Member Profile: The Dancing Goat Café & Bakery
Cape Breton Island is a bucket list item for many, with beautiful landscapes of sprawling hills, gorgeous coastal views and maritime hospitality. If you find yourself traveling along the breathtaking Cabot Trail, looking for a café with made from scratch cooking, a cozy atmosphere and welcoming community, make sure the famous The Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery is a stop along your way!
Recently the business has switched hands and the new owners Ashley, Chris and Theresa Tambos have expressed that the warm welcome, and support and encouragement from the community has played a crucial role in the smooth transition. We’ve quickly formed a strong bond with the locals and have been embraced as part of the Cape Breton family,” shares Ashley.
Good food brings people together and Cape Breton is no exception, as its home to delicious traditional dishes featuring exquisite fresh seafood. With an admiration of the local cuisine being a significant part of why they love the island, the Tambos acknowledge the importance of honouring the local food culture through the Dancing Goat. They are committed to maintaining high standards and ultimately “preserving the essence of The Dancing Goat that the community cherishes.”
While respecting and preserving the history of the cafe, the Tambos are also always looking for new and innovative ways to stay in the forefront of the industry. They understand the importance of catering to various dietary needs, so they are expanding to include more options that accommodate preferences and restrictions such as gluten-friendly and dairy-friendly. “We’re excited to introduce new menu items, experiment with unique flavours and ingredients, and collaborate with talented chefs and artisans,” says Ashley.
As they look forward to contributing to their community they also remain committed to keeping sustainability a top priority while bringing you an enjoyable culinary experience!
Some classic menu items that The Dancing Goat is known for includes its bestsellers such as Muffuletta and Chicken Sandwiches, or gooey cinnamon rolls and tangy lemon bar. While it is important to keep the classics, the Tambos have plans to introduce seasonal menu items such as freshly squeezed lemonade – just in time for summer!
They are also looking to elevate the coffee experience with a new line up of espresso drinks and speciality beverages using unique flavours and creative latte art. “Our baristas are ready to impress you and your tastebuds,” says Ashley. To pair with coffee, a new roster of high-quality delectable pastries and desserts will also be available. Other new offerings joining the menu are a rotating bi-weekly seasonal sandwich, and salads with locally sourced seasonal produce. If comfort food is what your soul needs, they are also expanding their soup flavours for that bowl of warmth on those gloomy days.
Adding new menu items is not as simple as it seems; it takes tireless brainstorming with flavours and ingredients to generate recipes that embody the season. Before the item gets on the board it must go through trial testing to gather feedback from valued customers. With the insights from the community, the appropriate changes are made and the item will be available to order; if it becomes a fan favourite, Ashley says they will consider keeping an item on the menu for an extend period.
“The frequency of rotating seasonal items may vary depending on factors such as the availability of seasonal ingredients and the response from our customers,” she says. However, it is their goal to introduce a new item every couple of months to keep you and your taste buds on your toes!
One of the bigger plans Ashley shared was to expand the cafe’s reach and accessibility. To do this they are considering potentially extending operating hours and exploring the possibility of delivery! With these changes they hope to provide more flexibility for their customers, and the option to have the fabulous flavours delivered to be enjoyed at home.
Photo Credit: The Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery
In addition to a calendar of their own events in the works, like live music and community gatherings, The Dancing Goat will also attend your events – to cater of course! No matter what your gathering is, they have an option to help create a deliciously positive and memorable experience for you and your guests. If you have a sweet tooth, their treat and baked good trays can satisfy that craving with an assortment of cookies, brownies, and pastries. If you want something savoury then the sandwich platters are the perfect option. Need something hearty to fill your guests up? Buckets of soup are a great way to enjoy comfort food at an event. And of course, it’s not really a celebration without cake or cupcakes, so it’s a good thing they offer beautiful custom options for that too. From corporate to birthday, they are dedicated to making customer events memorable ones!
The Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery is in good hands and headed for a bright future. “We are grateful for the support and look forward to sharing the journey ahead with our customers,” says Ashley. “Together, we can create a future filled with delicious food, amazing coffee, memorable moments, and a strong sense of community.”
“The possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our café and our valued customers!”
Photo Credit: The Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery
For more information on The Dancing Goat Cafe & Bakery and their array of mouth-watering dishes, visit their website or follow them on Instagram & Facebook!
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