From their famous apple fritters to traditional German stollen bread, The Rolling Pin makes and sells a wide variety of products to keep locals shopping in town.
And locals seem to love their bakery right back. In September, the bakery won the title of Sweetest Bakery in Canada after fans of the establishment cast their votes online and in store. Owners and staff celebrated their title with appetizers and cake giveaways during the Ho Ho Hope Christmas Festival Dec. 8.
READ MORE: Hope bakery in the running for ‘sweetest bakery in Canada’ title
“I think there was a lot of small-town pride behind the bakery. They’re proud of their bakery,” said Robin Stickle.
Many people voted online in the Dawn Foods contest, Stickle said, bringing The Rolling Pin to seventh place nationwide. Then when in-store votes were tallied, the bakery jumped several spots to nab the Western Canada title.
The winning ingredients are as follows, Stickle said: pride in putting out a great product, serving up fresh baked goods and hiring the best staff.
It’s very much a family affair: Robin and her husband Blake own the bakery and their son Russell and daughter-in-law Cara are part of the operation. Baby Max has also joined the team, but at six months he is not yet set up with an official role at the bakery.
READ MORE: ‘Don’t eat the green snow’
Items just fly off the shelves, Stickle said, and the bakery has grown from three staff to 10. Regulars from Hope or those who pass through on their drive from Vancouver know to order ahead to get what they want.
Apple fritters remain the all-time best selling item, but as the days count down to Christmas, Stickle said there are plenty of holiday goodies including “fruitcake and our stollen bread, and our macaroon cookies are just awesome.”
Is there more to this story?
news@hopestandard.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter