A VACANT shop in an arcade off Warrnambool’s Liebig Street has come full circle.
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Once the home of a Baker’s Delight franchise, a new wholesale bakery business opened on Monday.
After building up a following during summer selling his delectable donuts at local markets, Naringal pastry chef Will Jane said the aptly named Jane Dough would supply south-west cafes and restaurants with bread, croissants, desserts, cakes and other pastries.
The shop, adjacent to the Ozone Car Park and next to the Hut Cafe, has been mostly empty for the past eight years.
It was occasionally rented out for pop-up clothing shops.
Potential disruptions during Warrnambool City Council’s two-year central business district renewal project did not deter Mr Jane from establishing the bakery in the city centre.
“In the interests of progress, I see it as a necessity,” he said.
“I’d like to see the main street come back up into something that is exciting and attracts people, rather than seeing the town keep spreading out to Gateway and Northpoint.”
Mr Jane completed his apprenticeship at Fleischer Cakes under Pino Marmina and the late Piero Brunetti, co-founder of the iconic Brunetti's in Carlton.
Having worked in top restaurants across the world, he has moved to the south-west to be closer to family.
“I’m relatively new to town,” Mr Jane said.
“I’ve been here a year and a bit (and) I have a large family base here.”
Warrnambool’s main thoroughfare continues to change daily as the city centre renewal project rolls out.
Other business changes are also afoot, with clothing stores Carisma Boutique and The Laboratory, in the block between Lava and Koroit streets, both set to close.
The Laboratory is shutting due to increased rent prices. They did seek a new location, however one could not be found. The store has been leased to a new business.
Brocky’s Cafe has also changed ownership and is now called Hoppy’s Cafe.
Owner Kay A’Vard said the Liebig Street cafe was taking a “fresh approach”.
Her son Shane, an experienced chef, has taken over cooking duties. Ms A’Vard said the cafe would have well presented, good quality fresh food and great coffee.
