Sweets to Go will keep you coming back

Charleswood

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This article was published 15/02/2023 (1151 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Every aspect of Sweets to Go is designed to make you feel at home, from the rustic decor down to the delicious treats.

Located at 3416 Roblin Blvd., Sweets to Go opened on Feb. 1, said owner Raquel Freitas, a native of Charleswood. She said it’s been a dream come true to bring her baking to her home community.

Freitas began baking in earnest 13 years ago, when her daughter wanted a customized birthday cake. Alarmed by the outrageous costs of the options she found; Freitas decided to make the cake herself.

From that experience grew Freitas’ idea to make customized and affordable birthday cakes. Over time, she grew a following and attracted clients, including many in northern communities. When the pandemic hit, Freitas, who had two young children at home, decided to leave her career to concentrate on her growing business.

Freitas’ focus is on serving up delicious but affordable treats such as cupcakes, cakes, tarts and cheesecakes. On the weekends she adds bread, buns and cinnamon sticks. Folks are also welcome to grab a warm bowl of soup.

“The cupcakes are selling like crazy,” Freitas said. “I can’t keep them in stock.”

While customers are picking up some of their favourites, they can also select desserts such as bean tarts that reflect Freitas’ Brazilian, Italian and Portuguese heritage. Samples are available and Freitas is confident that once you try, you’ll buy.

“When you take a different cultural dessert people aren’t used to and they’re made with kidney beans, they may think it’s weird until they try it,” Freitas said.

Every visit to Sweets to Go will be different, as Freitas plans on offering different items in rotation while keeping some popular choices. She’s also open to customer suggestions.

While the selection of treats will make you feel at home, so will the decor. The counter is made from old doors, rescued from a vintage-era Wellington Crescent home. The chandelier’s base is an old wash bucket, and the shelves are refinished dresser drawers.

“Everything in here has a story,” Freitas said. “Those doors have someone’s story behind them. We want to create our own story.”

Although her story is still in its early chapters, Freitas is committed to helping other entrepreneurs live theirs. She offers sugar cookies from a fellow baker and crafts from All Creations.

“You can do it,” Freitas said. “You can follow the dream, it is possible. Giving people that push is amazing to me.”

For more information, visit Sweets to Go on Facebook and Instagram (@sweetstogobylily). Call the store at 204-219-0446 or email sweetstogobylily@gmail.com