The Kootenay Bakery Cafe Co-op, Nelson, BC

The Kootenay Bakery Café Coop roots were planted 20 years ago when it was run as a sole proprietorship for 10 years. Having to move locations the idea of a workers coop was suggested by the owner. With the new vision and location in place the bakery and café has grow to 22-25 people consisting of members and staff. By profit sharing with the staff as well as coop members, as one staff said “it makes you feel valued and appreciated, more than just an employee”.

The Bakery Café has now been serving the community of Nelson and area with delicious Organic and natural food for 10 years and as far away as Calgary and Kelowna. With this long distance wholesaling we started Kootenay Made Natural Products. It has let us deliver some of our products that meet the healthy and dietary needs of consumers where these items were not formerly available. In addition KMNP is able to deliver other products by local producers which then in turn helps the local economy.