If anyone can carve out a niche in the local food scene, it’s a baker.
Sure, it can be a challenge to come up with something that isn’t already being offered by someone else, but bakers who thrive in business are creative by nature.
In Orillia, there is no shortage of options for those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, and one of the most recent additions to the baking community is Coco’s Cookies.
Nicole Hepinstall opened the shop at 247 West St. N. in November 2020.
“I didn’t honestly expect to have any customers other than my family and friends,” she said.
That thought quickly changed.
Hepinstall figured she could run the entire business by herself, but it wasn’t long before her fiancé, Tyson Renshaw, joined the team.
Turns out quality cookies are in high demand.
“There were no specialty cookie shops here when we opened,” Hepinstall said.
Customers flock to Coco’s in anticipation of new varieties, but also for the staples, like chocolate chip, ginger molasses, brown sugar and butterscotch.
Once inside, they’ll find there’s much more than cookies to tempt the taste buds.
My sweet tooth has mellowed over the years, so I was excited to see some savoury treats, too. Try the cheese and herb buns or, better yet, the garlic and cheddar biscuits. They’re one of the best sellers, and for good reason. Unlike many biscuits, these ones are relatively thin, incredibly soft and loaded with cheese.
Hepinstall is happy to offer a couple of savoury options, but the place is called Coco’s Cookies for a reason.
“You have to know what your strengths are,” she said.
Prime example: double chocolate macaroon.
She wouldn’t tell me the secret — just that they are baked and it’s a recipe she’s had for years.
“They are just different from any other macaroon you’ll have.”
It’s true. Macaroons have been among my favourite treats since I was a kid, when my mom would have to pry me away from the ones she made, but Hepinstall’s stand out thanks to the thin, crispy shell and gooey, chocolatey centre. Those textures make them the macaroon equivalent to the perfect brownie.
‘Sweet’ has more than one meaning when it comes to local bakeries like Coco’s, which has made it a point to support other area businesses and charitable causes.
Whether it’s selling granola and sauces from others in town or diverting tips to those who need them more than the Coco’s owners, Hepinstall and Renshaw are doing their part to help the community.
“We try to keep everything as positive as we can — especially at this time — and give back to the community as much as we can,” Renshaw said.
On opening day, a friend asked Hepinstall where the tip jar was. She said she didn’t need one. Someone else grabbed a jar, set it on the counter and said, “OK, everybody, this is their tip jar.”
She didn’t feel comfortable accepting the tips, and so began a monthly practice of donating all tips to local causes — more than $5,000 since the shop opened.
“I’m just happy people are coming to my business at the end of the day,” Hepinstall said.
That sense of community can be found at another bakery in town.
Victoria Ignoto opened Sweet Time Bake Shoppe in downtown Orillia almost three years ago. About a month later, she was approached by Couchiching Jubilee House, and that relationship has endured.
Ignoto has volunteered with the organization and has provided cakes and other goodies for the women and children it serves.
She has also provided treats to the Orillia Youth Centre’s young visitors and will be doing so again this Thanksgiving.
“I’m always happy to lend a helping hand,” she said.
It’s her way of thanking a community that has welcomed and supported her since she opened the shop at 64 Mississaga St. W.
Custom cakes are Ignoto’s specialty. We’re talking grand creations here. Whether it’s a Paw Patrol-themed cake for a kid’s birthday or a five-tier masterpiece for a wedding, Ignoto tackles the task with passion.
She’s also willing to work within someone’s budget.
“I don’t want anyone to ever not feel comfortable coming here because they think that we’re going to be too expensive,” she said. “Everyone should eat their cake for their birthday.”
Like Coco’s, Sweet Time has a small market section featuring local goods. At Ignoto’s shop, all of those items are from female vendors.
“Empowered women empower women,” she said.
While cakes are her main focus, she has become known for her variety of squares and cookie creations, including the seasonal pumpkin whoopie that’s currently on offer.
If she doesn't have what you’re looking for, she’s happy to point you in the direction of someone else in town who does.
“There are so many people and so many places to go around that we should be supporting one another,” Ignoto said.
She knows her lane and plays to her strengths.
“All of the bakeries in town do such wonderful things that I don’t even want to try doing, like butter tarts.”
Smart. After all, does she really want to be competing with Wilkie’s?
“Not even a chance.”
The baking culture is growing in Orillia. There’s room for everyone and there’s something for everyone, so there is no reason to not support all of them. By doing so, we’re helping them support the community.
It’s a sweet cycle.
The good stuff
Coco’s Cookies
Most popular: double chocolate macaroon
Nicole Hepinstall’s favourite: brown sugar cookie (for now, anyway)
My favourite: double chocolate macaroon for sweet, garlic and cheddar biscuit for savoury
Sweet Time Bake Shoppe
Most popular: Nanaimo bar
Victoria Ignoto’s favourite: scone and pumpkin whoopie
My favourite: lemon square
Nathan Taylor’s local food and drink column appears every other Saturday.
