At YVR Prep, we’re constantly inspired by the passion, grit, and joy that small food entrepreneurs bring into our shared kitchen space. We see early mornings, long production days, last-minute markets, samples handed out with smiles — and the long hours pay off.
Today, we’re thrilled to celebrate a few incredible brands that started right here with us and grew into thriving businesses. These graduates are proof that with dedication, community support, and the right environment, food dreams do come true.
Let’s meet them.
🍪 Bak’d — From Shared Space to Retail & Beyond
Started: May 2020
Graduated: 2024
Where they are now: Operating independently and growing with strong retail presence
Bak’d is all about joy in every bite. With fun flavours like Sea Salt Chocolate Chunk, Birthday Cake, and Maple Bacon, this cookie brand quickly became a local favourite. Their chewy, flavour-rich treats have appeared in markets, online orders, and beloved shops around Vancouver.
What set Bak’d apart was their ability to take a classic favourite — the cookie — and turn it into something memorable and crave-worthy. After four years of production days, iterative testing, community support, and thousands of sweet moments, Bak’d moved out of our shared kitchen and into their own space where they continue to grow their footprint.
Today, they’re baking bigger batches, expanding their product line, and putting local ingredients forward — all thanks to the hard work that started in a shared kitchen.
For orders online, visit:
🌎 Bak'd Cookies
Visit their location today! Find them at:
📍 285 Nelson's Ct, New Westminster, BC V3L 0E3
🧀 The Graze Company — Elevating Snack Boards Across the Lower Mainland
Started: 2019
Graduated: 2022
Where they are now: Operating independently, creating beautiful grazing experiences
The Graze Company built its brand around something simple: elevated sharable moments. With beautifully curated charcuterie boards, grazing tables, and thoughtful platters, they brought art to everyday entertaining — from birthdays and bridal showers to corporate gatherings and holiday celebrations.
What made The Graze Company special was their attention to detail. These weren’t just snack trays — they were a canvas of flavours, colours, and textures that brought people together. After three years of building a loyal clientele and refining their production systems, they transitioned out of our kitchen and into their own operational rhythm.
Their evolution from YVR Prep’s shared workstations to fully custom orders is a tribute to creativity, planning, and strong community relationships.
For orders online visit:
🌎 The Graze Company
🍰 Oh, Sweet Day! — Baked Goods with Heart & Soul
Started: May 2018
Graduated: 2019
Where they are now: Established and continuing to delight customers
Oh, Sweet Day captured hearts right from the start with its homestyle baked treats and handcrafted desserts. Whether it was cookies with character or cupcakes with personality, this brand brought a sense of fun, comfort, and nostalgia to every order.
Though their time at YVR Prep was brief, the momentum was strong. Within a year, they outgrew the shared kitchen model and moved into their own space, where they continue to flourish.
Their journey is a great reminder: sometimes it doesn’t take long for the right recipe and the right timing to create opportunity.
For orders online, visit:
🌎 Oh, sweet day!
Pay them a visit at their locations!
📍 1706 E 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC
📍 2615A St. Johns St, Port Moody, BC
🌟 What These Stories Have in Common
Every one of these brands started with a simple idea and a whole lot of heart. What helped them succeed?
✔ A willingness to learn and perform
✔ A solid product and unique voice
✔ Consistent effort in production and marketing
✔ Taking advantage of shared kitchen tools, supportive community, and space
✔ And most importantly, perseverance
These graduates show us that the path from commissary kitchen to independent business is real — and worth celebrating.
🎉 Cheers to the Next Generation of Preppies
Whether you’re prepping at YVR Prep to sell at farmers’ markets, cafés, or local shops — or dreaming of your own space one day — take inspiration from these success stories. Growth is a journey, and every batch you make is a step forward.
