Desserts worth the drive: Rocky Lemon sweetens Fredericton

Rocky Lemon bakery on Lincoln Road is set to expand with a second downtown Fredericton location. (Credit: Sheldon Poon)

Strong community support and creative desserts are helping the Rocky Lemon bakery thrive, with the Lincoln Road business set to open a second location in downtown Fredericton later this winter.

Nada Wiltshire, the owner of the Rocky Lemon,  first sold her products at the Northside Creators Market in 2020.

Wiltshire said the bakery plans to open a second location in downtown Fredericton sometime over the course of the winter months.

While many startup businesses are having a hard time staying open, the Rocky Lemon’s recipe for success may be its good food, coupled with customers who value a strong community.

Where supporting local comes naturally

Jason Gallant, owner of a brand called HubCityFoodies, works in  food content creation and promotes local businesses across the Maritimes.

Gallant said Atlantic Canadians tend to prioritize supporting local businesses, seeing it as a way to strengthen their communities, rather than out of a sense of obligation.

“People here genuinely enjoy going to small, independently owned restaurants,” Gallant said. “It creates a sense of community and it’s something that feels natural in Atlantic Canada.”

After informing his followers on social media that he would be coming to Fredericton to visit some restaurants, Gallant’s posts were flooded with comments that recommended Rocky Lemon.

Even though locals in Atlantic Canada are eager to help out their neighbours, the bakery has many other qualities that keep attracting loyal customers.  

Tammy Roberts, a lifelong Fredericton-resident, makes a weekly trip with her husband from their home in St. Mary’s to the Rocky Lemon on Lincoln Road.

The Rocky Lemon offers a unique menu that changes biweekly, drawing inspiration from different global cuisines and specializing in European-style pastries.

“We love her donuts. She makes a chocolate orange donut that is to die for. Her apple fritters are amazing,” said Roberts.

Roberts has a sweet tooth but finds it hard to find a satisfying dessert in the area. She said the Rocky Lemon “absolutely” fills a gap in the Fredericton food scene.

Gallant said he was impressed by the menu and couldn’t decide what to get.

He settled on a coffee and a homemade pop-tart. The pop-tarts have been a hit since the business opened in 2020.

When Gallant visited, the Rocky Lemon was busy even shortly after opening. He said it was nice to see all the fresh-baked goods out and ready to go.

Both Gallant and Roberts said staff are exceptionally friendly at the Rocky Lemon.

“They're very busy but they always take a minute to make the visit feel personal. It's great,” said Roberts. “A lot of businesses are lacking that personal touch.”

The personal touch and the sense of community are key elements that separate Rocky Lemon from large corporations or chains.

“It’s made with care and someone's making it out back, which is, to me, amazing ... when you love what you do and you put your love into it, it shows,” said Gallant.