The Tale of Two Guys and a Whisk

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Thursday, 4 June 2020 09:19

Two Guys and a Whisk owners, Tracy Kimmett and Nabil Danha ( submitted)

Right after celebrating their one year anniversary in Woodstock, the owners from Two Guys and a Whisk were forced to close their doors due to the pandemic, but they say they remain positive thanks to their loyal customers.

WOODSTOCK - 'You will open a successful business', that was the message inside of Nabil Danha's fortune cookie, the day he and his partner Tracy Kimmett went to look at renting space at 519 Dundas Street. The location is now home to the poplar local bakery Two Guys and a Whisk.

Ironically, the landlord had purchased the space to create a bakery for her daughter which did not materialize, however, some work had been done to meet bakery regulations. It would appear that the stars had aligned.

How two guys from the metropolis of Toronto made it to the Friendly City begins with friendship. While vacationing in Mexico only 5 years ago, the pair met a couple from Norwich and became fast friends and starting visiting the area on weekends. The pair knew that having a social network would be important to them where ever they decided to set up shop, and so it weighed heavily in deciding to come to Woodstock.

So who are the two guys that make up Two Guys and a Whisk? Nabil Danha is the baker, Tracy Kimmett operates the front of house, business side and is the greeter and official taste tester. Tracy had a long career with the Bank of Montreal, and retired last year, while Danha came to Canada, via Amman Jordan in 2010. He too worked for BMO, but left once he found his passion. Danha went on to work for some of the most prestigious bakeries in Toronto to gain experience, which led the guys on their path to opening their successful bakery and making Woodstock their adopted home.

Since opening their doors just over one year ago, they have been a popular destination for many with a sweet tooth. The secret ingredient to their success is simply the loyal customer base. Before the threat of the coronavirus pandemic, the locals would physically visit often, and the out of town folks would seek them out.

Now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the guys remain busy, despite the fact they have decided to keep the physical doors closed for now. Kimmett says they have modified their business model during this time but the customers are taking it in stride.

"We take phone orders weekdays and have customers pick up curbside Thursday to Sunday. While business has been reduced, we consider ourselves lucky that we are allowed to open. As our space is very narrow, we cannot have any physical distancing inside the space, so we will be continuing with this business model for a while and we are so glad we can share our treats and bring joy and sweetness to our customers during this time."

In the meantime, the guys say the pandemic might be an opportunity for someone who has always had a dream, but never the time to pursue the dream, to take advantage of this time and put things in motion.

"All events in life can be blessings in disguise, I think learning and studying helps people find their passion. Nabil and I took a basic cooking course at George Brown College less than 6 years ago, from that one course Nabil took a second, a third and eventually his bakers certification. Who knew that once small class would lead to our future, so we say try something different today and see where it leads."

When asked what the secret ingredient is to their popular butter tarts, the shop's official taste tester, gives very little away.

"Passion, a love of baking and practicing your craft. That is the secret ingredient. Who knows, maybe one day Nabil may share all the secrets in the form of a book."

Until a book is released to reveal the secrets of their treats, the community continues to embrace these two former big city bankers, who now hold a whisk in their hands and a place in their heart for the people of Woodstock.

An array of treats at Two Guys and a Whisk. (photos submitted)