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In the heart of the Junction community, there exists a charming shop named UB Social Café & Gourmet Shop. This establishment is not just any ordinary café; it’s a place of culinary innovation and tradition, owned by the dynamic duo of Anthony and Mary, who share an unquenchable passion for food. They delight in blending diverse cultural flavours to create unique dishes, yet they cling to one tradition without compromise—Italian panettone.

Panettone, a sweet, airy bread filled with plump raisins and candied orange peel, holds a special place in their hearts, particularly during the holiday season. This delectable treat is more than just a dessert; it symbolizes the season. Anthony, with his skilled baker hands, kneads the dough to perfection, ensuring it rises to a cloud-like consistency. His father, Bruno Angelo Buso, had instilled in him a love for baking the finest panettone.

Bruno’s story was one of determination and a pursuit of the American dream. Born in Treviso, Italy, to a family of farmers, he found his calling as a baker. As a young boy, he delivered bread on an oversized bicycle, and his passion for baking started when he worked at the local Forno, mastering the art of bread and panettone.

In 1955, Bruno took a leap of faith and emigrated to Canada, landing at Halifax’s famous Pier 21. With “Fornaio” (baker) stamped on his passport, he embarked on a journey to Toronto, where he would leave his mark on the bakery world. His early years were a blend of hard work and dedication, from working at the Parisian bakery to lending his expertise to Bellwoods Pastry, where he learned to make cookies like the famous “ladyfingers.”

His tenacity paid off, and in 1960, he became a partner in Bellwoods, playing a pivotal role in the business’s growth. He worked tirelessly, often making cookies by night and selling them by day, using public transit to deliver his baked goods.

Bruno was a man who never forgot his roots and always lent a helping hand to his community. He was a co-founder of the San Marco Veneto Club and the Veneto Centre, where he worked tirelessly to support his Italian heritage and give back to the community that had embraced him.

In 1967, he moved the bakery to Tangiers in Downsview, where he expanded its production capacity. The business was thriving, and it became the only industrial manufacturer of panettone in North America. In 1984, the bakery found its current home in Vaughan, operating out of a spacious 33,000-square-foot facility.

Despite his remarkable success, Bruno remained humble and grateful for the opportunities his new country had provided him. He passed away in 2005, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his Italian heritage and community.

As autumn turns to winter, the enchanting aroma of freshly baked panettone begins to waft from UB Social Café & Gourmet Shop. This delicious tradition that Anthony and Mary have nurtured fills the air with anticipation, embodying the warmth and joy of the holiday season. Each slice of panettone is a testament to the love and heritage passed down from Bruno, a man who had arrived in a new land with nothing but a dream.

The holiday season at UB Social Café & Gourmet Shop is a time of togetherness and celebration. Friends and families gather, enjoying unique gifts, delicious meals, and, of course, the freshly prepared panettone. As laughter and stories fill the air, the community comes together, creating new memories. As Anthony and Mary watch neighbours savour each bite of their panettone, they know that their love for this Italian tradition has created something beautiful in the heart of the Junction.

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To experience this delightful fusion of tradition and innovation, contact us or visit the shop to savour the magic of freshly baked panettone and discover an array of goods and gifts.