Welcome to an exclusive Bakery Tour! Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes with one of Vancouver’s most beloved bakers, offering an intimate glimpse into the enchanting world of Butter Bakery & Cafe. Prepare to be delighted as we explore the secrets, stories, and delectable creations that make this establishment a true neighborhood treasure.
Bakery Name: Butter Bakery & Cafe
Location: 4907 Mackenzie Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Years in Business: 8 years
Meet The Owner: Rosie Daykin
For nearly a decade, Butter Bakery & Cafe has captivated hearts in a charmingly quaint Vancouver neighborhood. More than just a local spot, Butter Bakery is an experience. From the moment you step inside, its instantly nostalgic pastel colors, the intoxicating aroma of sugary baked goods, and the vibrant yet classic floral wallpaper create an inviting atmosphere. The vintage-inspired cakes and desserts evoke memories of cherished birthday parties from the past, present, and even future – truly everything you could wish for in a local bakery. Rosie Daykin, the visionary owner of Butter, is a woman of many talents. She’s not only a gifted baker and an astute entrepreneur – managing a dedicated marshmallow factory for their incredibly popular and visually appealing marshmallow treats – but also an influential figure in the world of social media. Join us as Rosie shares her unique perspective on running a thriving business, the journey of publishing a successful cookbook, and the delightful engagement that social media brings to her brand.
Your shop and baked goods exude such a beautiful vintage feel. What would you describe as your overall aesthetic for Butter Bakery?
When I first embarked on designing the space for Butter, my vision was clear: I wanted to create a bakery where my style of baking would feel completely comfortable and at home. My aim was for an aesthetic that was never too fussy or overly formal, but always approachable, radiating warmth, and infused with a touch of whimsy and fun. When the business expanded in 2012, necessitating a move to our current location at 4907 Mackenzie Street, it was incredibly important to me to meticulously recreate those beloved details while simultaneously ensuring the space felt fresh, current, and relevant. The distinctive floral print of Butter’s wallpaper serves as a perfect example of this philosophy, playing an integral role in the bakery’s recognizable branding. It’s a beautiful, yet quite traditional, print. With the opportunity presented by the new location, I was able to take that iconic print and have it enlarged by a significant 30%. This subtle change instantly imbued it with a more modern and contemporary feel, all while faithfully retaining its deeply nostalgic roots and classic charm. This balance of old and new is truly at the heart of the Butter aesthetic, making it both timeless and inviting for everyone who walks through our doors.
What did you dream of becoming as a child? When did you learn how to bake – has baking always been a part of your life’s picture?
My journey into the world of baking began at a very tender age. I am one of four children, and thankfully, my mom was incredibly supportive and more than happy to allow me to experiment and, inevitably, make a glorious mess in the kitchen – as long as I took responsibility for cleaning it up afterwards! This freedom to explore and create meant there were always plenty of eager taste-testers around, ready to devour all my culinary successes and even patiently sample my occasional baking failures. That early encouragement ignited a lifelong passion, and baking has, without a doubt, always been a central part of my life’s narrative. From those first flour-dusted experiments to owning a thriving bakery today, the joy of creating something delicious from scratch has been a constant, driving force.
Walk us through a typical day at Butter, from the moment baking begins, through opening the shop, to the close of day.
My day often begins in a somewhat unconventional and rather delightful way: at the marshmallow factory. How many people get to say that? It’s a unique aspect of our business that we have a completely separate facility dedicated solely to crafting our gourmet marshmallows. These aren’t just any marshmallows; Butter marshmallows can be found gracing the shelves of some of the finest retailers across North America and Japan, a testament to their exceptional quality and irresistible charm. You can even snag our famous marshmallow recipe here! This venture into marshmallow production was a direction I never initially planned for, but as an entrepreneur, you learn to follow where demand calls. At the factory, my initial tasks involve meticulously organizing orders for the upcoming week, managing all the invoicing, and overseeing the necessary shipping logistics. Yes, that’s right – I’m also often the shipping lady! It’s something many people don’t fully appreciate before launching their own business: be prepared to wear every hat and tackle every task, no matter how big or small. After ensuring the marshmallow operations are running smoothly, I then head over to the bakery. Depending on the day’s priorities and what’s unfolding, my role shifts. I might be immersed in the kitchen, passionately working on new ideas and developing exciting recipes, or I could be in the office, diligently answering emails and placing essential orders for ingredients and supplies. Other times, you’ll find me out front, engaging warmly with our cherished customers, listening to their feedback, and sharing a moment of connection. Or, quite often, I’m simply dealing with whatever unexpected challenge or opportunity comes my way – because, as I’ve learned, you truly have to go where the business needs you most.
