Martensville has a new bakery in town, and it has been well received by local residents. Irene and Ben Manley, who own the successful business in Hague, decided to open a second location this summer in Martensville.
Irene explained, “This business began 14 years ago with my mother, and I have been involved since I was 15. I learned the craft from her, starting my baking career at IGA after completing grade eight. I dedicated myself to baking from an early age.”
Irene and her mom launched their first bakery in Hague just two weeks after welcoming Irene and Ben’s first child. Eventually, her Mom moved to the warehouse to make sure quality never changed.
When asked about the decision to expand to Martensville, Irene shared, “Martensville has always held a special place for me. Years ago, I considered purchasing Theodore’s Bakery but decided against it due to equipment concerns. The community offers a small-town atmosphere and remarkable loyalty, making this move a natural choice.”
Differentiating itself from other local establishments, I&P specializes in homestyle bakery crusts reminiscent of traditional recipes, such as using leftover bun dough for pizza, a method Irene is committed to upholding.
Products are made by hand from scratch every morning by a dedicated team of three bakers, supported by family members working in their warehouse. With 19 staff members, the Manley’s emphasize their business is truly family-owned and operated.
Popular items include pizza, cinnamon buns, butter tarts, and doughnuts. The expanded Martensville space allows for the addition of donuts to the menu, fulfilling a longstanding ambition for Irene, who has spent years refining the recipe.
Irene maintains a consistent pricing policy, stating, “We call it integrity pricing, which we have honored throughout our 14 years. It is important to me that children can afford a doughnut when they visit.”
The bakery also offers a ‘Grab and Go’ service, ensuring efficient customer experiences with ready-to-go options.
“Our goal is to provide customers with fresh, high-quality products quickly, even during short lunch breaks. We’re just so excited to be able to spread the Goodness!” Irene added.
Unsold products at day’s end are donated to the Friendship Inn, with additional donations to the Martensville Food Pantry every Thursday when the freezer is cleared.
Make sure to check out the grand opening which will take place on Friday at 701 Centennial Drive North, Unit 3, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with specials, and a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30am. Cool FM will be live on location from 11-3. See you there!
