Rocket Bakery and Fresh Food is preparing to inject  new fuel into a heritage space in downtown St. John’s.  Housed in the former Auntie Crae’s at 272 Water Street, the new business is poised to offer a twist on fresh, home-baked goods and prepared foods along with food-lover groceries and coffee.

Dave Hopley, of Living Planet, Johnny Ruth and Pi fame, and four friends
take over the Water Street landmark today and, with a few renovations, the
new team hopes to open its doors by the beginning of March.

“We’re keen to offer a warm, yesteryear atmosphere that reflects the style
of the building,” says Hopley.  “Rocket will continue the tradition of a
downtown bakery with handmade, preservative- and additive-free baking
along with additional offerings of fresh, prepared food at reasonable
prices.”

With St. John’s locals Phil Goodland heading up the bakery and Mike Gillan
overseeing Rocket’s prepared food and catering, city residents and
visitors are in for an innovative mix of both traditional and world-influenced food.

“We know we’ll be providing exactly what consumers want,” says Goodland.
“High-quality food and baked goods, great service and an ambiance that’s
really warm and friendly.”

Gillan agrees, “You’ll know there’s something in the oven the moment you
 walk through the door!”

In addition to breads, desserts and sweets, Rocket’s innovative menu will
feature an array of tasty, fresh baked goods for breakfast, flavourful
sandwiches, homemade soups and unique salads for lunch and, for dinner,
Rocket customers will be able to take home Rocket’s signature dishes and
baked goods.

The breadth and quality of Rocket’s baked goods and prepared food will
also be available through its extensive catering menu, available for
events on Rocket’s unique third-floor or for meetings and private events
in and around St. John’s.

Hopley is joined by local residents Kim Winsor (Johnny Ruth and Living
Planet) and Al Smickersgill in the management and running of the new
business, along with two friends from Toronto, Kelly Mansell and Mark
McGann, who have been looking for an opportunity to move with their two
young sons to Newfoundland.

“Our team intends to create a warm, inviting atmosphere focusing on great
food, customer service and music,” says Hopley.  “I, personally, can’t
think of a better combination!”  To that end, Rocket will maintain a
strong connection with the local artistic community by featuring a wide
range of musicians and artists in its common room on the ground floor.

The new business at 272 Water Street has launched its website at
www.rocketfood.ca and will soon feature, in addition to news and a list of
product offerings as they develop, a place for consumers to make product
and grocery suggestions and a blog chronicling the road to opening day.

By joining Rocket’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rocketfood, fans
will be able to see its latest bakery and fresh food offerings and peruse
the upcoming week’s menu and events calendar as of opening day.