Reba's Reflections on Christies!

During our 90th birthday celebration, we were able to talk to so many friends from nearly a century of baking. One of our former employees, Reba, offered to share some thoughts on her time working with us! From baking to making pizzas to delivering bread, she did it all. It was great to see you Reba, and thanks for sharing with us!

My time spent at Christie’s Bakery will always be a time I hold near and dear to my heart. In many ways it shaped me to be the person I am today. From the skills I learned to the laughter that was shared, each day brought something new.

Tracey taught me the finest bread making and held me accountable. Janet taught me the art of problem solving. Ennio showed me not to care so much of what others thought (unless it was the birds outside the bakery at 5 AM. He wanted them to know exactly what he thought of them). Blair gave me the skills to pull the perfect espresso and fire the most amazing pizzas. Those are just a few of the many life skills I’ve taken with me.

This family has left a lasting impact not only on my life, but on all of those who have come to know them. I’ll always feel at home with the Muzzolini's. The bakery itself holds its own magic. Though it may be different for each person, you just know it when you feel it.

From Broadway to 33rd and wherever Il Bambino would take us, working alongside Tracey, Blair & the whole gang was truly a privilege. Thanks for everything guys!

Reba even shared a couple stories that came to mind when she thought back on her time with us!

My training to be the new delivery driver for the Bakery meant taking (my trainer) Ennio to and from his appointments as needed. Wherever he was headed he was always ready to go, go, go! So I dropped him off at the doctors one day, even walked him in and made sure he knew to stay there until I got back. Off I went to take my last delivery and circled back not long after to pick him up. Low and behold Ennio was nowhere to be seen. The receptionist said he just walked out! So there I was, the first few shifts of training, and I’d lost my partner in crime. This wasn’t the first, nor was it the last time that Ennio mysteriously disappeared on me. Though each time he continued to turn up with not a worry in the world!

Christmas time was always the best time to be at the bakery. Not only was it always warm and smelt amazing, but they always had hot coffee, fresh bread and happy faces! Every year Janet would bake a honey ham and bring it to the cafe to pair with the delicious farmhouse buns. Along with Blair’s famous Christmas mulled wine and Tracey’s salted caramel shots, you really felt the Holiday cheer!

I had the privilege of working with the most lovely women to learn the art of pastry from. These two were soon to be known as my “Bakery Mums”.  Both resilient, intelligent, loving mothers who came to Canada with their families to experience life. Not to mention the laughter we shared when they taught me bad works in Italian and Polish!

If you have a story or memory from the last 90 years you’d like to share please email us at stories@christiesbakery.com! 

We have merch!

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