ABOUT
DEDICATED GLUTEN-FREE
Our passion is yummy baking that just happens to be gluten-free. Our breads,cakes, cookies and other special treats are so yummy that you can share them with your friends and family and they won't even know it's gluten-free.
While we wish we could accommodate every allergy and sensitivity - it's just not possible at this point in our short business life. Please be patient with us as we explore new flour blends and recipes - it continues to be a challenging way to bake - and we're doing our best. :)
Cocoabeans began in 2010 in response to 4 family members being diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Determined to make a difference and make really yummy food Betsy began experimenting with gluten-free ingredients. It started simply with trying to re-create a loaf of bread and a chocolate cake in her kitchen. From there it grew to a separate commercial kitchen in her home and farmer's markets.
Gathering important information from her customers at the various markets, she began to see a need for gourmet gluten-free baking. People wanted fancy cakes, treats and bread that didn't fall apart. Sourcing ingredients was tricky and there was a lot to learn but with much perseverance things continued to move forward.
In December of 2012 a new home was found for Cocoabeans - our first stand-alone bricks and mortar bakery at 268 Tache Avenue in St. Boniface. It was a great space to learn, experiment and grow. Feedback from customers was incredibly important in the next big decision - move to a larger space.
In September 2016 we moved to 774 Corydon Avenue - our current home. It has been a challenging couple of years getting to know how to run a restaurant and bakery under one roof. Sourcing gluten-free and vegan ingredients continues to be a challenge. Our customer feedback continues to be important and we value their incredible loyalty and patience.