There’s definitely something in the air in Brooklin, Ontario. Not just the smell of freshly baked goods from the local COBS Bread franchise, but a community spirit too.
Megan Forbes and her team of bakers at COBS Bread are dedicated not only to building a winning franchise but also to making a connection with the local people and their causes, which in turn builds an emotional bond with the brand.
Forbes’ journey to becoming a COBS Bread franchisee began at an opportune moment in her career. “I was at a bit of a crossroads in my career and when looking for my next challenge, I interviewed and did a discovery day at a COBS Bread location in Durham,” she explains.
What caught her attention wasn’t just the tasty bread and pastries, but the company’s commitment to social responsibility. “I learned what COBS Bread was all about and how they donated all leftover products to local charities at the end of each day,” she says.
This alignment with her personal values was a decisive factor in her decision to take on one of the franchises.
“COBS Bread stood out over other franchises due to their donation process and community involvement. This is the perfect fit for me!”, she says.
The COBS Bread challenge
A background in customer service, staff training and development, and experience opening multiple retail locations meant she was able to hit the ground running when taking on the new challenge.
The path to opening her own COBS Bread franchise wasn’t without its hurdles.
“There were a lot of challenging firsts, to say the least,” she admits.
The comprehensive back-office support provided by COBS Bread was a big help in overcoming those hurdles.
“What was simple was the COBS Bread training program, which is a 16 week in-person and online training program,” she explains.
The hands-on approach, coupled with regular check-ins and guidance, left her feeling prepared for nearly every eventuality.
COBS Bread’s support extended beyond just training.
“They helped me develop a business plan to present to the bank for any funding. They helped me with checklists of items and things that needed to be done before the opening and would always check-in weekly,” she says.
The level of assistance didn’t wane after the initial setup. Even now, the franchise benefits from monthly meetings with the area manager to go over merchandising plans, future community involvement, and any issues that may arise.
COBS Bread and community impact
At the heart of Forbes’ plans for her COBS Bread franchise is a desire to make a positive impact in the local area.
“My ambition for the business is to grow awareness of not only the wonderful products we make but how we contribute to our community and the communities around us,” she says.
The commitment to community engagement is more than just good business practice; it’s a core value that drives Megan and her team.
The Brooklin COBS Bread has woven itself into the fabric of the local community in numerous ways. From supporting school breakfast programs to partnering with local sports teams, Megan and her team are always looking for ways to give back.
“We have partnered with many local schools for their breakfast programs. They are a part of our end of day charity where they collect all the unsold goods as well as other group homes and food banks,” she explains.
One of the franchise’s most successful community initiatives was its recent “Doughnation Days” campaign.
“We raised money for Nova’s Ark, a local charity that allows children with special needs the experience to be free and to be who they are; amazing!
“Throughout the month of February, Brooklin COBS Bread had the highest percentage of donations per sale across Canada and the US! With this, the Gillespie family matched our donations and we were able to donate over $11,000 to Nova’s Ark.”
But Megan’s commitment to inclusivity doesn’t stop there. The Brooklin COBS Bread is also part of a Durham region school board program that provides work experience for young adults with special needs.“We had the pleasure of helping Jaqueline’s journey into the working world,and will continue every year to be a a part of a new journey for more students.”
Building a COBS Bread franchise
When asked if she would recommend the franchise experience to others, Megan’s response is an emphatic yes. She’s quick to add a dose of realism, “I would let people know that a successful franchise does not come overnight but with hard work, persistence, and patience; it will pay off in the long run.”
She emphasizes the hands-on nature of the business and the challenges of the first year but maintains that “keeping focused on your goals and staying present in your community is a rewarding experience in its own.”
Running a bakery is a unique job with a unique set of demands.
“Bakers work very early mornings, and it is a physically demanding job,” she says. She also notes the importance of following COBS Bread guidelines to ensure consistency across franchises.
Financial challenges are another reality she doesn’t shy away from.
“With inflation and high interest rates, margins are very small, and you need to be willing to make tough decisions.”
Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic about the future and sees room for improvement, particularly in the integration of technology.
“I personally would like to see a production integration with our Point-of-Sale (POS) and ordering,” she suggests, explaining how this could help with production planning and stock management.
As for her own ambitions, Megan is focused on continued growth and community impact.
“My personal ambitions are to continue to grow the brand of COBS Bread and be the favourite bakery in Brooklin,” she says. “I’d also like to help more charities and raise more money for those in need.”
Creating a positive work environment is also important to her: “To continue to run an inviting, fun place to work where staff feel safe and are excited to come in every day.”
While Megan is currently giving her all to the Brooklin location, she doesn’t rule out expansion. “Is there a second bakery in the future? Well, for now I am giving 100% to Brooklin COBS Bread but if the right opportunity arises, I will certainly say yes,” she says.
In the end, her story is more than just about running a successful bakery franchise. It’s a narrative of community engagement, perseverance, and the sweet smell of success that comes from blending good business with doing good.
