Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Arabelle's Bakery, operated by Esther and Alex Esuk, held a grand opening in mid-August at 43995 Progress Way, unit 106, located just west of Lickman Road. Esther Esuk (pictured) says Arabelle's Bakery offers five variations of the Lagos Loaf: the classic white loaf, Lagos Loaf Lite (a reduced-sugar version), 100% Whole Wheat, Bread Rolls (buns), and Coconut Bread, which has quickly become a fan favourite in Chilliwack.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

New bakery in Chilliwack

New bakery in Chilliwack offers a unique type of sweet, buttery bread

Sep 9, 2024 | 1:10 PM

CHILLIWACK — A new bakery offering a unique style of delicious bread has opened its doors to the public in an industrial area of Chilliwack just off Lickman Road, north of Highway 1.

Arabelle’s Bakery, operated by Esther and Alex Esuk, held a soft opening in June, followed by a grand opening in mid-August at 43995 Progress Way, unit 106, located just west of Lickman Road.

The bakery is the newest branch of the original Arabelle’s Bakery, which first opened in Winnipeg in October 2014. The bakery was founded by Bryan and Temi Akindipe, the creators of the now-famous “Lagos Loaf Bread,” beloved by customers across Canada.

“My family and I relocated to Canada from Nigeria 13 months ago, bringing with us a deep passion for baking and the ambition to establish our own business,” Esther told Fraser Valley Today in an email. “Back in Nigeria, I successfully ran a bakery, so the move to Chilliwack felt like a natural next step for us. We chose Chilliwack as our new home due to its stunning landscapes, affordability, thriving economy, and the warmth of its diverse community. The locals immediately made us feel welcome and at home.”

Through a mutual friend, Esther and Alex learned about Arabelle’s Bakery in Winnipeg and soon met with the owners. Interestingly, they were eager to expand into British Columbia and were already supplying products to stores across the province.

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“And as they say, the rest is history,” Esther said.

When you get your hands on a package of Lagos Loaf bread at Arabelle’s Bakery in Chilliwack, you immediately notice something about it. The loaf is heavy, as in one kilogram of home baked goodness.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / The exterior of Arabelle’s Bakery, located at 106-43995 Progress Way in Chilliwack. The bakery officially opened in mid-August.

“Once you open it, you’ll find that it doesn’t last long,” Esther joked with a Fraser Valley Today reporter at her bakery in late August.

Esther says the bakery’s most popular product, the Lagos Loaf bread, is inspired by the styles found in Asian and African countries.

“It’s dense, buttery, slightly sweet, and packed with flavor, made from high-quality ingredients you can taste in every bite,” Esther said. “We offer five variations of the Lagos Loaf: the classic white loaf, Lagos Loaf Lite (a reduced-sugar version), 100% Whole Wheat, Bread Rolls (buns), and our Coconut Bread, which has quickly become a fan favorite in Chilliwack.”

The bakery is currently working to make its products available through DoorDash and Skip The Dishes, while it introduces more of the parent company’s signature items like irresistible meat pies, chicken pies, sausage rolls and sandwiches.

Since opening, the bakery team has grown to four dedicated staff members, two of whom are full-time. Arabelle’s Bakery now supplies its delicious breads to over 12 twelve stores across British Columbia, including in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, Burnaby, Vancouver, Victoria, Kamloops and Prince George.

“The support from the community, both at our store and at local farmer’s markets, has been overwhelming and deeply encouraging,” Esther said.