The Story of Trish Smith - Liaison College Graduate
Meet Trish
Smith, born in Orillia and raised in Whitby, ON. On graduating she entered the
IT field and while on the job she met her future husband, Dave. They were both successful and thrived in the
IT realm travelling extensively. They ultimately moved to New Jersey, USA to
accept promotions. They had a family and
the last of their three children was born in the USA.
Health
issues brought them back to Canada where family support was nearby. Trish began to visualize her next career, why
not trade her lucrative but hectic IT career for time with family and doing
something she loved?
Like the
story of The Life of Pie – she saw possibilities in everything she envisioned
and food seemed to be part of that vision.
Was it pie in the sky? Could this be her new career? She loved cooking –
why not give it a try!
Trish
enrolled at Liaison College in Downtown Toronto and began her culinary journey;
she excelled and quickly developed her love and passion for food – especially
baking. She graduated with Honours at
the top of her class and was awarded the merits and a reference book signed by
her Chef Instructor, Chef Mick Elliott CCC.
It was a proud moment.
With three
children growing quickly and the oldest already in high school, Trish and Dave
were ready to turn the page in their next chapter of life. They decided to
explore the possibility of a simpler and quieter life outside of the GTA. It was on a weekend ski trip to Blue Mountain
with her sisters, that the notion of making Georgian Bay their new home started
to develop. In August 2008 they moved to
Thornbury and within a month they purchased a business. Trish and Dave became
the proud owners of the Thornbury Bakery Café on Bruce Street.
The
Thornbury Bakery is a local landmark and traditional in its offerings; Trish
decided not to make any drastic changes right away. She inherited many delicious and comforting
recipes with the business so, the legacy
continued. This welcoming and bustling
business is a familiar place for locals and visitors alike. They come to enjoy
the freshly baked goods, piping hot coffee and other tantalizing beverages along
with a full breakfast and lunch menu. They are known for their amazing homemade
soups. It’s almost impossible to resist the tempting
vision reflected in the glass display case at the front counter. It’s here that
Chelsea buns, decadent squares, freshly baked breads, marvellous muffins, and a
host of delectable pies and cookies await you. Eyes feast on the array of
bountiful and aromatic delicacies conjuring up memories of a cozy home kitchen.
It’s impossible not to weaken; everyone takes home some of those old fashioned
memories.
Trish values
her customers and friends in the region; it’s been 5 years since she and Dave
bought the business. She continues to provide a welcoming gathering place and
source for delicious meals and baked goods.
With the
addition of gluten free products and a growing wholesale market, Trish is
feeding her passion. As she fondly
refers to her gifted reference book from her Chef Instructor she is reminded to
“keep it sexy”. It was obvious to Trish,
that her dream wasn’t just “pie in the sky” Thornbury Bakery is a dream come
true!
