1. Gâto
2. Willow Press
3. La Taqueria Mexican Tacos

Even in 2021, being voted favourite local new independent business is no small feat. Despite the economic challenges caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, numerous small businesses have opened up in Winnipeg over the past few years and are flourishing.

Gâto, founded in 2018 by Laura Ghurboo, is one of the newest additions to the city’s thriving bakery scene.

“I started it at my place, in my own kitchen, and I was baking for the farmer’s market,” she says.

“I’ve been a baker for years. It was something I’d do after coming home from work as a passion,” Ghurboo, who is both owner and operator of Gâto, says.

What sets it apart from other bakeries, however, is its explicit focus on providing sustainable goods.

“When we started, we wanted to make products that are a little bit better for the environment, but also tasty,” Ghurboo says.

She says all her products are either locally or sustainably sourced. Furthermore, Gâto’s offerings include both vegan and non-vegan options.

“We are trying to introduce people to more vegan alternatives so that, perhaps, people who would not have tried it might be interested in it, and maybe they’ll even like it,” Ghurboo says.

She adds that Gâto offers the only vegan sourdough croissant in Winnipeg.

“It’s definitely a feat, since they’re very hard to make,” she says, laughing.

Gâto’s menu is wide-ranging. It includes cronuts, cakes, éclairs, bread and macarons. They are currently featuring holiday-themed items, such as snowmen, Christmas cookies, Yule logs and a croissant wreath (which is even more impressive than it sounds).

Published in Volume 76, Number 12 of The Uniter (December 2, 2021)