despite her deep-seated love for baking, Josée faced a major obstacle when she discovered she had developed a gluten allergy in her forties. This health revelation served as a catalyst for her to explore the world of gluten-free baking. Motivated by her own dietary restrictions and the lack of high-quality gluten-free products in the market, Josée was determined to develop delicious and healthful gluten-free recipes to cater to individuals with similar dietary needs.

idea iconOpening of Dream Bakery

Josée's journey towards realizing her dream bakery was fraught with challenges. However, her perseverance paid off as she overcame various roadblocks to finally open the doors of her bakery. Committed to providing wholesome products, Josée introduced preservative-free and additive-free baked goods to her customers. Additionally, she organized baking workshops in the evenings and weekends, offering enthusiasts an opportunity to learn and appreciate the art of baking.

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February 2014
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June 2019
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idea iconTransition to Gluten-Free Bakery

Operating a bakery that catered to both gluten-free and regular dietary preferences posed logistical challenges for Josée. To address this, she devised a meticulous baking schedule, allocating specific days for gluten-free and regular baking respectively. However, as the bakery continued to grow, Josée recognized the increasing demands of maintaining a gluten-free environment amidst a diverse range of products. Thus, she made the bold decision to transition the entire bakery to gluten-free, aligning with her vision of providing safe and delicious options for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

idea iconBecoming Gluten-Free and Nut-Free

The official transition of The Bread Essentials to a gluten-free and nut-free bakery on July 30th, 2019, marked a significant milestone in Josée's journey. The announcement was met with an overwhelmingly positive reception from the Gluten-Free and Celiac community, who embraced the bakery as a safe haven free from the fear of cross-contamination. This recognition was further solidified by the certification of gluten-free status awarded by the Canadian Celiac Society on October 1st, 2019, cementing The Bread Essentials' reputation as a trusted provider of gluten-free products.

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June 2019
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More to Come