New Cobs Bread Location Thrives in Stratford Mall Opening

A new Cobs Bread location opened recently in the Stratford Mall, and it has quickly become a bustling hub for the community. On its second day of business, the bakery attracted a significant number of customers, indicating a warm reception. Co-owner Sara Lisk noted, “We’ve had full shelves and full lobbies since we opened.”

The couple behind the bakery, Sara Lisk and Jerry Arai, already operate two other Cobs Bread stores in nearby London. Their decision to expand to Stratford stemmed from a desire to connect with the community. “It’s my favourite part of what I do, just being able to be in the community, make connections, support organizations, and just kind of get to know everybody,” Lisk explained.

Community Roots and Revitalization Efforts

Lisk and Arai have lived in St. Marys for about two years and have developed a fondness for Stratford and the surrounding Perth County. They initially searched for a location in Stratford six years ago but faced challenges in finding the right spot. With the mall undergoing renovations and new ownership, they seized the opportunity to contribute to the area’s revitalization. Arai stated, “They’re doing some really great things, revitalizing it here, and we were able to work it out here now, where we could have the external entrance that we needed to welcome our customers.”

Lisk’s connection to Cobs Bread began long before she became a franchisee. A friend introduced her to the brand while she was in university, and she was immediately captivated by the aroma and selection. “A wall of bread and an amazing smell,” she recalled. Her passion for the brand led her from a sales trainee to a sales manager, where she received national awards. “I just fell in love with the brand, the products, the people,” she said.

Commitment to Quality and Community Engagement

One of the key aspects of Cobs Bread’s appeal is its commitment to quality. The bakery emphasizes that its products are freshly baked daily, rather than being brought in frozen. Arai remarked, “You can taste the difference that fresh, handmade product really makes to the overall taste of the quality, and it’s keeping that tradition of artisanal baking alive.”

In addition to providing high-quality baked goods, Lisk and Arai are dedicated to giving back to the community. They are already involved with several organizations in London, including the Alzheimers Society, where they teach baking classes, as well as YFC and the Parkinson Society of Southwestern Ontario. Looking ahead, they may explore partnerships with the Stratford Chefs School to further their community involvement.

Lisk emphasized the importance of their work: “If I can make a difference in the world through my bakery, whether it’s from providing an exceptional workplace or helping support a charitable cause, or just by building meaningful connections, this is the vessel in which we could make a positive change.”

As the new Cobs Bread location continues to attract customers and engage with the community, it stands as a testament to the couple’s commitment to both quality baking and community connection.