Truro, Nova Scotia, (902) 895 1266
Fraser’s Pastry Shop, located at 809 Prince Street in downtown Truro, has been a beloved fixture of the community since the early 1980s. In February 1995, the shop changed hands, and Liane Whalen took the reins as owner. As she prepares to celebrate her 30th anniversary of ownership, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on her journey and the enduring charm of this local bakery.
Liane, who has a background in restaurant work, including prep, line work, and, of course, baking, knows what it takes to run a successful bakery. Over the years, she’s been committed to ensuring everything at Fraser’s Pastry Shop is made from scratch and baked in-house. “I’m sincerely proud to say that all the baking is done here, and it’s made from scratch,” she shares. Though running the business has come with its challenges—such as the early 3 a.m. starts and the added hurdles of the pandemic—Liane never closed the doors. Instead, she adapted by modifying business hours and continuing to serve the community.
For Liane, being her own boss has its ups and downs. While she admits there’s a lot of responsibility involved, she thrives on the challenge. “I enjoy a challenge,” she positively shares , acknowledging that there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of running a business on your own terms.
What makes Fraser’s Pastry Shop truly special is its loyal customer base. Liane proudly notes, “We have the BEST customers. Many repeat customers have ‘standing’ orders every week.” It’s a testament to the welcoming, friendly atmosphere Liane has fostered. Customers are not just customers—they’re friends. “We know them by name, and I’m happy to say they feel welcome and comfortable in the bakery,” Liane adds. It’s not just about the treats—it’s about the connections made over decades of sweet moments.
It’s also heartwarming to see the generations of families who continue to support the shop. “Children who started coming with their parents or grandparents are now grown and bringing their own kids to Fraser’s,” Liane reflects. It’s clear that the bakery holds a special place in the hearts of Truro’s families.
As for what’s baking in the oven, Liane says the white bread has always been the most popular item on the menu, though pan rolls take a close second during the holidays. And who could forget the classic shortbread cookies? They’re still a crowd favorite, alongside the mini gingerbread peeps and, of course, the ever-popular chocolate chip cookies.
While Liane no longer makes wedding cakes, she still takes great joy in custom cake designs for all kinds of celebrations. “I really enjoy decorating the different designs customers bring in for specialty cookies and cakes,” she says. The creative aspect of custom work is something Liane truly loves. A fun fact, next time your in the shop keep an eye out for paintings of her cake creations. Painted by her brother!
To mark the 30th anniversary of Fraser’s Pastry Shop, Liane is planning a week of celebration. From February 3-7, 2025, the bakery will be offering cookie treats for all, with balloons to pop for discounts and select balloons containing gift cards. It’s going to be a fun, festive way to thank the community for its unwavering support over the years.
Mark your calendars, pop in for a treat, and join us in celebrating this sweet milestone! Don’t forget to follow Frasers Pastry Shop on Facebook to stay up to date on all of Liane’s creations.