Johnson Family Bakery is filled with an assortment of fresh baked goods along with products sourced from other local businesses.

Upon entering, you're greeted with delicious scents that make you want to try each delectable-looking item on the product counter.

"It all started with three bags of flour and two baskets," owner Chuck Johnson says.

After being laid off from his job in retail during the pandemic, Chuck's wife got him a sourdough bread kit - and the rest is history.

Before securing this space at Queen and Pape, Johnson was doing deliveries, selling his products from the patio at The Dizzy on Roncesvalles, and then operating out of Bar Hop on the Danforth.

His wife's support continued on while the business grew - she is even the one responsible for their logo design.

In seeking a permanent storefront location, Johnson prioritized a space where there was a functional work area for his employees, especially after operating out of a basement most recently. 

The new location features a four-door oven (that came into Johnson's possession after three failed attempts to secure it) that lives in one of the large workspaces in the back. The front is a bright, open area where all the goods are sold.

Their offerings include a variety of sourdough loaves, baguettes, Swedish knots, cookies, sandwiches, and sweet and savoury pastries. They plan to offer even more as the business grows.

Johnson credits the expansion of their products to his eager and passionate staff. If someone on the team has an idea, they try it out. In fact, that is how the sandwiches wound up becoming an offering. 

Johnson told me that he tries to do as much good as he can with the business as well. This involves donating all the leftover product at the end of the day to a food shelter, and offering free space for other local business' to sell their products.

Since he was helped early on and given space from friends when he started Johnson Family Bakery, he felt it important to pay it forward and support others however he could. 

The quality of the goods offered at Johnson Family Bakery is exceptional.

They offer hearty loaves of ancient grains sourdough ($8), light rye sourdough ($8), French country miche ($10 - the loaf that Johnson says started it all), and other exciting variations that feature ingredients like bacon, gouda, olives, apples, cranberries, and fine herbs.

Their pain a l'ancienne baguettes ($5) are light and fluffy, perfect for sandwiches or dipping.

Their swedish knots ($4) come in multiple unique flavours. While they sell the traditional cardamom, Johnson takes it a step further, offering maple, cinnamon, and almond flavours as well. The knots have a unique taste to them since the dough used is sourdough leavened.

The croissants ($4) and pain au chocolat ($5.50) are made using half sourdough leavened dough. Be sure to try some of their sweet and savoury pastries, and tasty cookies as well.

Johnson Family Bakery is located at 993 Queen St E.