COBS Bread: Following your Heart will Lead to Success

In St. Thomas, Ontario, COBS Bread received support from the Community Futures Program through the Elgin Business Resource Centre. COBS Bread operates under the umbrella of Bakers Delight, an Australian bakery franchise with 145 establishments throughout Canada. Following extensive research, Alicia Ryckman identified St. Thomas as the ideal community to embark on her journey as a franchise owner. 

With the assistance of the Elgin Business Resource Centre, Ryckman obtained a loan to establish COBS Bread in October 2022. Within the initial weeks of operation, her franchise achieved record-breaking sales figures, surpassing all other franchises across Canada, a trend that continues to ascend. “I wish to thank the Elgin Business Resource Centre for their support during the period when I was purchasing my franchise. Their advice and financial support were instrumental in completing the start-up and allowed the project to move forward in a timely fashion.”   

Contributing to the community that has warmly embraced her store is a significant aspect of Ryckman’s mission. Through the “End of Day Giving Program,” all unsold products are generously donated to local charities daily. Furthermore, she and her team have fostered strong community connections by not only providing food donations but also organizing fundraisers to aid local causes that affect the community. 

When you find yourself in St. Thomas next, be sure to visit and indulge in a selection of delightful baked goods, pastries, and treats that are sure to leave a lasting impression.     

Community Futures Funding Partner:  

Rural businesses, organizations, and communities are the cornerstone of Canada’s economy. To ensure rural Canadians are positioned for success, the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), has partnered with the Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) across southern Ontario to provide access to the tools and support these businesses within their communities need to succeed.