Bomou Bakery II Full Scope

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The design of Bomou Bakery’s second location in Rosedale blends the elegance of its heritage setting with a fresh, contemporary vibe. We aimed to preserve the welcoming warmth of their original store on Bayview while adapting to the needs of a larger space. Key design elements include maximizing the use of vertical planes to create towering bread displays that immediately engage customers upon entry. Inspired by classic Parisian bakeries, these full-height glass displays provide a nostalgic yet modern touch.

Every material and fixture was carefully selected to support the day-to-day operations of the bakery, while reinforcing the brand’s artisanal aesthetic. Durable materials were chosen to withstand heavy foot traffic and frequent cleaning without sacrificing style. The surface-mounted light fixtures, for example, are not only practical but sculptural, their irregular shapes echoing the artisanal quality of Bomou’s bread. These lights, which resemble baked sourdough loaves, reinforce the bakery’s core identity while providing warm, diffused light to enhance the product displays.

This location sits at a busy intersection with two side exposures, allowing for plenty of natural light, which we embraced as part of the overall design. However, the building’s heritage status meant that many structural elements, such as columns, beams, and headers, could not be altered or removed. Despite these limitations, we found ways to optimize the space. Vertical storage became essential, not only for display purposes but also for back-of-house operations.

Client

Bomou Artisanal Bakery

Role

Full Scope Interior Remodel

Location

Rosedale, ON

Area

1000 Sqft

Heritage Remodel

The most significant challenges of this project stemmed from the building’s heritage status and structural limitations. The space we selected for the bakery featured low ceilings, exposed beams, and narrow entryways, particularly in the back-of-house area where the baking operations were concentrated. These architectural constraints required creative solutions, especially since much of the operational space was located five steps above the customer entry point.

Additionally, with a limited footprint, especially in the operational areas, it was essential to design a layout that allowed for an efficient flow between production and service. The split-level floor plan presented obstacles in terms of accessibility and storage, so we made strategic use of vertical space. Full-height displays not only maximized the product range but also helped to draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of a larger space.

Finally, integrating a new ice cream lounge into an already compact space meant we had to balance different areas—display, service, seating, and ice cream—all within a seamless flow. We achieved this through thoughtful zoning and strategic placement of displays and service stations, ensuring that customer movement through the bakery remained smooth and intuitive.

Full Scope

As guests progress through the bakery, the flow is carefully choreographed to ensure ease of access and visibility of all products. A multi-step pastry display maximizes the variety of offerings, while a taller-than-average refrigerated display showcases sandwiches, chocolates, and pastries, increasing both visibility and sales potential.

The beverage station and cash-out area are thoughtfully positioned to guide customers through the entire space, encouraging them to explore Bomou’s full range of products, from freshly brewed coffee to house-made jams and chocolates. Every inch of the layout is designed to boost profitability, with strategically placed displays and no corner left unused.

Durability and easy maintenance were essential considerations, particularly for a high-traffic environment. The materials selected are robust yet visually appealing, and the integrated lighting enhances both the products and the atmosphere. Surface-mounted light fixtures, chosen for their organic shapes reminiscent of sourdough loaves, provide a subtle nod to Bomou’s craft.

The large seating area at the back of the bakery features a bold, custom wall mural that extends into the bulkhead, adding visual interest and drawing attention to the ice cream lounge. Pastel tones and brand-specific graphics tie the space together, creating a cohesive and inviting environment for patrons to relax, enjoy their coffee, and take in the neighborhood’s ambiance.

Bomou Bakery’s Rosedale location is a testament to thoughtful design in the face of architectural challenges, resulting in a space that not only meets the functional needs of the bakery but enhances the overall customer experience.