From Land to Menu: 5 Vernon Bakeries, Cafés, and Treat Shops that Support Local
By guest blogger, Loretta Friedrich, Your Food Story
Discover the spirit of Vernon’s “Land-to-Menu” food scene, where local bakeries, cafés, and treat shops support the farm-to-table movement. By sourcing local ingredients from within a 100-km radius, these businesses strive to ensure that every bite you take is filled with the freshest flavours. Imagine savouring newly baked pastries made with locally milled flour or enjoying a salad loaded with freshly picked produce. This dedication to local sourcing not only guarantees superior taste and quality, but also supports our region’s growers and producers, fostering a sustainable and vibrant local economy.
1. Bean to Cup
As the only specialty coffee bar in the North Okanagan roasting their own coffee beans, Bean to Cup takes pride in delivering a rich aromatic experience with every cup. But their commitment to quality does not stop at coffee. They also offer a variety of delicious, locally sourced eats and treats that are as fresh and sustainable as their brews. This combination of exceptional coffee and thoughtfully chosen food creates a delightful experience that invites you to savour the best of both worlds in this welcoming place in downtown Vernon. Kunal Chander, owner, believes it is important to support local farmers because they are like family, who all have families of their own to support. “It just feels right to support the local economy.”
We suggest (besides coffee!):
- Wraps and Panini: enjoy locally grown tomatoes, lettuce or other produce from area gardeners and local farmers markets in each bite.
- Meatloaf: feel good knowing that nearby Echo Valley Farm’s naturally raised grass-fed beef is the main ingredient.
2. Caken me Crazy
Located in the heart of downtown Vernon, Caken me Crazy is known for its heavenly cakes, pastries, and other baked goods. Among their offerings, cakes stand out as favourites, each crafted with an eye for detail and passion for flavour. Committed to quality and sustainability, Caken me Crazy’s creative bakers are also dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients in their many selections. This devotion not only enhances the taste and freshness of their treats but also supports local businesses.
Owner Ara Metzner is a firm believer in supporting local, stressing the importance of helping each other in the community. By doing so, she believes it promotes a sense of unity that comes full circle, strengthening the entire region.
We suggest:
- Seasonal Fruit Baked Goods including special cakes and cupcakes: featuring fruits from local growers, they highlight the best of the region’s produce.
- Ham & Cheddar Croissant or Macadamia Sticky Bun: both favourites are enriched with local honey from various nearby honey farms like Planet Bee.
3. Sugarbee’s Ice Cream
Sugarbee’s is an ice cream lover’s dream. Each selection is crafted with care and infused with real local ingredients. The dairy is sourced from D Dutchman and Blackwell farms, and seasonal fruits highlight the region’s bounty. They also partner with other local food businesses for custom flavours. Look for Sugerbee’s artisan ice cream at retail locations in the area or at their unique ice cream bike at special events.
Owner Melanie Dergez says “it’s not just about the delicious flavours and the nostalgic memories of chasing ice cream trucks as a kid. It’s about supporting our community, our neighbors, and the little moments that bring you joy.” Melanie, her husband Kevin, co-owner, and local collaborator Stephanie Fischer are all dedicated to serving you a creamy dreamy experience.
We suggest:
- Honey Lavender Ice Cream: with Planet Bee honey and Indigo Ridge lavender, this is the “local queen” of favourites.
- Seasonal Fruit Ice Cream: From raspberries and strawberries to haskaps and peaches, all fruit is sourced from farmers markets and gardens.
4. Hot Bread Shoppe
You can taste quality in every baked good made at award-winning Hot Bread Shoppe in downtown Vernon. In this quaint and cozy space, the aroma invites you to display cases filled with fresh, handcrafted breads and pastries using high-quality, real ingredients. No matter what you choose, we believe you will detect outstanding flavour in every crumb.
Understanding the significance of supporting local businesses instead of opting for cheaper, non-local items, owners Benjamin and Shayla Cole intentionally incorporate in-season local produce into their selections. “It feels good or wholesome when you shop local and support a local farm & family… it means a local business can continue to thrive.” They prioritize purchasing local products in their personal lives too.
We suggest:
- Sourdough Bread (and all baked goods): made with locally milled Rogers organic flour.
- Seasonal Apple Features: perfect harvest treats using apples from Davison Orchards.
- Seasonal Pies or Baked Goods: local pumpkin from nearby fields, fruit from nearby orchards, all delivering that 100% natural taste you’re craving.
5. Rail Trail Café & Market / Gumtree Catering
Just a few minutes from downtown Vernon, the Rail Trail Café & Market offers a variety of food selections that are purposely sourced from the region through their relationship with Gumtree Catering. They focus on seasonal ingredients that highlight their commitment to freshness and supporting local producers. Every month a special salad is featured as well as sandwiches, bowls, muffins and more, reflecting what’s currently available from local sources. Gumtree’s catering service – specializing in weddings, private parties, corporate events, and BBQs (using local Helmut’s Sausage Kitchen bratwursts) – uses a variety of local products too numerous to list! “By using local products, we as a small business support and showcase fellow local entrepreneurs building stronger community ties.” – Stephanie Fischer – Kitchen Manager, Gumtree Catering.
We suggest:
- Salads: thoughtfully created with food from nearby farms including Sweet Haven, Bellmann, Zelaney, Confetti, Lake Country Mushrooms, and Good ‘N Plenty, just to name a few.
- Sandwiches: featuring local grains from OK (Okanagan) Frozen Dough as well as local produce.
