Meet The Makers Mini Interview: Wendel's True Foods
/
Wendel’s True Foods Mini Interview
We love being able to provide access to truly delicious, top quality foods for those of you who are on specialised diets—foods that are so good everyone wants to eat them no matter what kind of diet they are following. Wendel’s True Foods is another West Coast classic, another homegrown trailblazer in this area. Their gluten-free baked goods have been a godsend for celiacs and a beloved treat for all since 2005, and we’ve always felt like they are extra important at this time of year when everyone is indulging and sharing goodies, because they help make sure no one has to feel left out or stuck with second rate treats! Wendel’s True Foods founder Diane Morrison answered our Meet The Maker questions for December, sharing the touching inspiration for the business, and a little slice of her life in Fort Langley.
Share your story with us in a 150 words or less.
One day a small boy was crying in front of our pastry case at our restaurant in Fort Langley, and an upset mother tried to comfort him.The boy was crying because he couldn't have a cookie. My mother, Erika, who was the baker, heard the conversation and started talking with the woman. The woman explained that the boy could not eat anything, because of a gluten allergy. That left my mother speechless, which is hard to do. A boy not allowed to eat a cookie in our café was not right. She set out to make a cookie from the ingredients she could use and didn’t stop until she came up with a cookie that tasted great- like all our other cookies. We didn’t know that much of the gluten free products available didn’t taste like “normal” baked goods. We only had our standard of great tasting; pure ingredient baking as the benchmark to go by and that is the benchmark we continue to use today. I like to think that little boy came back and got to have a cookie. I do know lots of others just like him who now enjoy our gluten free products.
Getting from an idea to a small business is a lot of work! When did it first sink in for you that ‘this is really happening’?
Back in 2005, we started Wendel's True Foods in the bakery of our café. When we moved into our own facility, it was like "moving out of the parent's place" and that's when it became real!
Out of all your products, which is your personal favourite and why?
Our Coconut Nanaimo Bar. I love coconut and chocolate, and this item is heavy on both of them
What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
The joy surrounding food. So many of the best memories in my life focus around food, and the thought of being able to share that joy with others is a strong motivation.
What’s your favourite thing about the town or city you live in?
Fort Langley is a beautiful historic village- an incredibly tight knit community. My husband Don and I have been lucky to call it home for nearly 25 years.
Describe your ideal Sunday, including your breakfast.
A hot Americano, a Wild Mushroom and Spinach Hash- my favourite breakfast item available at our Café, Wendel's Bookstore & Café in Fort Langley, followed by a walk along the river.
What are your personal top three tips for feeling awesome?
1. A great night's sleep.
2. Fresh air.
3. Laughter with Friends.
Find Wendel’s True Foods : On Their Website | On Instagram | On Twitter | On Facebook