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- The Dutch Bakery and Diner – Creating delicious breakfasts, lunches and bakery treats since 1956
The Dutch Bakery and Diner – Creating delicious breakfasts, lunches and bakery treats since 1956
Congratulations to the Dutch Bakery and Diner for celebrating 65 years in business!
What is a true recipe for success? For the Dutch Bakery and Diner the answer equates to strong family roots, importance of consistency, quality of product, loyal customers, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. These traditional values are why the Dutch Bakery and Diner is now in its 65th year of business serving Victoria locals and visitors.
Although modest updates have been made to the diner through the years, the original recipes and attention to customer service have remained as consistent and important as they did when the Dutch Bakery and Diner first opened its doors in 1956. This is apparent in the delightful selection of pastries, cakes, cookies, meat pies and sausage rolls, to name just a few of the offerings each day. Many of the original recipes for these delicacies were handed down by founder Kees Schaddelee. Standing in front of the large display cases, it can be challenging in the best way possible, to decide on what one would like. Names such as porcupine, flying saucer, deer log, dollar roll, and parliament have been long standing favorites of locals for years and continually create intrigue for those who have yet to sample them. Nevertheless, I still find myself eagle-eyeing the favorites I have ordered for years such as vanilla slice, mocha tart, chocolate cake, hazelnut tart to name just a few. The bakery also has well over 30 varieties of gourmet chocolates. There is something for everyone’s taste and palate in this establishment however the difficulty comes in refraining from wanting to enjoy them all!
The Dutch Bakery and Diner is located at 718 Fort Street and is open from 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Saturday. This Victoria landmark represents a rarity these days with being in business for 65 years, as well as celebrating three generations of the Schaddelee family.
This bakery dynasty started In 1956 when Kees Schaddelee Sr., his wife Mable and their two oldest sons Arie T and Jack rented a coffee shop on Fort Street. The younger sons, Kees Jr and Maarten, joined the bakery once they had finished school. All four sons married, and subsequently all four wives joined the bakery as well. Kees Schadelee was a legendary baker for more than 60 years. He passed away in 2007, however he could still be seen regularly at the shop enjoying a coffee and one of the famous Croquettes until he was 97 years old. The business today is operated by three of the Schaddelee cousins, Jack Schaddelee, Michele Byrne and Brook Schadelee, and follows the same family values that were instilled by previous generations.
The classic diner located at the back of the bakery serves breakfast and lunch all day with a vast assortment of comfort food classics, pastries, cookies, and cakes. There is a coffee and dessert special from 2 pm to 5 pm each day, or one can make a reservation for high tea. Indulge in one of the many savory Dutch specialties including the original croquettes, while you step back in time and admire the historical black and white photographs of the Schaddelee family that adorn the walls.
Loyal customers have been making the trip from Vancouver and Seattle several times each year to stock up on tasty treats. There is also the option to order pastries and savory treats by the platter or by the dozen which are perfect for any occasion. There is an option to place an order for in store pick up or have your items delivered to you within a certain radius for a $10 flat fee. Take a moment and visit this quaint bakery and diner which is truly the epitome of a family business passed down through the generations. Congratulations Dutch Bakery and Diner. Wishing you many more years to come.
