Aleksandr, and Anna’s journey to opening their own bakery 

On 461 McDonald Street, you’ll find a shop unlike any other in the city. Ça Va Bakery is owned by Aleksandr Kachan and Anna Khristenko, and offers a wide variety of delicious options from around the world. 

Originally from Ukraine, Aleksandr and Anna long dreamed of moving to Canada, searching for a place that reminded them of their hometown’s warmth and community spirit.

“We wanted to immigrate through a working visa,” says Aleksandr, who first found work as a cook at Pizza Shack. “I have 13 years of customer service experience. I used to work as a server and cook, and I always liked to make desserts.”

In September of 2023, Aleksandr and Anna began to sell some of their favorite pastries at the Bathurst Market on Saturdays. Then called Sweet Creations by Alex, they quickly gained support from some locals who loved the different variety of European delicacies that they offered.

“We just started with pastries, because we found that there wasn’t really anything like that around here,” says Anna.

They also compliment the market as being the perfect starting place for young entrepreneurs. There aren’t many expenses, and it provides a way to earn some valuable feedback on what you’re offering before deciding to open your own shop.

“If you open your shop right away, it’s a big risk,” says Aleksandr.

In March of 2024, after several months at the Saturday market, the two believed it was time to start looking at opening their own shop. 

“We were looking for a good location, with good lighting and good parking,” says Anna. And they found that on Mcdonald Street in Bathurst.

Ça Va Bakery opened its doors on September 18th and currently operates from Wednesday to Saturday from 9AM to 6PM. 

We asked Aleksandr and Anna what they like about the Bathurst region, and they told us that the city is the perfect size for them.

“The size of Bathurst feels just right, and the friendly atmosphere makes us feel at home,” says Aleksandr.

The two entrepreneurs have embraced a European-inspired concept featuring a menu that changes weekly. Customers can enjoy an array of pastries, custom cakes, and sandwiches made with fresh, house-baked bread. The menu includes flavors inspired by countries such as France, Italy, and Portugal, crafted with a commitment to quality ingredients.

If you want to take a look at all the delicious options that Ça Va Bakery offers, you can visit their Facebook page here

We want to thank Aleksandr and Anna for being guests in this edition of The Northern Heat Report. The place you come to listen to the stories that have not yet been discovered.