How do you hire staff? What are the key qualities that make a good staff member? Is there a secret question you ask them?
Our approach to hiring staff is much like many other businesses in today’s landscape. We frequently utilize platforms like Craigslist to reach a broad pool of candidates. Additionally, when we are specifically searching for kitchen help, we make it a point to consult with local baking schools. This allows us to tap into emerging talent and connect with individuals who are formally trained and passionate about the craft. Beyond technical skills, we place immense value on certain key qualities that we believe are essential for anyone joining the Butter Bakery team. Everyone who works here absolutely must be good-natured, consistently hard-working, and utterly reliable. Perhaps most importantly, they need to possess a genuine sense of humor. Working in a bakery, especially one as dynamic and busy as ours, can be incredibly rewarding but also demanding. A positive attitude and the ability to find joy and lightness in the daily grind are crucial for maintaining a harmonious and productive environment. While there isn’t one “secret question” we ask, we do look for candidates who can demonstrate these qualities through their experiences and interactions during the interview process, ensuring they will be a perfect fit for our cherished Butter family.
Your first book, Butter Baked Goods, is both beautiful and incredibly successful. Congratulations! How did the book come about? How did you manage working on the book while still maintaining the everyday workload of the bakery?
Thank you so much! I’m genuinely thrilled that you enjoyed the book. The creation of “Butter Baked Goods” became a reality thanks to the wonderful team at Appetite, an esteemed imprint of Random House Canada. My publisher, Robert McCullough, was and continues to be an absolute dream to collaborate with, as is everyone else at Random House. It was a truly fulfilling partnership from start to finish. Following its initial success in Canada, I was incredibly proud when the book was also published under Knopf in the United States this past March, expanding its reach to an even wider audience. Writing a cookbook is, for most authors, a full-time endeavor in itself. Juggling that intensive creative process with the demanding responsibilities of running a thriving business, alongside the general complexities of life, was nothing short of pure madness at times. There were undoubtedly moments of immense challenge and overwhelming deadlines. However, I can honestly say it was worth every single moment of effort, every late night, and every ounce of dedication. I have always found immense satisfaction and joy in the process of creating, whether it’s a new cake recipe or a beautifully designed book. This project allowed me to channel that creative energy in a profoundly meaningful way, bringing the essence of Butter Bakery into homes far beyond Vancouver, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
What can we expect from your second cookbook, “Butter Celebrates,” which is due out in October 2015?
With “Butter Celebrates,” I wanted to create something truly special – a collection of yummy, heartwarming recipes designed to help you mark and cherish all the significant and even the small, everyday occasions in your life throughout the year. The book is filled with simple yet utterly delicious recipes that I sincerely hope will become treasured family favorites, passed down and enjoyed for many years and generations to come. It’s about more than just food; it’s about creating traditions, making memories, and bringing joy to those around you through the simple act of baking and celebrating together.
What is your proudest achievement to date in terms of your bakery and business?
Looking back at the journey of Butter Bakery and its growth, I would say my proudest achievement, by far, is the profound realization that Butter has organically become such an integral part of so many people’s lives. It’s incredibly humbling to know that there’s a little bit of Butter, whether it’s a cookie, a cake, or a marshmallow, finding its way into countless homes every single day. This connection, this daily presence in our customers’ lives, is something I am so immensely grateful for and deeply honored by. It goes beyond just selling baked goods; it’s about sharing moments of joy, comfort, and celebration, and becoming a beloved part of their personal stories. That, to me, is the most meaningful measure of success.
