“I vividly remember pulling the wrapping off our cash register ten minutes before we were supposed to open and trying to figure out how to program it,” says Garner Begs, co-founder and co-owner. “Things have changed tremendously since then, but one thing remains the same—we wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for our customers.” I remember calling early in December (they had just opened in October) to put in an order for the ginger cookies. The small, tired voice on the other end said; “We can’t, we will never have enough.“ Duchess Bake Shop has grown from its hand-built beginnings with 10 seats and four staff to a charming fixture on 124 Street (and a Ritchie Market location) with over 70 employees. Back in 2009, Duchess really did introduce Edmontonians to fine French pastry— French macaron, Paris Brest and what about that Duke Cake? The best birthday cake ever for chocolate lovers. Brava Duchess people! Pop by this Friday for a lovely macaron (while supplies last).
