With the opening of her fourth COBS Bread bakery, Steff continues to grow her mission of delivering delicious, freshly baked goods to even more neighbourhoods. Her journey has been fuelled by a deep commitment to quality, customer connection, and building strong local teams. Each bakery she opens becomes more than just a place to pick up bread—it becomes a cornerstone of the community. Let’s get to know her a bit better:

Tell us a little bit about yourself

My background was in restaurant management, but my husband and I had always dreamed of having our own business. The timing was right, I saw a COBS social media post about owning a bakery and not knowing what COBS Bread was all about, I went to the website to find out and really loved what I saw. We made a trip to Mississauga to see a bakery and try a bunch of products, and we were hooked!  

When did you join the COBS Bread family? Why did you decide to open a COBS Bread Bakery? 

I started my COBS Bread Franchisee training in Nov 2016 and have never looked back! We opened The Boardwalk in July 2017, Fairway Plaza Dec 2018, Blackstone Jan 2022 and I am thrilled and so proud to be the only Franchisee in Eastern Canada and the US with about to be 4 bakeries when Sunfish opens in the spring of 2025. I couldn’t do any of this without my incredible family and amazing bakery teams and managers. They all truly believe in my passion and help make the magic happen everyday.

What did you do before working at COBS? 

Professionally, I spent 15 years in restaurant management and a number of years operating a home-based daycare when my own kids were younger. For fun, I ran marathons!

What are you looking forward to about your new bakery? 

I LOVE all my bakeries. They are all so special to me in different ways. I’ve been referring to them as my eldest, my middle child and my baby. With a 4th on the way, I’m going to need to come up with a new reference – lol. Opening a bakery is epic! The excitement in creating another exceptional COBS Bread is unlike anything else. We’re working on our next banner catchphrase but everyone knows it’s going to be DELIGHTFUL!

Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker? 

I am a serious foodie; I cook and bake every single day.

How are you planning on getting involved in the community? 

I was born and raised in KW, my husband has lived here for basically 40 years now, and our kids have always called this home. We are very rooted in the KW community. With our 3 bakeries we have been able to support more than 21 charity partners in our End of Day Giving Program alone. The number of charities and events we support outside of that is countless. With COBS Bread Sunfish on the way, it only strengthens our reach.

What’s in your favourite sandwich? 

Cape Seed with ANYTHING!! It is such an amazing loaf and my staff start laughing when I start talking to customers about it. But if you want sandwich details… Perfect with fork mashed avocado on one side, hummus on the other, shaved turkey breast, provolone, cucumber, green peppers, tomato and spinach.

The post Sunfish Plaza – Steff’s 4th Bakery appeared first on COBS Bread.

Check out their video below, and read on below to learn more about how the Cripps are contributing to the community of Dartmouth.

What did you do before working at COBS?

Prior to working with COBS, Rebecca worked in the culinary field, and Ben worked towards completing two degrees at Cape Breton University. We both adore food, and grew up baking with our late grandmother. We cannot wait to introduce our delicious products to this new market and celebrate fresh in Dartmouth this summer.

When did you join the COBS Bread family?

We first reached out to COBS in 2018 and began our journey. I (Rebecca) moved to Toronto for  months to complete training and learn all the tips and tricks. Ben joined me to focus on sales, and as a team we completed our training program. From there, we opened our Bedford location in February 2020. With the help of our generous community and wonderful staff, we are grateful to keep our doors open during the trying times associated with COVID-19.

Why did you decide to open a COBS Bread bakery?

We decided to open a COBS Bread because they offered us an opportunity to do what we love and work together as a family. COBS has given us the chance to help those in need with our End Of Day giving program which assists local charities with food donations. This is something we are very proud of and pride ourselves on giving back.

Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker?

Prior to joining COBS, I (Rebecca) worked in the culinary industry and did a lot of baking in my spare time. Baking has been a way for me to destress, and is something especially important to me. Ben wasn’t always a baker, but in the past few years he has really enjoyed learning the ropes!

How are you planning on getting involved in the community?

We have met a lot of great members of our community with the charity events we have done thus far. We have fundraises for Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank, Freedom Kitchen and Closet, and Soul’s Harbour Rescue Mission. In total we were able to raise over $15,000 and we look forward to working with new charities at our Dartmouth Location.

In addition to that, both Ben and I adore animals, and began sponsoring a kennel at the SPCA in Dartmouth last year. We will be sponsoring another one with the opening of Tacoma Plaza. These dollars go toward care, food, and medical treatments for animals in need.

If you were a treat or loaf from COBS, which one would you be and why? 

Ben: I am a Fun Bun; I am sweet, fun, and ready to celebrate

Rebecca: I am a Cheese and Chive Scone because I pair well with everything!

What’s in your favourite sandwich?

Ben: Montreal smoked meat on COBS Bread Sourdough with honey mustard, sauerkraut, and swiss cheese.

Rebecca: Mixed meat sub at 2 Boys Smokehouse & Deli, a local butcher shop with amazing sandwiches!  Always extra cucumber, cheese, toasted, honey mustard. It’s the real deal.

