Dec 17

Tracycakes Bakery Cafe

A Fraser Valley institution, Tracycakes opened their first location in 2006. Tracy Dueck’s knack for baking and entertaining led to great success and a large following of Tracycakes lovers, and expansion to a second location was an obvious choice. What used to be a grocery corner store in the 1930’s is now home to Tracycakes Bakery Café located at Murrayville’s Historic Five Corners in Langley.

From the moment you walk in to Tracycakes, you are greeted with a smile and a comforting feeling as you sit down to relax and enjoy the ambiance of the quaint café. During our visit, owner Tracy Dueck was helping serve up goodies from the kitchen and behind the counter while also making sure she stopped at each table to welcome and chat with her customers.

 

PROFESSIONAL

1.      What are you known for in the community? What is your business? I was stumped here a bit… so I asked my team. They said generous and caring, loyal and community-focused. At Tracycakes, we believe in celebrating life and we use food and baking as the catalyst to do so! 

2.      Where did the vision for Tracycakes comes from? When my youngest was 15 years old, I realized that my stay-at-home-mom position would soon become non- existent. Demonstrating love through food and baking has always come naturally to me. My belief that “baking is love made visible” became a vison, then a dream, then a plan, and then reality in 2006 when we opened in Fort Langley.

3.     What are you most proud of? Most new businesses fail in the first five years. Knowing we’re among the 5% of companies that made it makes me proud!  We’re successful because we’ve always made people feel loved through baking.

4.     After 14 years in business what is the number one thing you have learned? TEAM is everything and leading with love is imperative.

5.     What is your hope for people after they have experienced coming to Tracycakes? That they leave feeling connected to the ones they came with or find some solace in this busy world. Serving up our made-from-scratch baking and lunches is our way of making them feel just a little better.

PERSONAL

6.     Tell us a little bit about your life outside of Tracycakes? For over 36 years, I’ve been married to Ray, who is the keeper of my heart. Together, we have three grown children—all married—who are the wind beneath my wings. Ray and I have 4 grandchildren and one more on the way! I love being a Nana! My way of showing love to my grandchildren is to spend time with each of them. I’d choose creating memories over buying presents any day.

7.      How many dogs do you have and what are their names? We have a 7-month-old Golden Retriever named Reverend. He goes to work every day with Ray, who works at our son and daughter-in-law’s company, Stattonrock Design & Build.

8.     What advice would you give to your younger self? Believe in yourself and trust your instincts – they will not lead you astray!

9.     Are there any other local businesses that inspire you? And why? Angie Quaale of Well Seasoned because of her tenacity. She makes cooking and baking an experience rather than just something one needs to get through. And Robynn MacFarlane of Champagne and Lace, who, despite working overtime every day, always makes her customers feel beautiful. Her humble spirit inspires me to be more like her.

 THIS OR THAT

10.   Coffee or Tea? Coffee first absolute must have – then African Nectar tea all day!

11.     Soup or Salad?  Salad

 12.    Sweet or Savoury? Give me all the chips and fries! Even though I love baking, I’ll always choose savory!!!!

THE FRASER VALLEY

13.    Where do you find your retreat in the Fraser Valley? Walking and hiking the many trails in the Fraser Valley and if there is a view, I will climb to it. I find refuge in taking moments to seize the day and capture the moment.

14.    What is your favourite season here in the Fraser Valley? And why? Summer in the Fraser Valley can’t be beat. I’m such an outside girl at heart! There’s not much I love more than walking, feeling the sunshine on my face, seeing the gardens, exploring trails, and enjoying all the local foods grown here during that season!

 15.    If you were a destination, where would you be? The top of Sumas Mountain because who wants to be a Valley?


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 Whether you are coming for high tea, lunch or an afternoon pick me up sweet treat and drink, Tracycakes has something for you. Visit them in Langley at 21594 48th Avenue, or in Abbotsford at 101-2636 Montrose Avenue. Or online at www.tracycakesonline.com