It feels like home when you walk in – the store is warm and welcoming, the bakery smells are wonderful and the staff is friendly. This year marks the tenth anniversary of this niche market bakery. Both Amanda and partner Mark Istvanffy are looking ahead to the future optimistically and considering in which areas to expand their business.
Having lived overseas, Amanda and Mark moved back to Canada in 2004 and had a small shop retailing Asian Imports when the opportunity arose in 2007 to purchase the 19th century historical building where their business is now located. They began by operating a traditional health food store with their then-toddler Naiya by their sides. From there, the store blossomed into a vibrant and welcoming location offering a gluten-free bakery and a number of complementary gourmet and vegan cooking ingredients.
With seven full-time staff, The Cackling Goose produces a wide range of fresh baked goods and daily lunch specials made from scratch in a dedicated gluten-free and vegetarian kitchen. The sticky buns fly off the pans as soon as they’re cool! In addition to flours, herbs and spices, the store is lined with shelves of high quality dietary supplements, Fair Trade organic coffee and tea, local and international foods and earth and family-friendly household and body products.
The Cackling Goose is more than a store. It is an active vibrant meeting place. With its inside dining space and two outdoor patios, it is a safe environment to gather and relax. Anyone who loves good food and cares for their health and environment will find this to be a treasure trove of good things.
Over their first ten years, Amanda and Mark have received numerous accolades on behalf of The Cackling Goose: highlighted in the Baker’s Journal of Canada national industry magazine in 2015; a listing in the 2016 summer issue of Allergic Living magazine distributed across North America; and a Young Entrepreneurs of the Year award presented by the CBDC in 2012. Despite being busy with their business and family (daughter Naiya is now 11 and son Ezra is in his second year of university), both Amanda and Mark have been actively involved in organizations like the Canadian Business Development Corporation, Tantramar Planning Commission, Greater Sackville Chamber of Commerce, Mainstreet Redevelopment, Canadian Federation of Independent Business and others.
Where will the business lead the co-owners in the coming years? “Expansion,” says Mark without hesitation. The bakery is already a value-added business featuring take-out, U-Bake and ready-to-serve options. A selection of their gluten-free baked goods are available at an increasing number of specialty cafés and shops. They will continue to expand their wholesale business while exploring other growth opportunities.
With an increase in the number of out-of-town customers and a steady growth in those who travel greater distances, The Cackling Goose Market has established a widespread reputation as a gluten-free, vegetarian, foodie and family destination. Says Mark, “Challenges? We’ve had lots. Mistakes? We’ve made lots – but we’ve also learned from them.” The result is that their products have become well-known and in demand.
The Cackling Goose Market is located at 38 York St. in Sackville. Their hours of operation are Monday – Friday 9AM – 6PM; Saturday 9AM – 5PM; closed on Sunday. Check out The Cackling Goose Market on Facebook, message them @cacklinggoosemarket, email [email protected], phone them at (506) 536-2303 or take a look at their website – http://www.cacklinggoosemarket.ca
