Biscuits to Baskets, a family-owned bakery known for cakes, chocolates, and specialty coffee, is getting ready to open its first permanent storefront in Ajax at 109 Old Kingston Road in Pickering Village.
The business’s new location is scheduled to open on November 1, 2025, pending completion of final renovations, according to BlogTO. Previously operated from a garden shed, Biscuits to Baskets faced zoning issues that led to extended closures and financial uncertainty. Owner Suzanne Smith tells the publication that community support was essential to keeping the business alive. Customers can expect the same signature offerings, including assorted cake flights, chocolate-dipped confections, and the popular Korean Sponge Toffee Latte.
Founded in 2003, the bakery originally operated out of Smith’s backyard shed before being shut down for failing to meet zoning regulations. After relocating operations to the family home, additional municipal restrictions led to another closure, putting the business’s future in question. A viral TikTok review from food critic and MMA fighter Keith Lee in April 2024 provided a surge in visibility, bringing new attention and traffic to the brand.
Lee’s visit, part of his North American tour, featured the cake flight and sponge toffee latte, which he praised for quality and service. Known as the “Keith Lee Effect,” the viral review drew in significant foot traffic and social media attention, which helped Biscuits to Baskets weather its financial difficulties. Still, the family faced months with no income, and some staff worked without pay to help keep the brand afloat.
The new storefront will maintain its family-run feel. Suzanne’s son, Andrew Smith, runs the Backyard Brew espresso bar, which serves monthly rotating menus made with beans from local roaster Trebilcock Coffee. Other family members contribute to plant-based baking, customer service, and culinary creativity. With over two decades of experience in the chocolate and gift basket space, Smith says the new location is more than just a physical move — it’s a fresh start rooted in community resilience and family tradition.