Beyond your gorgeous and inviting bakery, you also had the Butter tea room. Going for high tea is one of my favorite things – what was on the menu at Butter’s tea room, and what do you think makes the ultimate high tea experience?
You’re absolutely right; we did previously operate a separate tea room, which was indeed a wonderful chapter for Butter Bakery. However, I must clarify that we no longer maintain a distinct tea room location. We’ve streamlined our operations, and now, we proudly serve our much-loved afternoon tea service directly at our Mackenzie Street bakery, exclusively on Sunday afternoons. The decision to consolidate was a practical one; managing two separate locations proved to be quite demanding, especially once I embarked on writing my second book. I recognized the need to simplify and focus my energy a little more, ensuring that what we offer, we offer exceptionally well. Despite this change, our afternoon tea service has garnered a reputation for being one of the best in the city – a claim we are incredibly proud of. Each meticulously prepared tea service is a delightful culinary journey, including a generous assortment of five elegant tea sandwiches: classic egg salad, savory chicken Waldorf, refreshing cucumber, hearty ham and cheese, and our surprisingly delicious tuna potato chip creation. Alongside these, guests enjoy a delicate little quiche, warm, freshly baked scones served with rich jam and authentic Devon cream, and a wonderful array of Butter’s signature sweet treats. All of this is thoughtfully paired with a bottomless pot of one of Butter’s custom-blended teas, ensuring a truly indulgent experience. Our unwavering goal is to ensure that every single element of our afternoon tea is not only utterly delicious but also beautifully presented, creating an unforgettable and exquisite high tea experience for all our cherished guests.
You maintain active social media accounts, and I particularly admire your Instagram for both its captivating photos and witty captions. What role do you see social media playing in the continued growth of your business, and how much time do you typically devote to it?
I truly and unequivocally love Instagram. It has become a cornerstone of how we connect with our community, and I’m incredibly proud to say that I pour a significant amount of effort into creating a feed that is not only visually beautiful but also consistently light-hearted and engaging. It’s a personal project; I personally take all the photos, striving to capture the essence and charm of Butter Bakery and our delectable treats. And I get an enormous kick out of dreaming up all the silly, often whimsical captions that accompany our posts every single day. This hands-on approach ensures that our Instagram truly reflects the personality and spirit of Butter. Typically, I aim to post twice a day, which requires a dedicated effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. Instagram, in particular, has proven to be an absolutely wonderful and powerful tool for connecting with our customers and followers on a deeply personal level. It allows us to share our daily happenings, introduce new creations, celebrate special moments, and foster a genuine sense of community. This direct engagement not only strengthens our brand loyalty but also serves as a vital platform for organic growth, reaching new audiences who appreciate our unique aesthetic and delicious offerings.
With your years of experience and continued success, what advice would you offer to aspiring bakers who are contemplating opening their own shop or starting their own business?
The advice I would offer to aspiring bakers and entrepreneurs is actually the very same wisdom I recently shared with my daughter upon her graduation from university. It’s a philosophy that has guided me throughout my journey and encapsulates the spirit of taking on new challenges: “Spread your arms, hold your breath, and always trust your cape.” This might sound a little whimsical, but it holds profound meaning in the context of starting and running your own business. It speaks to the courage required to take a leap of faith, to embrace the unknown with confidence, and to believe in your own inherent abilities – your “cape” – even when the path ahead isn’t entirely clear. It’s about being prepared to fully commit, to be resilient when faced with obstacles, and to have unwavering faith in your vision and passion. This approach has genuinely worked for me throughout all these years, allowing me to navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. And when it doesn’t quite work out, or when challenges arise, well, that’s perfectly okay too. The journey of building something from the ground up is filled with learning experiences, and every step, successful or not, contributes to growth and resilience. So, take that leap, trust your instincts, and fly!
