Kamloops staple Erwin’s Bakery moving from downtown

Feb 14, 2017 | 12:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — It’s the end of an era for those looking for a quick lunch in downtown Kamloops. Erwin’s Bakery closed the doors of their St. Paul Street store for the final time Saturday afternoon, after more than 30 years at that location. The Kamloops institution isn’t shutting down for good, simply moving to new digs.

It’s been a staple on the corner of 4th and St Paul St. for over three decades. Erwin’s Fine Bakery and Delicatessen served its last sandwich from their downtown location Saturday.

“Lately we’ve just seen the downtown core has just changed,” Erwin’s manager, Nikki Oliver told CFJC Today. “[It’s] time for a change, time for a refresh, so we decided a new building, with nice, shiny equipment… seemed like a good way to go.”

With dwindling numbers of lunch seekers frequenting the downtown location, as well as issues with the pay parking on the street outside, ownership felt it was time to make the change. Nikki Oliver says she understands why customers might be frustrated by the move, but hopes those same customers give the new location a chance.

“we have disappointment from some people, but like we’ve told everybody, within the downtown core we’re still doing delivery, and we’re only two kilometres across the bridge,” Oliver says.

Wendy Ego is a long time Erwin’s customer, and in the past few years has been keeping the books for the bakery. she thinks most long-time customers will adjust to the change.

Ego says “I really do believe the client base is loyal, and the product is the best in town, so how can you not help but follow.”

Oliver says the move won’t affect Erwin’s product at all

“Our baking will always be the same; scratch baking will always be the core of our business,” Oliver explained, adding “What it means for our customers [is] absolutely free parking, quick in and out off Mount Paul Way.”

She also hopes the folks who work over in the Mount Paul Industrial Park will appreciate the new lunch option they’ll have opening soon. The bakery plans to be operation by the end of February, with a grand opening sometime in early March.