It’s technically called Rocket Bakery, but it’s already affectionately dubbed ‘Baby Rocket’.
Rocket Bakery’s second location is a smaller, more grab-and-go style compared to the original downtown spot.
It opened Saturday morning, Nov. 17, in Churchill Square right next door to Alpine Country Lodge.
Despite the overnight snow and slush messing up the roads, there was a steady stream of customers in and out of the open-concept, brightly lit space.
It serves a diverse clientele, ranging from retirees who live in the neighbourhood, to teenagers attending nearby schools, and people who work at or attend Memorial University.
“I definitely feel like it’s a neighbourhood,” said one of Rocket’s owners, Kelly Mansell.
She said a lot of their customers on opening day were people walking in the area.
The very first customer to make a purchase when doors opened at 7:30 a.m. was comedian Andy Jones.
He bought a loaf of a bread and an egg croissant sandwich, among other items.
“He came in and he was reminiscing about Churchill Square – about how he, as kids with his family, they would come up to Churchill Square,” said Mansell.
“They got their wedding rings in this space when it was a jewellery store,” she added. “Andy and Mary-Lynn (Bernard) got their wedding bands here, and so he really feels a connection to the neighbourhood and to this actual space – it was fun to have him as our first customer.”
He may have been the first, but certainly not the last.
When The Telegram stopped by shortly before 10 a.m., there was a lineup from the counter to the door.
The official grand opening for ‘Baby Rocket’ will be held Saturday, Nov. 24.
It’s open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m, except closing at 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Read the full story in The Telegram on Monday.
Related story:
Rocket Bakery plans for expansion with second location at Churchill Square