Thinking of opening a COBS Bread bakery in your community? Click to inquire today to start the process!

The post Meet the Cripps – AGAIN! Franchisees of COBS Bread in Dartmouth, NS appeared first on COBS Bread.

What did you do before you started with COBS?

Before joining COBS, I was a community pharmacist. I owned my own, independent drug store for 5 years and prior to that, was a franchise owner of Shoppers Drug Mart, also for 5 years.

When did you first start your COBS Bread journey? Why did you decide to open your own bakery?

I recently joined the COBS team in June 2020, as a franchisee in training. I have always loved COBS; they are a strong, staple bakery in Canada, have premium, quality products and superior customer service.

What are you looking forward to about your bakery?

I am most looking forward to working as a team, with both the bakers and sales team members.

I also love how supporting local charities and organizations, through the End of Day Giving program and various community partnerships, is built into the foundation of COBS Bread. I can’t wait to continue building these relationships.

Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker?

To be honest, not really! Some home baking occasionally. However, I have already learnt so much and can’t wait for what’s to come.

How do you plan on getting involved in the community? 

We will continue to support our local community through our End of Day Giving program, where all leftover bread and treats find a home at the end of the each day. Through our Dough Raiser program, we will continue to support our local clubs and schools that the bakery has partnered with, by donating 5% of each sale back to them.

Once our current climate changes, we look forward to participating in local events and getting involved in anyway we can.

What’s your favourite sandwich?

Smoked salmon sandwich on a Cape® Seed Loaf – my favourite!

For more information:

Bakery Location: Click here

The post Meet Mahmoud, Franchisee of COBS Bread Westshore in Langford, BC! appeared first on COBS Bread.

When did you first start your COBS Bread journey? Why did you decide to open your second bakery?

I began my journey with COBS in 2014, training in Toronto, Ontario. In June of 2016, I opened my first bakery in Stamford, Connecticut.

We wanted to make sure we got it right with our first bakery location: we wanted to develop strong connections with our customers and communities while bringing them the freshest baked bread and treats. After 5 years, we were ready. We couldn’t think of a better place to open our second bakery than in the community we know and have loved for the past 12 years. An added bonus that it’s right down the street from where myself and my family lives.

What did you do before you started with COBS?

I worked in investment banking for 29 years and had the opportunity to work in Australia, Japan, England and New York.

What do you enjoy the most about being a franchisee?

I love the freedom and flexibility of owning my own business. It is even better when you can introduce a product to your community and country that is baked fresh every day, handcrafted and unlike anything I’ve ever had. It is so great to hear from our customers how much they love our products and how much joy it brings them.

I also enjoy being able to work with my family and have them be apart of this experience. It has been great to teach the ins and outs to my son, Tom, who will continue to help operate the bakery.

Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker?

I have always loved cooking. When I left my career in finance, I attended culinary school. I loved all aspects of my training, and although it was not my first time baking, I took an extra liking to bread and pastries.

What charities have you partnered with? 

We have partnered with Boys and Girls Clubs of America in Greenwich. We recognize and appreciate the local, community impact they have made, as well as their nationwide footprint. They have done so much to provide and promote safe, positive and inclusive environments for all young people. We look forward to working with them when we host Community Day and with future events.

We are also so fortunate to work with Swim Across America, who we have partnered with since we opened our first bakery in Stamford. They host charity swim events across the country, in which the proceeds fund life saving cancer research and clinical trials. We also have begun working closely with Food Rescue US, one of our End of Day Giving partners. They connect food providers with their volunteers who graciously bring surplus food to a number of different community kitchens, food pantries or charities.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to play golf and enjoy fly fishing.

If you were a treat or loaf from COBS, which one would you be and why?

White Flour Loaf. It is unassuming but has hidden impact in flavour!

What’s your favourite sandwich?

A roast chicken sandwich with mayonnaise, a little bit of lemon and lettuce. And although you already know my go-to loaf, the Sourdough Loaf, fresh out of the oven, is also hard to beat!

For more information:

Bakery Location: Click here

The post Meet Rob, Franchisee of the Second COBS Bread USA Bakery! appeared first on COBS Bread.

How did you start your COBS Bread Journey?

I began my journey with COBS in 2007 as as a part-time sales assistant while in high school. Shortly after graduating, I joined the baking team. This was my true calling; quickly after, I was offered the position of Production Manager and eventually, Bakery Manager.

My experience and passion for my career led me to help with the opening of new COBS Bread bakeries and participate in COBS bi-annual Baking Competition, an event to revise, improve and perfect a COBS product sold in bakeries everyday. I also was acknowledged in the Gillespie Awards for my excellence in baking. I even travelled to Australia to attend an International Conference with COBS parent company, Bakers Delight.

I held my position as Bakery Manager for 5 years before this new opportunity as a franchise owner was presented. I really feel that I have grown up within the COBS community and have found another family, from the many bakery owners to the Support Office. I have loved every minute of it and am so excited for this next chapter!

What are you looking forward to about your new bakery?

I am looking forward to helping my staff grow and develop, similar to my experience within the bakery. I also am looking forward to seeing the smiles on customers faces as they buy their favourite bread or treats and knowing that I had a hand in it.

