1. Crumb Queen

2. Fantasy Club Books

3. Friend Bakery & Pizza

Cloe Wiebe, the driving force behind Crumb Queen, discovered her passion for baking at a young age, sharing moments with her mom in the kitchen. Today, her bakery stands as a favourite spot in Winnipeg.

The vibrant walls are adorned with work from local artists, including pieces brought from home and others curated by Meganelizabeth Diamond. T-shirts hang on the wall behind the counter, adding a personalized touch.

The bakery’s soothing, light-pink colour scheme and wooden counter create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The smell of fresh honey crullers permeates the air, and through the slight open box frame, the hustle and bustle in the kitchen is visible as bakers prepare delectable treats.

Just outside, a sign on the street calls visitors in, inviting them to experience the cozy charm within.

The menu promises an array of delights, including breads, cookies and pastries. The new location not only showcases Crumb Queen’s beloved crullers but also lists “Andy’s Lunch @11” on the menu, where Andy Koropatnick, Wiebe's partner, shares his culinary talent.

“It’s been really fun to collaborate with Andy and make the place our own,” Wiebe says.

Crumb Queen began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Wiebe found solace and joy in connecting with others through baking.

“I was just happy to interact with anybody, because that was when you were only allowed to have one person in your apartment at a time,” she says. “It was fun to talk to people, and that was also a good way to see friends and family, because they would come and pick up orders so then we could chat.”

Crumb Queen gained Instagram popularity, leading to weekly micro-bakery popups. The bakery’s success surged in the fall, when Wiebe found a new home in Osborne Village.

Reflecting on Crumb Queen’s success, Wiebe says she is forever grateful for the support.

“I’m always shocked. I was shocked every single week and even now, though it’s been three years since I started,” she says. “I have days where I’m like, ‘No one’s coming today. The hype is dead,’ and then we have a great day.”

Published in Volume 78, Number 12 of The Uniter (November 30, 2023)