Minary siblings reopen family bakery in Souris

The Minary Homestyle Bakery in Souris has reopened following the recent deaths of Cindy and Darwyn Minary.

Three of the couple’s children — Kendra, Cody and Adam Minary — officially reopened the business on May 14.

“It’s just in our blood … what we are meant to do,” Kendra told the Sun.

Kendra said the children all grew up in the bakery, from their early years visiting Darwyn under three previous owners to working for their parents after they purchased the business in 2006.

“The love and support from the community helped us tremendously, gave us strength and confidence to reopen,” Kendra said. “Knowing how much we were missed when we closed, and how many people (from Souris and afar) believed in us, truly made the decision to keep the bakery going so much easier.”

The new owners said preserving what customers already love about the bakery was a top priority.

“The tradition of keeping the business in the family name was important to us,” Kendra said. “And just keeping all things as they were — the same foods and recipes that everyone has loved for many years.”

She said the bakery’s philosophy remains unchanged.

“All our products are baked with lots of love. We have always stood strongly behind quality over quantity.”

Kendra said one thing they got from both their parents was their stubbornness.

“We were too determined to make this work; nothing was going to stop us. Plus, after all the time, love, heart and soul they both put into this bakery, we couldn’t let it go,” she said.

The bakery, which has served the community for more than 90 years, had temporarily closed following the deaths of both parents. Cindy died in March, while Darwyn died in April.

The reopening came just a day after Kendra shared an emotional poem on social media describing the family “reshaping and kneading pain into each roll,” a reflection of the grief and healing tied to returning to the bakery.

“It has definitely been hard to step back into the bakery without our parents there,” she said. “They left big shoes to fill.”

She said reminders of her parents are still everywhere inside the shop.

“Seeing their dirty aprons still hung up in the corner and the stools empty where they once sat pulls on the heartstrings for sure,” she said. “You miss all the ‘little things’ like their jokes, advice and fighting over the table space.”

Despite the lingering emotions, Kendra said the family feels uplifted by their parents’ example.

“We feel inspired by their hard work, dedication and love for baking, and that’s what motivates us to push through all of the emotions.”

While the siblings plan to maintain the bakery’s familiar menu and atmosphere, they are also open to introducing a few new ideas in the future.

“For the most part, we plan to keep things as they have been for the past 20 years,” Kendra said. “We are proud of the products that we provide. In time, we may squeeze in some new seasonal treats and specials.”

For now, the focus is on rebuilding, honouring their parents and ensuring the bakery remains part of the community for generations to come.

“We hope to keep this bakery going until our 20th anniversary in August, and for many years to come after that,” she said. “Not just for ourselves, but for all of the amazing customers that have supported us along the way, too.”

The family also hopes the tradition continues long into the future.

“We would love to keep the business going long enough to get the next generation of Minary bakers in to lend a hand.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

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