About Us
We are a cozy and charming local bakehouse in the Saint Henri neighborhood of Montreal. Best known for our cookies and birthday cake! Additionally, we feature an array of freshly baked pastries and cakes that showcase both traditional recipes, like our grandmother used to bake, and more current and innovative flavors.
Our customers are drawn to our warm atmosphere, friendly staff, third wave coffee, and the delightful aroma of baked goods that fills the air. With our focus on quality ingredients and attention to detail, Bernice Bakery has become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of homemade goodness
A passion for baking
Jami’s love for baking came from a combination of his father owning a bakery called Pegroids in the early 80’s, and the love his grandmother Bernice had for cooking, baking, and hospitality.
One of Jami’s fondest memories as a child was going up to the second floor of his father’s bake shop (the pastry department) where he got to play with all the different piping bags. He claims to still remember the smell and taste of the confectioner sugar mixed with vanilla and butter.
It was only later, in his teenage years, that he began to explore the art of baking. Jami believes baking was a tool and outlet to express his true self in an artistic way. Later in his early twenties, he decided to pursue a career in culinary arts and pastry arts in New York City. Having his culinary education, and his innate talent, has allowed him to work in various restaurants both in Manhattan and Montréal.
The birth of Bernice Bakery
Honing his vast culinary experience, and channeling into a catering company for many years, allowed Jami to gather the strength to open up a location where more people could come and discover his delectable creations. The idea had been bouncing around for a long while and with the help of his architect partner, Carlos, a space was found in a cozy corner of Saint Henri. The idea behind the space was meant to evoke the feeling of walking into a familiar kitchen pantry where your mom or grandmother would be baking away for loved ones.
The early 2020 opening was postponed due to construction delays, and then postponed yet again due to a little pandemic….. nevertheless, the doors were opened in August of that year. Right from the start, the bakery provided a counter full of goodies to be picked up and taken away. Eventually, once it was permissible, the space became filled with lots of “workers-from-home”, new moms and dads, neighbourhood locals as well as out-of-towners.
The gift that keeps on giving
Ever since the doors opened, countless cakes and cookies have been enjoyed and delighted over. As the days and years have passed, the counter offerings have changed, and evolved, depending on the availability of ingredients, the wants and desires of the customers and the constantly innovative recipes that Jami and the team put forth.
Jami believes food should both comfort and nourish the soul. His goal is that through his baking, he is able to provide the same feelings to others. That part was taught to him by his late grandmother. It was not only through her baking skills but through all her doings that she exuded love.
It is in honour of her beautiful spirit, Bernice bakery bears her name. We hope that every person who walks through these doors leaves a bit sweeter and with a bit more love.
