Leeds Grenville
Economic Development eNews | October 25, 2016
Business Profile
Grahame's Bakery a local gathering place; 
destination for foodies and history buffs
KEMPTVILLE - One of the country's longest-operating commercial heritage brick ovens is proudly located here in the heart of North Grenville.

Grahame's Bakery owners Rick Grahame and sister Debbie Wilson are the third generation to keep the fire burning in the famous circa-1885 oven. They enjoy how locals and fans from throughout the Ottawa Valley fondly call their bakery a meeting place, a destination and an institution. Their unique oven, beautifully restored in 2009, is as famous as the baked goods that come out of it.

"It's not just a loaf of bread," says Debbie. "It's a loaf of bread baked in a wood-fired 131-year-old oven. It's the real thing and people want that. Some of our recipes are over 50 years old."

Rick and Debbie grew up within the "warm and fuzzy" atmosphere of a family-owned bakery. They didn't realize it as youngsters but they would later take over the business after their father Ken passed away in 2005. Today, Rick's kids, Wesley and Leah, help out as does sister Cindy and nephews Owen and Deiter Colfe. Family ownership dates back to 1960 when their grandfather Leonard Grahame bought it. He knew what he was getting into as he'd worked at the bakery since 1939 with then-owner Bert Frisby. First and second-generation Grahames Leonard and Ken worked side by side until 1978. 

Their location at 115 Clothier Street has been a working bakery for over a century. The Grahames carry on a tradition of strong community service as well. When the ice storm of 1998 hit the region, all perishable foods from area stores were brought to the bakery to be cooked and then distributed. The family worked day and night to ensure food wasn't wasted and people had access to hot meals during the extended power outage.

Customers are loyal. "We're a meeting place. People come in for conversation," says Debbie. Word spreads and then new clients discover their products, she says. "When they find us, they say they wish they'd have found us sooner."

Rick is most often found in front of the oven in the open-concept bakery. It's part of the experience. He is proud of their all natural, no preservative products. "Keep it small. Keep it simple," says Rick. Grahame's is known for their butter tarts, apple fritters, scones, dipped and stuffed donuts, cookies and bread, to name just a few items. They sell to retail outlets and restaurants throughout Leeds Grenville and are also known for promoting neighbouring businesses to their customers.

"We make people feel welcome," adds Rick. Learn more about Grahame's by visiting their website or Facebook page. Call them at 613-258-2317. Book early for special orders at peak holiday times. A cash only operation, they are open Tuesday to Saturday 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Top feature photo: Rick Grahame is captured at work in front of the heritage oven.

Co-owner Debbie Wilson helps a young repeat customer, Emma Yakimovich, with her favourite donut. The bakery has a high TripAdvisor rating.


A display case at the shop shows glazed and chocolate-dipped donuts and apple fritters.



Rick, centre, with his son Wesley and grandson Jude. 
It is truly a family business with fourth and fifth generation family members helping out.
Economic Development Summit


Darren Dalgleish, General Manager and CEO of the 
St. Lawrence Parks Commission, is one of the keynote speakers.
Check out our 2016 summit agenda 
Our agenda for the upcoming summit is now ready. The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office would like to invite you to a day focused on economic development and leadership. With a theme of Growth and Rejuvenation, presentations will provide insight on new developments along with strategies and projects that reposition our local assets.

WHEN: Friday, November 18th. 

TIME: Registration: 8:30 a.m. Schedule: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: North Grenville Municipal Centre, 
285 County Road 44, Kemptville
COST: $25 (including HST) 
Includes light breakfast, lunch and snacks 

Registration deadline: Friday, November 11th.


For more information: 
Visit the summit webpage
Email Joanne Poll 
Phone 613-342-3840 ext. 5362 
Upcoming Events
Attention Rideau Canal marina owners
Parks Canada is hosting a Rideau Canal marina stakeholder meeting in early November. 

If you are a marina owner and have not received your invitation, please email Ann Weir, Leeds Grenville Economic Development Manager, or call her at 613-342-3840, ext. 5365.


Nominations being sought for Ben TeKamp Memorial Award

Calling all businesses in Leeds Grenville. It's time to nominate an entrepreneur from your community for the second annual award for New Business Growth and Expansion. The award is named in honour of former Brockville mayor and small business champion Ben TeKamp. The successful recipient will be awarded up to $5,000 to put toward development of their business. This award is designed to help a new or rejuvenating business. 

Deadline for applications: Friday, October 28th. Email completed nominations and references to Susan Watts at Ben TeKamp Award.

To learn more or to submit an application go to our Community Media Releases page.
Workshops and Seminars
From Quickbooks to FreshBooks 

Cloud accounting systems will be presented by speaker Michael Di Lauro, including how Cloud compares with tried and true desktop software such as Quickbooks and how to choose the right accounting software for your organization.

WHEN: Thursday, October 27, 1-3 p.m.
WHERE: Small Business Advisory Centre,
91 Cornelia Street West, Smiths Falls
COST: $10

Learn more about this session and ongoing sessions in November on our Workshops and Seminars webpage.
Get help with hiring at Athens event 

The Employment and Education Centre (EEC) is hosting information sessions in Athens for employers looking to hire and people looking for work or retraining options. Meet their staff and learn about how their programs can help. 

WHEN: Tuesday, November 1
1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
WHERE: Joshua Bates Centre, 
1 Main Street, Athens
COST: Free

For more information on this and other EEC workshops call Michelle at 613-498-2111 or email her.
Economic Development Office
32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON Canada, K6V 4R9
TF. 1.800.770.2170  T. 613.342.3840  F. 613.342.3298
Leeds Grenville