Red's Bakery — Restaurant in Nanaimo

A HUGE shoutout to Red’s Bakery. In 2024, there is so much competition for business I’d like to share my experience and review…

My mom always told me that in our family, we treat people down on their luck-with kindness . They are “ someone’s sister, aunt, mother, child etc” and that they deserve to be treated as humanly as possible. I was about 11 years old when she told me that walking down East Hastings / Vancouver..My mom had a hard life and was riddled with empathy.

When I found out Red’s Bakery followed this mentality, my heart melted. Not only did they have a pay it forward/buy a treat for someone less fortunate but they essentially ended up extending their hours to help be a safe space for people in need -and treated them with dignity.

Over the years my family often stopped in on a Sunday for -in my opinion- the best Ambrosia Salad since my grandmother was alive. My husband would get some cheesecake . I have hated Oreos my whole life (I am in my 40’s).. yet somehow Red’s Bakery has magically made an Oreo cheesecake that was so delicious I ended up eating my husband’s. The whole thing. Me. An Oreo hater.

Red’s Bakery’s social media presence is a refreshing reminder that they are a mom and pop shop . Real humans who are willing and happy to be a part of this community in a time when community feels on the way out.

That being said, I reached out to Red to ask if a last minute Baby Shower treat tray could be done. Our colleague had her last day at work change, and she was now having her last day accelerated. Red assured me she would be able to accommodate even though she works nights and I work days. A few back and forths and she came up with a plan. She went above and beyond to help.

When I went in to pick it up yesterday I was greeted by Red’s husband who was attentive and ensured I was acknowledged even though I could see he was busy wrapping up with the previous client.

When I stated I was there for a pick up, he was beaming with pride and I was floored on the presentation. It was stunning. He made sure to show me how to hold the box so I wouldn’t have it slide everywhere etc and I left feeling so thankful and lucky to support this little shop.

When we put it out for the Babyshower ( vintage tea party theme) everyone was blown away. People commented on how wonderful the desserts were, but so many of them didn’t know about this hidden gem. Even the mother to be/ said she had always wanted to try the store but never made it downtown.

I am hoping , after the exposure of the beautiful treats and business model that it was enough to have my co-workers gain Red’s business.

What a wonderful experience dealing with Red and her husband and thank you again for going above and beyond.

In a world where anyone can write a review when they feel upset or angry, I feel like I needed to remind Red’s Bakery that they are so much more than just a bakery. They are a piece of our city and our hearts. Thank you for what you represent and offer.

Ps: Above anything else- Thank you for giving me the gift of nostalgia of my Granny. Memories of all the summer BBQ’s, Christmases past and family gatherings when I eat your ambrosia salad ❤️ What a beautiful gift you’ve allowed...

Came to nanaimo for a day and decided to come here to take some nanaimo bars (16) home (out of province) for friends to try. Not sure if it's because i came by at 9 pm but the older lady was giving me an earful about ordering too many nanaimo bars. Kept saying shes not trying to scold me but I'd assume if it was too much for them to handle, they wouldnt have taken the order in the first place. I called approximately 10 hours in advance and was told this should be no problem. So when I arrive to pick up my order, im not sure why im being scolded to not order like this again? I stated im from out of town and wanted to take original nanaimo bars home as a souvenir yet she just kept on going?

The other workers, just stayed quiet? This was absolutely ridiculous and it makes me sad that my first original nanaimo bar will have this memory engraved into my head. What was the point in discouraging a paying customer to not order a lot? I didnt mean any harm at all in fact i was ready to tell everyone to go here next time they're in nanaimo but there's no point in that anymore. All i did was listen to her scold me i didnt even argue back. Thought about calling on my way back to my airbnb but I'm sure they'll hear me if i leave this review. I guess i got excited for nothing.

Edit; this is not a tale and if i were told to give a days notice in advance i wouldn't have ordered in the first place. I wasnt upset at having less peanut butter bars at all. When i had called and placed the order, i was told there'd be no problem and everything would be ready by 9. You did in fact give me an earful for placing a hefty order which is weird because would you not want to sell your goods in a business? Again, had i KNOWN that im supposed to give a days notice , i wouldnt have bothered you guys with my order. So not only was there miscommunication but there's also rudeness to the customer. Not sure why your reply back is so condescending.

Edit #2: I did tell you I was flying back to Edmonton the next morning so I'm not sure why you keep insisting on this refund. I'm happy with the nanaimo bars but I'm not happy with how I was treated as a customer. A refund cannot fix that. And if you review the surveillance video, you will also see that you weren't happy with not having enough for the locals. What does that even mean? I'm a paying customer. I didn't just walk in to buy all your nanaimo bars. Let me just say this again, i placed the order 10 hours in advance and wasnt told about about the days notice and the person on the phone was happy to place the order. I should not have been the one berated for that. You're not being professional towards a customer at all. Regardless, I'm done with this conversation and I wish you guys...

I was a tourist here in April at the beginning of the pandemic. Lockdowns happened WHILE I was visiting. I needed to eat and was in Nanaimo, and wanted to do the tourist thing and find the best Nanaimo bar in the city during the lockdown. While eating breakfast on the outside patio at the Breakfast Nook (old location), I asked the owner if she could tell me where to find the best Nanaimo bar. She mentioned Red's Bakery . So, off I went to get the best Nanaimo bar in the city. And it SO was. Fast forward a few years, and in April, I celebrated my first anniversary of living in Nanaimo on April 20th stop Sugarloaf Mountain with a Nanaimo Bar from Red's.

About a week ago, I was walking my dog at Maffeo Sutton park and some tourists stopped me and asked if I was "a local". And I smiled and got a really nice, warm feeling...because it was the first time anyone has asked me that. And I'm SO proud to be a local now. I happily answered, "yes".

One of them asked me where to find the best Nanaimo bar in the city.

And I got my full circle moment. Of course, I gave them the directions to Red's ♥️.

I then couldn't get Red's cheesecake out of my mind...so about 15 minutes later, I went and got the "Ethan".....the staff was exceptional and happily worked through a rush of customers. And that cheesecake..... chef's kiss.

I love this bakery. They made me feel like I was welcome at a time when I shouldn't have been here. I'll never forget how special Red's felt from the first time I went in. And if a tourist asks me for the best ANYTHING in a bakery....my answer will always be the same. (Photo is my one year anniversary...