Little dough needed for a career kneading dough: How to win a B.C. bakery
When B.C. couple Robyn and Shawn Haley decided to retire, they wanted to ensure their plan wasn’t just another half-baked scheme.
Rather than selling their Kamloops business, Erwin’s Fine Baking and Delicatessen—a community staple since 1971, the husband and wife decided to put on a contest to find the rightful owner.
Speaking to CTV Morning Live on Friday, Robyn Haley says the seeds for the idea were planted five years ago, after she read a story about a woman who gave her home away through a contest.
“It gave a family who would never have the ability to afford a home like that the opportunity to have a future there. It really got me thinking, ‘Why couldn’t we do this with a business?’” Haley said.
The contest officially launched in April and the deadline for entries—which each cost $1,000—is July 20, with the possibility of an extension if the minimum of 500 entries isn’t received by then.
Applicants must be aged 19 or older. On top of paying the entry fee, candidates must submit an essay about themselves and why they should win the bakery, which is valued at $395,000.
Once the contest closes, two independent judges will narrow the finalists down to the top 10 before determining the winner and three runners up.
“We’re looking for someone who has business experience, whether it’s transferable from one industry to another, a good support network, drive and the vision to keep this business going for the next 50 years,” Haley said.
She describes the bakery as a traditional, small batch, made-from-scratch bakery, where the ingredients used are ones that most people already have available at home.
While the winner is welcome to change the name of the bakery, Haley cautions against it.
“The name means a lot in this community, so I would think long and hard about changing it,” she said.
As the end of the couple’s ownership nears, Haley says she and her husband are starting to exchange phone numbers with locals and regulars.
“One of the hardest parts for both of us about retiring is stepping away from the customers we’ve become so attached to. Not seeing them is going to be a transition for us,” said Haley.
Anyone interested in putting their name in the baker’s hat can find more information at ownabakery.ca.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.