Black Forest Pastry Shop

Family ties are as important to the Black Forest Pastry Shop as chocolate, vanilla and buttercream. For starters, owners John and Marzena Ziemba met in John’s family bakery in Toronto when they both worked there in the '80s. Marzena was a hard-working, freshly immigrated teen from Poland, and John was focused on learning everything he could to become a master baker. Over time, sparks began to fly and it became clear that these two passionate and determined individuals were destined to be together – both in life and in business.

They married in 1990 and took over the family business. In 2003, seeking a great community in which to raise their kids and open a new shop of their own, the Ziembas settled in Oakville. John’s parents followed, and they still live just above the bakery.

Although the Black Forest Pastry Shop’s popularity would warrant it, the Ziembas don’t stay open past 6pm. Quality time with their three children (Stephanie, Jack and Hannah) is too precious.