Naomi's Ode to Christies

Naomi worked for us over 10 years ago. She came back to join us for a second stint a couple of years back. Now she's leaving to go have a baby soon, but she couldn't leave without sharing a couple words!

Something as simple as good bread has brought us together. It's been so fun working at Christies again these past two and a half years. I'm looking forward to a new baby boy in about a month yet I miss seeing everyone. Working in the front, it's been a joy to get to know our customers and the items they like. As humans we all need to be seen and known and cared for, and our little neighbourhood bakery has been the backdrop for almost 90 years! We have shared our little stories, our points of connection over the years. We have cared for you and you have cared for us.

I may or may not know your name but I remember our German Rye folks on Fridays, the father and daughter who come in for pastries on Saturday morning, the little boy who loves his single plain panini, the gentlemen who comes for one chocolate chip cookie often, the regular cinnamon bun lovers, or flax and mustard seed fans, the one who comes with a special bag for baguettes, the mother and daughter who love their coffees just so, the man who comes looking for poppyseed loaves on holidays, and Mr. Cookies who comes to clean us out at the end of the day.

We've learned your habits: those who come early and those who come late, those who might need a reminder to pick up their bread and those who are like clockwork. We remember those who definitely need extra bags and those who want no bag at all, those who like their pagnotta sliced or unsliced. I see your faces, those who get a single prairie grain loaf a week and those who buy eight or ten when they are in town.

I treasure all the memories you've shared with me: of faithful Anne who served over 40 years, of Ennio letting you pick whatever you wanted as a girl, of how you moved to the neighbourhood because you fell in love with the chocolate croissants, and how you used to buy fresh bread here when you were a little boy and your mom gave you a slice of bread and jam as a reward. Thank you for sharing, it warms our hearts.

It's been wonderful to see you work together: picking up bread for a neighbour or family member or gifting sustenance for a family experiencing a loss or a new birth, arguing with your co-worker over who is going to treat who or giving yourself an opportunity to reset your derailed day with a nice coffee. Mothers, I love seeing you come in with your little ones ready for a moment of rest, joy, or connection with your kids or friends. Fathers, I love seeing you spoil your family with a box of treats. We get to witness so much love!

We have changed together through the pandemic, trying to respect your needs and ours. I've been touched by your generosity with a tip, kind words of encouragement. You've been so loyal and patient as we've had to change and adapt. Thank you for your continued trust.

Thank you for inviting us into your special days: birthdays, Mother's day, St. Valentines, Christmas, and Easter. Thank you for sharing our love with your family and friends. It's an honour to provide it.

Christies Mayfair Bakery I’m going to miss you, but I'll come back on Thursdays to get the amazing Asiago and Roasted Garlic Sourdough that my family can't live without. Loyal customers I’ll miss you, and you can be sure I'll smile if I see you around town. This bread has become a communion, a sharing of life and love. I'm so thankful for you.

As you know, we're turning 90 this year. As part of our celebration, we're sharing memories of the bakery from family, friends, staff and our wonderful customers. If you have a story you'd like to share, please send us an email at stories@christiesbakery.com - we'd love to hear it! 

Want 10% off your next order? Sign up for our newsletter!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

Have a fond memory of Christies Bakery? Send us an email at info@christiesbakery.com!