Following a 2-month closure, in the middle of a pandemic, might not seem like the ideal time to take over a business, but sometimes you just have to trust your gut, listen to the universe and believe in timing. With conversations started in May, mentoring followed, then this past November Hayley and Neil Cullington became the new owners at Fancy Pants Cafe in Bridgewater.
Born in Toronto, Hayley spent time in Halifax while she completed her undergrad. Her love of Nova Scotia never left her, and Hayley and her husband found themselves moving to the South Shore, five years ago, searching for community and a place to call home. She began working at Fancy Pants Cafe, when it was in its previous King Street location, and owner Michelle, began then mentoring Hayley in all things related to working in a busy cafe.
During the next few years, Hayley worked part time at the cafe, part -time as a substitute teacher and also had two maternity leaves when her daughter (4) and son (18 months) were born. She began to recognize her passion for meeting and connecting with people and her love of being in the busy, bustling atmosphere of a restaurant.
During the past year, when past owners Michelle and Ulo took some time off, Hayley took on more of a leadership role. Then following the re-opening this past May, after a 2-month pandemic shut-down, Michelle began talking to Hayley and Neil about them taking over and becoming the owners of Fancy Pants Cafe.
Michelle wanted someone to carry on the traditions they had established, such as connecting and working with local farmers, offering a community space that is welcoming to all, and have a cafe with good coffee and where local and organic ingredients take importance.
With more mentoring and meetings, things were put until motion with the deal being finalized in November. In early January, a post on the Fancy Pants Cafe Instagram account, noted how 2020 had brought “personal reflection. and also professional changes too” with the change in ownership being announced.
Hayley and Neil are excited to carry on the legacy at Fancy Pants and also look towards bringing back some old favourites…like Friday night Pizza Nights! (stay tuned)
At the current time, they have their walk-up window still open, as well as appropriately distanced tables inside also available.
Fancy Pants is currently open Monday-Friday from 7:30am-4:00pm (kitchen closes at 2:30pm) and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00am-3:00pm.
Stop in and say hi to Hayley and all the familiar staff…they can’t wait to see you. 😊
