Leamington Bakery Celebrates 25 Years of Building Community and Loving Local
For 25 years, Lakeside Bakery Deli Café has been more than just a place to grab a sweet treat; it’s been a pillar of the Leamington community, baked into some of life’s most cherished moments.
From baby showers and first birthdays to communions, weddings, and anniversaries, Lakeside’s handcrafted cakes and pastries have sweetened countless milestones for generations of families across Essex County.
Built on connection, care, and a deep-rooted love for the people it serves, the family-owned bakery has also placed a strong emphasis on supporting local and creating a space for friends and neighbours to gather, solidifying itself as a true community hub.
“Growing up in a small town, I was always taught to support your local community,” says Lakeside owner Danielle Tartaro. “The first thing I did when I came into the business was think about how I could create a space where everyone feels welcome and give as much local love as possible.”
Since taking over as sole proprietor in 2007, Tartaro has done just that; shaping Lakeside into a business that feels personal to so many. Backed by a talented culinary team and a reputation for stunning, high-quality pastries, breads, and more, Lakeside continues to grow while staying true to its foundation.
As the business celebrates its 25th anniversary, the third generation entrepreneur says she’s excited for the opportunities that lay ahead, including more events in their newly revamped space, plus expanded reach through new retail partnerships.
While the bakery’s recent renovations have brought a modern look to the beloved space, Tartaro says its heart remains the same: a warm, welcoming hub where memories are made.
“With the 25 year celebration, I really wanted to keep that original Lakeside charm, but update things and sort of soften the palette, bring in beautiful new lighting, and add some European-inspired touches, like the Parisian stained glasses windows.”
Tartaro, whose Italian roots inspire her passion for hospitality, loves the fact that the business has become a destination for so many; drawing in people from all across the region looking to shop and connect with friends over a meal or cup of coffee.
“We’ve got a space here that’s for everyone from age two to 92,” she says. “Although we’ve evolved, we’ve still kept that cozy café vibe and a really pretty marketplace section with high end gourmet products, cute gift ideas, and local items.”
“When people visit, we want them to be able to shop around, enjoy a beautiful meal, and go home with a nice grocery bag of items.”
The new space also lends itself to other uses, including event space for private parties, as well as workshops, including cookie and cupcake decorating classes for kids and ‘build your own’ charcuterie board and cake making date night events for grownups.
“The workshops we’ve done so far have been really well received,” she notes. “We’ve also hosted several private celebrations, with more booked throughout the summer.”
Although the café is designed for people to enjoy, Tartaro has also made sure to carve out a spot for customers with hectic schedules, offering an expanded ‘grab and go’ counter filled with soups, salads, sandwiches, and other healthy meal options.
“It’s fresh food, fast. It’s not fast food. And the bread is baked every single day. The deli meats are sliced every single day. You just cannot find a fresher meal.”
Tartaro knows it’s not just aesthetics that keep people coming back. It’s Lakeside’s commitment to sourcing fresh, local ingredients for all their offerings.
“From using Highland Mushrooms to Mucci produce and all the other beautiful produce we have here in Leamington, we really try to draw as much as we can from our community,” Tartaro says. “Everything from our meats and cheese to only carrying local wines. You can really taste the difference with the products we use.”
That dedication to freshness also applies to their renowned pastry offerings, meticulously crafted by Lakeside’s long-serving culinary team, including head baker Jordan Hatt, who has been with the business for 25 years.
“Every person has such a passion for what they’re doing,” says Tartaro. “Our team makes everything from scratch and they pour their love and passion into their work every single day.”
Lakeside’s longstanding reputation for excellence has created a growing demand for their signature breads, pastries, and baked goods well beyond their café doors. Their commitment to quality has earned them shelf space in local markets throughout the region, and even across the border in Michigan, where select products are available at various high end markets and Kroger stores.
Most recently, Lakeside has expanded into Sobeys, making it even easier for customers to enjoy their favourites at Sobeys and Foodland locations across Southwestern Ontario; a proud milestone that reflects both the popularity and consistent quality of the Lakeside brand.
“With a higher demand for locally-made, Canadian products, it was just the right fit and the right time and it’s been fantastic,” shares Tartaro.
But despite the expansions and continued growth, Tartaro says Lakeside will always remain that warm, welcoming gathering space where customers come to enjoy good food and good company.
“We love seeing people stop in for all their favourites, especially during the summertime,” she smiles. “So many people come enjoy gelato on the patio, or pick up sandwiches for a picnic at Point Pelee. We love being a part of all those moments.”
