Mabel was Lorraine’s great grandmother, and she was famous for her baking. She made delicious crispy cookies and amazing pies with perfect flaky pie crust. Her children and grandchildren learned to bake in her big, professional kitchen. Lorraine’s Dad used to work for his grandmother after school. He taught Lorraine to bake and we still use many of the same recipes, now being handed down to a fifth generation. After WW I, Lorraine’s Granny Kate, an English war bride, created a little piece of home in Montreal when she opened her Blue Willow Tearoom next door to her husband’s shoemaking and tailoring shop. She baked and served traditional treats like delectable shortbread cookies and incredible fruitcake. Both these women were running their own businesses in an era when women were not even considered persons!

We started Sable Shortbread Company Ltd., dedicated to staying true to Mabel and Kate’s traditions: family running a business and making good food from scratch. What started as a mother/daughter team has grown to include other family members dedicated to continuing a family tradition.  Lorraine has many years of experience as a dedicated baker and as a professional business consultant. Julia has a talent and a passion for baking. As a person with a disability, Julia faces barriers to employment, so Sable Shortbread is an opportunity to build a business, earn a living, and make a contribution.  Duncan brings his years of experience running his own elite coaching business to our enterprise, helping us grow our reach and take our business to new heights.