Business Details
35 Years
experience
Artisan Organic Sourdough Bakery in Toronto
St John's Bakery is an award-winning non-profit social enterprise dedicated to crafting high-quality organic sourdough breads and baked goods. Founded 34 years ago through the St. John the Compassionate Mission, we combine traditional French baking methods with a commitment to social impact. Our bread-making process, rooted in 200-year-old Breton recipes, takes over 48 hours to complete using certified organic flour. We prioritize community empowerment by providing employment and skill development opportunities for marginalized individuals, including immigrants, recovering addicts, and people with disabilities.Our mission extends beyond bread, focusing on individual healing and preparing employees for permanent work beyond our bakery. Recognized by Toronto Life, the Toronto Star, and United Way, we maintain a reputation as one of Toronto's most unique artisan bakeries while serving fine grocery outlets, restaurants, and farmers markets across the region.
Services
Sourdough Breads
Wholesale Delivery
Retail Sales
Artisan Baked Goods
Bread Catering
Farmers Market Sales
Sandwich Buns
Dinner Rolls
Specialty Pastries
Custom Baking
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We have 34 years of experience in traditional French sourdough baking
- Our bakery provides employment training for marginalized individuals
- We use 100% certified organic flour in all our products
- Our recipes originate from Brittany, France with strict methodology
- We've received social employment awards from Toronto Life and United Way
Services
Sourdough Breads
Our signature sourdough breads use traditional French methods requiring over 48 hours of preparation. Made with certified organic flour, these breads feature unique textures and flavors from natural fermentation. Each loaf embodies our commitment to quality and tradition while supporting our social mission through employment training programs.
Wholesale Delivery
We supply premium organic breads to restaurants, grocery stores, and catering businesses across Toronto. Our wholesale service maintains strict quality control while offering volume pricing. This service supports our social enterprise model by expanding employment opportunities through increased production demands.
Retail Sales
Our Toronto retail location offers fresh-baked breads daily, including specialty items like Cilantro Olive Sourdough and Celtic Multigrain. Customers experience artisan baking firsthand while directly supporting our community programs. The retail operation serves as both revenue source and training ground for employees.
Bread Catering
We provide fresh-baked bread solutions for restaurants and special events across Ontario. Our catering service features signature sourdough varieties and custom bread options. This service extends our social impact by creating temporary employment opportunities for trainees during high-volume periods.
Skill Training
Our social enterprise model offers professional baking training to marginalized individuals. Participants learn traditional techniques while gaining practical experience in all bakery operations. The program focuses on both technical skills and personal development to prepare trainees for permanent employment in the food industry.
Questions
What makes St. John's Bakery different from other bakeries?
We combine traditional French sourdough methods with a social enterprise model, providing employment training for marginalized individuals while using 100% organic flour.
Do you offer wholesale options for restaurants and retailers?
Yes, we supply organic breads to restaurants, grocery stores, and catering businesses across Toronto with customized delivery schedules.
How does the bakery support community development?
We train marginalized individuals in professional baking techniques while providing work experience that prepares them for permanent employment in the food industry.
What are your most popular bread varieties?
Our signature Cilantro Olive Sourdough, Celtic Multigrain, and Angeligus White Sourdough are consistently customer favorites.
Can I visit the bakery in person?
Yes, our retail location at 153 Broadview Avenue in Toronto is open Tuesday-Saturday 8am-5pm for direct purchases.
Reviews (7)
Dawn C.
Jan 29, 2022
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Got 6 items - chocolate croissants x2, loaf of bread, lemon loaf, brioche bun, brioche loaf, plain scone for $21 and all are delicious. Never knew this once was here and definitely will go again !! Lovely little bakery!!!
Michael Woo
Dec 12, 2021
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I made a delivery in this area in the summer & stopped at St. John's Bakery for a snack. I bought some fresh bread, scones & a coffee. The scones were deeelicious & I have been craving them for a long time. The only reason I have not returned is the distance because I live in Richmond Hill but, for sure, I will be back soon. This bakery is highly recommended.
Jim Schafer
Oct 16, 2021
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I personally think this bakery is good but seriously overrated. Don't get me wrong -- the bread, scone and banana bread were very good, but I don't think world-class. I felt the crumb on the bread needed more time to rise (too heavy) and crust was not thick like traditional sourdough. Banana bread was average -- glad they used butter, but it had been frozen which killed the texture. Scone was excellent, hot from the oven. They did not have enough staff on a Saturday a.m. and had to wait 20+ minutes -- that's inexcusable. I prefer Blackbird Bakery which is less than a mile away -- their selection
Isabella S.
Aug 05, 2021
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It goes to good-cause and encourage those with little hope. Which is I like. Big fan of social enterprises. Prices is also reasonable.
Ali Farshadfar
Aug 03, 2021
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This tiny bakery has its own charm. They bake one of the best sourdough breads in Toronto. They have been recipients of social employment awards because theyve been providing working opportunities for less fortunate individuals.
Caroline Suchit
Jul 12, 2021
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Lovely Bakery with a wonderful mission. The sourdough is amazing! My husband loves the cilantro olive bread (He says it taste like pizza). I love the walnut raisin sourdough and the blueberry scones!
Bartek Litwin
May 16, 2021
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Awsome bread, fresh, tasty, healthy with simple ingredients and friendly staff, a must for bread lovers!
