Edmonton’s Hazeldean Bakery to have new ownership

Edmonton baker Lucy Lu spent almost 16 years kneading dough, making tasty cinnamon buns, apple fritters, bread, and much more.

She’s now passing the torch at Edmonton’s Hazeldean Bakery to new owners.

“It’s a big change. Very big change, but I’m so proud of my service of this community. So many nice people,” said Lu.

Hazeldean Bakery has been a staple in this southeast community for 50 years. Customers and community members say that while they’re happy for Lu, they will miss her delicious sweets and baking goods.

“The best is her cinnamon loaf. That’s my family’s favourite,” said Alex Wood, a customer at Hazeldean Bakery.

David Curtin, a Hazeldean Bakery regular, said, “It’s high-quality stuff here.”

Customers say it’s Lu’s generosity that they’re going to miss the most.

“The generosity and just the friendliness. She recognizes a lot of her customers because she’s been here for so long. It’s not a box store that’s for sure,” said Curtin.

Marla Lehman, the manager of the Hazeldean Drug Mart, said, “She was always donating to whatever the community league put on lunches or picnics or breakfast, she’d always donate something. And she’ll always donate for our store tool.”

Lu says she’s sad to leave the community, but it’s time to retire and join her family in B.C.

“My daughter said, ‘Oh, mom, you are a senior, so we should come together to take care of each other,'” said Lu.

A sign hanging on the bakery’s door says Lu’s last day is on Christmas Eve, and new owners will take over.

“They will do some renovations for the place and maybe add one more oven to do more stuff,” said Lu.

Curtin says, “I’m gonna make at least a couple more trips before she’s done, I think.”