Mess Hall & The Magpie Cakery Join Forces
New Bakeshop & Culinary Incubator to Foster Bakery Startups in Toronto
Toronto, ON – February 23, 2025 — Mess Hall and The Magpie Cakery are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter: the opening of a warm, inviting bakeshop that captures the nostalgia of classic, approachable baked goods. This expansion also introduces The Magpie Incubator, transforming the corner of Gerrard St East and Leslie St. into a vibrant hub for delicious treats, culinary education, and entrepreneurial support in Leslieville.
Founded by Maggie Frith as a labour of love, The Magpie Cakery has grown from a baking school into a key part of Toronto’s artisanal food community. The new bakeshop pairs its beloved baked goods with expanded support for food entrepreneurs through the Incubator program, offering a dynamic space to connect, learn, and thrive.
A Unified Culinary Vision
Libby Brewer-Dulac brings her expertise in food entrepreneurship and love of cake design to the partnership, shaping the Incubator into a hub of creativity and opportunity. Previously the founder of Mess Hall, a pioneering shared-use kitchen and support space for food entrepreneurs in Toronto, Libby has joined forces with Maggie to build on this legacy. Together, they have ensured the Incubator remains a vital resource for women-led and emerging food ventures in Toronto.
All operations, including shared-use kitchen rentals, business support, and pop-ups, will now operate under The Magpie Incubator, officially retiring the Mess Hall name. This new structure strengthens Mess Hall’s founding mission to inspire culinary creativity, foster community connections through baking, and empower women-led businesses.
“This new phase is about more than just great bakes,” says Maggie. “It’s about creating a space where our community can come together over shared treats, coffee, and the joy of baking. Unifying our operations under The Magpie name amplifies these values and helps us support food entrepreneurs even more effectively.”
What to Expect
Signature baked goods: Nostalgic favourites, classic bakeshop treats, and seasonal specialties.
Baking classes: Hands-on workshops for all ages and skill levels, hosted in the charming baking studio of The Magpie Cakery, located in a century-old building that has long been a beloved part of the community.
The Magpie Incubator: A dedicated program offering kitchen rentals, business mentorship, and a platform for food entrepreneurs to grow and thrive.
About The Magpie Cakery
The Magpie Cakery in Leslieville blends delicious, nostalgic bakes with hands-on workshops that bring the community together. With a focus on supporting entrepreneurs, it’s a space where creativity rises and baking dreams come to life.
About Mess Hall
Founded by Libby Brewer-Dulac and Gaby Flores, Mess Hall was a hub for Toronto’s food entrepreneurs, providing shared-use kitchen rentals, pop-up and virtual food event opportunities, and a space for culinary creativity. Known for its commitment to fostering women-led and small food businesses, Mess Hall played a key role in the city’s artisanal food scene. With the transition to The Magpie Incubator, its legacy of community and entrepreneurship continues to thrive under a new name and expanded vision.