I look forward to growing within the community of Fort Saskatchewan and making personal connections with local charities and organisations. I really want to be the “Local Community Baker” that everyone can rely on.

Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker?

In high school, not only did I love cooking class but it was the area I excelled in the most.

Loaf Out Loud!

What’s in your favourite sandwich?

My all-time favourite sandwich would be a grilled cheese on our Cheese, Herb & Garlic Pullapart! With a Double Chocolate Scone for dessert, of course.

What’s your favourite baking pun or joke?

Well, it’s been a slice! (As you leave the bakery at the end of your shift)

For more information:

Bakery Location: Click here

Interested in being a part of our growing bakery network? Inquire about opening a bakery today!

The post Meet Scott, Our New Franchisee of COBS Fort Sask appeared first on COBS Bread.

When Did You Join the COBS Bread family?

I joined the COBS Bread family in April of 2016. That was when I signed my commitment papers to become a Franchisee in Waterloo. I always had thoughts of being an Owner/Operator of a Franchise – it just took 20+ years to find the best franchise to join. My first bakery, COBS The Boardwalk opened to Community Day on June 5, 2017 in Waterloo. My second bakery, COBS Fairway Plaza will be opening on Mon, December 17, 2018 in Kitchener and we will celebrate our community day, when we donate 100% of sales to a charity on that day, in the new year.

What Did You Do Before Buying a Bakery?

Before joining the COBS network, I was in restaurant management.

Why Did You Choose COBS?

I picked COBS as my Franchisor of choice for a few reasons. I LOVED the product when I tried it. I loved the look, smell and feel of a COBS Bread bakery. The business model from a financial point was attractive. I very much appreciated the process that was involved in becoming a Franchisee. I didn’t want to be part of an organization that allows anyone in without ensuring they are a strong candidate for the brand.

What’s Life Like After Opening Your First Bakery?

I love my COBS life. My bakery is my happy place and having 2 bakeries just makes me happier! I have a huge sense of pride in the product we are putting out. I have the best customers in the world and I look forward to getting to know more at our new location.

Who Are Your Community Partners?

Our new End of Day Giving Partners for Fairway Plaza include: Doon/Pioneer Park Food Cupboard, Out of the Cold, House of Friendship, and Food Bank Elmira. We still have a few spots open. Interested charities can reach out.

I am born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo. I am very connected to this community and that has only grown since I opened The Boardwalk location. Having a second location will allow me to reach that many more organizations throughout the region. I’ve participated in so many product donations and player of the game cards for kids sports teams. I would love to see our presence at more community events in future, and I will always continue to support organizations as I’m able.

What Do You Like To Do In Your Spare Time?

At times I get a little concentrated in my bakery operations, but when time does allow, I love to run! I’ve participated in many marathons and I love our local running community. I keep promising them I’ll get back to more km’s soon.

The post Why Steff Franchised a Second COBS Bread Bakery appeared first on COBS Bread.

When did you join the COBS Bread franchise family and what inspired you to do so?

I joined the COBS family in July of 2018 after doing some extensive research about the company, the phenomenal products, and the community-based approach to doing business. Bread is the original comfort food, and it’s so much more. It’s the staple to family meals, and fuel for different sports. COBS is particularly unique because we are involved in our communities and help out whenever we can.

What were you up to before joining COBS?

Before COBS, I worked for A&W’s corporate office in restaurant operations and prior to that, at Tim Horton’s corporate office in restaurant operations. This experience gave me a unique perspective on how franchises are run and what separates good operators from great operators – I can’t wait to join the list of GREAT operators!

Why did you decide to open a COBS Bread bakery?

Quite simply, the business model. Premium quality products, baked from scratch everyday with unsold product being donated to local charities each and every day. It feels great that I can serve products that I’m truly proud of while at the same time provide high quality food for those who need it most.

What do you enjoy the most about owning a franchise?

My team! People are the backbone of the business and I strive to be the type of coach that staff enjoy working with. As a franchisee it’s on me to make sure that the atmosphere in the bakery is light and fun – sure it’s hard work, but we have a great time together.

How are you planning on getting involved in the community?

Our opening day will be a Community Day. The Milton District Hospital Foundation will be receiving 100% of our sales. Every COBS Bread hosts a community day when they open. I really believe it’s such a fantastic way to say ‘thanks’ right off the bat to our new neighbours.

Throughout the year we will be supporting several causes and charities through our End of Day Giving initiative: Some of the ones I’ve set up so far are

• Salvation Army Food Bank
• Lunchbox Café
• Darling Home for Kids
• I. Dick Middle School Breakfast Program

I’ve lived in Milton for 8 years and truly love it here There are great things to do, and great people! My goal is to provide gainful employment and career growth opportunities for members of the community. Furthermore, I’m looking forward to sponsoring events, teams, and local initiatives.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending time with my wife, Michelle and 2 daughters, Mia and Sienna. I’m also an avid basketball fan and have been a Raptors die-hard since day 1!

The post Franchisee Adil Hanif Brings COBS Bread to Milton, ON appeared first on COBS Bread.