Tuesday, December 27, 2011

#CBias and #EqualCanada - The Search for Equal Continues

 My husband wanted to take me to a new place for my birthday.  Little did I know, he and my friends had planned a surprise birthday party for me.  Spruce Glen Bakery and Café is a new coffee shop on Manitoulin Island.  They are currently closed on weekends in the Winter months, so I had no idea that we’d be heading there.  My friend’s father and his wife own the café and agreed to open it for my birthday.  

Many of my favourite people were there to celebrate my birthday. My Dad even showed up, when he told me in the morning that he was going fishing! Everyone was in on the surprise party. 
It totally took me by surprise!  
 
Spruce Glen is a quaint and cozy spot for a nice cup of gourmet  coffee, specialty tea, and a bite to eat.  The owners start their day very early in the morning to make sure all the baking is fresh for their customers.

I had a Soy Chai Latte, my husband had an Americano, and Little One had *gasp* a Jones Soda.  We don’t usually give her soda, but it was a treat. There were tons of scrumptious baked goods to feast on. Spruce Glen, though a new establishment, has already built a reputation for having delectible freshly baked breads, flat breads, turnovers, and other pastries.
While we were there, I took the opportunity to check whether Spruce Glen Bakery Café offered Equal Sweetener. I looked, and only found sugar and one other sweetener.  This was the third time I set out to find Equal and I guess the third time was not the charm. 

My father uses low calorie sweeteners for health reasons. It's nice for him to have alternatives to sugar when he's out and about.
I asked the owner if he carried Equal and if he would consider it. He said it was not something they really thought of and that they served the other sweetener because it seemed to be the one most people wanted.
 
Because this is a new establishment, they do not have any comment cards or online comment section to fill out. They don’t have a website yet, but they do  have a Facebook page. I was not able to fill out a comment card, but I did have a chance to talk to the owner.
Here's the owner with his adorable granddaughter.

Much to my dismay, I have to report that no Equal sweetener was found at this location. Overall, the experience was amazing. Perhaps a few options to choose from in the sweetener area would be a good idea later down the road. This is a very new venue, and they are doing a smashing job! Also, comment cards would be a good idea. Mainly so I can tell them over and over how great their coffee shop/bakery is!

If you find yourself on Manitoulin Island, please stop by Spruce Glen.  Their coffees, teas and treats are fabulous and the service is always great.

SPRUCE GLEN BAKERY CAFE
2392 WIKWEMIKONG WAY, WIKWEMIKONG
ONTARIO, P0P 2J0
Phone: (705) 859-3638

For more information about Equal Sweetener, please visit:  the Equal website, @EqualCanada twitter page and Equal Canada on Facebook.


Disclosure - This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias. All opinions expressed on this blog are my own.

9 comments:

  1. A shame there was no equal. My hubby uses sweetener too. Nice surprise though!

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  2. It's too bad they have no Equal. Hopefully they'll take in response from their customers and start using it as the cafe looks awesome!

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  3. I love quiet little coffee shops so nice to have a hange from the bustling franchises we all know in the city. Too bad about equal but hey they are still new :)

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  4. What a great birthday surprise! Happy Birthday! I love little town with small shops and cafe's.. Too bad there wasn't any Equal...

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  5. This is a great shop and thanks for sharing a great little coffee to shop if we are ever in your neck of the woods. :)

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  6. What a lovely place to have a celebration!!
    That must have been so fun, happy birthday!!

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  7. Looks like a wonderful place to visit. I hope to visit myself one day :) Happy Birthday!

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  8. Such a nice birthday surprise.
    I am allergic to artificial sweeteners, so I use honey or natural xylitol as a sugar alternative.

    Jody

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  9. I love birthday treats like this! Happy Birthday to you.

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