Whitsunday Bakery
Becoming an iconic local business, a place where locals like to meet and chat about their lives, takes time, passion and dedication. This is something Lorella and Steve have served up daily at Whitsunday Bakery for the last 34 years.
“We started the business in 1986 with no staff and a whole lot of self belief,” said Lorella.
The couple pride themselves on being a family run business and enjoy watching the different generations of Proserpine locals grow through the years. Their own staff members have been with them for many of these years as well.
Susan who joined the team after deciding to make a career change from working at a local day care, where Lorella and Steve’s children went, has now been at Whitsunday Bakery for 15 years. Similarly, Sheena, began working for Steve as his assistant, then after getting married and having children, decided she wanted a more family-friendly career. Whitsunday Bakery was able to offer her the flexibility she needed and she has been working there ever since.
The close connection shared between all the staff members is obvious the moment you walk in, and this friendly, happy atmosphere feels like home. Indeed, customers from all over the region enjoy a cosy chat at the counter before heading off to work or home.
“Coffee is a large part of our mornings with people running in for their caffeine fix. We love it! They tell us their stories as we make their cappuccino,” said Lorella.
By far the most popular baked good is their iconic pies. This year, however, they have introduced a range of salads which can either be accompanied with a pie, spinach and ricotta parcel, savoury pastry, or even enjoyed as a meal in themselves.
When it comes to your mid-morning coffee and relax, Lorella recommends the carrot cake for a perfect combo. So next time you’re in Prossie, make sure you call-in and say hi, treat yourself to a cake or a pie, take a seat and share a story or two with the locals.
