Cobs Bread Bakery raises $7,500 for Family Transition Place on opening day

By Sam Odrowski

A newly opened area business made a big splash on its opening day, raising around $7,500 for Family Transition Place (FTP) and completely selling out of baked goods.

Cobs Bread Bakery, located at 489 Broadway, marked its opening in Orangeville last Wednesday, July 20, with a charitable effort, donating 100 per cent of all sales to FTP, who supports women and families impacted by domestic violence.

By 4 p.m. on Wednesday the bakery, that makes everything fresh daily, was completely sold out except for a couple loaves of bread, according to the business's owner, Amber North.

“Thank you, Orangeville. The support has been overwhelmingly positive. It's been non-stop,” North enthused. “The customers have been very patient with us, which has been really nice. We're seeing lots of smiles… there hasn't been one cranky customer yet.”

For the grand opening on July 21, following the donation day to FTP, several dignitaries presented congratulatory certificates to the local Cobs.  

Orangeville Mayor Sandy Brown, Deputy Mayor Andy Macintosh, Councillor Joe Andrews, Lucy Gallagher from Dufferin Board of Trade and MPP Sylvia Jones were in attendance.

“They've donated $7,500 for Family Transition Place, a great way to introduce themselves to the community and help one of our iconic charities here in town,” said Mayor Brown at the opening. “They've got 18 staff members hired. We love it when new businesses open up here and invest in Orangeville, helping with employment – it's fantastic.”

Deputy Mayor Macintosh echoed Mayor Brown's comments.

“Orangeville's a growing town, and it's great to see businesses like this investing in our town,” he said. “It's only going to get better.”

Councillor Andrews, who sits on the town's Economic Development Committee, said it's great to have another bakery in town, especially one that gives back to the community.

He also noted the bakery's popularity is a great sign of strength for Orangeville following economic troubles during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Just looking at the lineup of people who have been here the last number of days. It's super to see, especially during a recovery,” Councillor Andrews remarked.

“As we're going through this recovery, we're seeing inflationary concerns and to have someone who's taken two years to invest in our community and open the door, to me, that's a great success story.”

Cobs Bread Bakery sells a variety of loaves, croissants, scones, and Danishes – baked fresh each day. Baked goods that aren't sold are then donated to charities such as FTP, Choices Youth and Men's Shelter, the Lighthouse, and Salvation Army. Other not-for-profit organizations that might benefit from the end of day giving program at Cobs can inquire with the bakery at 519-938-8889.