Best bakery

The Plaza Bakery has had the same owner for 28 years

Mary and Fritz Furtner recently added a gelato bar to the offerings at The Plaza Bakery in Castlegar, B.C. — Photo courtesy Fritz Furtner

The Plaza Bakery in Castlegar, B.C., is a big favourite with the locals. Longtime owner Fritz Furtner wasn’t available to chat, but Mary, his wife of two years, was happy to answer our questions.

Where does Fritz find inspiration for his culinary creations?

Fritz doesn’t seem to need new inspiration. He’s a pastry chef by trade, trained in Austria from the age of 14. He bought this bakery 28 years ago, and his head is still so full of ideas (that) he’ll keep himself busy for years and years.

Which product is Fritz's signature creation?

His signature products are his apple fritters and his Black Forest cakes—people come from quite a distance for those.

Do you see any new developments for the future?

Fritz would love to get into making candies and hopes to have time to do that eventually. We recently opened a wonderful gelato bar here at the bakery, and that’s very popular.