Jay Dawson and George Grogan will open Always Original Bakery at the 501 Meeting St. in West Columbia River District, this summer.Always Original will be a specialist in all things baked, including breads and cakes. Dawson and Grogan stated that the menu will be subject to change depending on what customers request and what season ingredients are available.We want to be the neighborhood bakery. Grogran said that we want West Columbians to stop by to say hello, to get cakes or scones, and to also be the place in the Midlands to go if they want something unique and different.It is still not known when the bakery will open as they are undergoing renovations at their location in the Shoppes at Meeting Place shopping centre across from Pelicans' Sno Balls. The opening date will also be announced on the Always Originals Facebook page.Grogan and Dawson spent two years searching for the ideal location in the Midlands to open their bakery. They were thrilled to discover two units side-by-side in the West Columbia River District, which is growing at a prominent corner.This spot was vacant for two years but had previously been used as an office building. They had to renovate the space to make it suitable for commercial kitchen use.Grogan manages the bakery's business while Dawson is the chief baker. After Dawson spent many years working in a grocery shop bakery, making special desserts for friends and family, the duo are now planning to open a brick-and-mortar bakery.They love Dawsons's take on the classic pound cake, and parmesan peppercorn bread. Also, they enjoy fresh berry cakes with chantilly cream frosting.They make every effort to provide vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-sensitive options as often as possible and will always be able to make them upon request. Grogan explained that the bakery is not gluten-free as there is no separate spot for non-gluten baking.Although Always Original won't have seating, they will offer a full glass and dessert for pick-up or custom orders for any occasion. Dawson can turn any type of cake into a masterpiece, including rainbow trout cakes and chocolate-filled cakes.Grogan said that we want to be known as the suppliers of special items. Dawson said that not all items you can find in a grocery store come out of a bucket.They are looking for front-line workers, bakers, and dishwashers. Send your resume to application@alwaysoriginalbakery.com.
