Located in the West End of Winnipeg, Eadha Bakery Co-Op is a small but mighty bakery that specializes in sourdough bread and pastries. In addition to providing delicious baked goods, Eadha also supports their community with donations, fundraiser initiatives, and a voucher program. Another way that they invest in their community is by supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ members, especially with their co-op business model that lowers the barrier of entry for people who may traditionally face obstacles. All of Eadha’s employees are also owners of the bakery. We spoke with Worker-Owner and Product Developer, Nicole, to learn more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Eadha Bakery Worker Co-op. We aim to be a vital presence in our community, and we do that primarily by serving sourdough baked goods to community members.
What made you want to do this work?
I’ve always loved creating things with my hands, so when the opportunity presented itself to be part of the development of this worker’s co-operative, it just made sense.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
Young adults these days are rarely given the opportunity to own their own business; it becomes even more difficult when you are 2SLGBTQIA+. By having a worker co-op business model, the employees are also the owners, giving everyone autonomy over their work environment. We operate under an anti-colonial, anti-racist, pro Trans, pro Queer mandate. All of the bakery’s members are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. To sum it up, we’re just some gays making bread for our community. 😛
Who are your clientele/demographics?
I’d say we have a vast array of clientele. Sourdough connoisseurs, West End locals, University of Winnipeg goers.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We sell baked goods and other ready-to-eat food items. The storefront sells sourdough bread, sourdough treats, hot espresso and tea, soup, and sandwiches. We also offer catering services and wholesale to other local shops in Winnipeg.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Our storefront is located at 577 Ellice Avenue, the purple building across the street from the West End Cultural Centre! But you can also find our products sold or cooked with at Fools + Horses, King Cob Pub, Bonfire Bistro, and Organic Planet Worker Co-op.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
What is so special about YOUR sourdough? Everything we bake is sourdough, old-fashioned style, 24-hour slow fermentation. Fermented grains offer a multitude of health benefits, including good gut health and smaller sugar/carbohydrate intake. We use no yeast nor preservatives, just sourdough cultures and hard-working hands. We also source local ingredients from other Manitoban businesses.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part of what we do at Eadha is our Pay it Forward Voucher Program! Customers can leave behind a monetary amount that then becomes a food voucher for our West End community members who otherwise cannot afford our products. We offer these food vouchers every day that we’re open, and they are used quite frequently. The hardest part of owning any small business is trying to make funds spread as far as you can dream.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
Baker’s Lung, haha. Look it up 😛
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Facebook | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
There’s so many to list, so I’ll have to limit it to two. Matter Queer Space Manitoba AND Ritual Tattoo Shop Winnipeg.
