Rising to the Occasion: Meet Atieh Mirkhani, Our Newest Bakery Owner

For Atieh Mirkhani, the aroma of freshly baked bread isn’t just comforting—it’s the scent of a lifelong dream coming true. After joining the COBS Bread family over two years ago, Atieh is now opening her very own bakery, and it’s clear this is more than just a new business venture—it’s the realization of a passion she’s nurtured for years.

Atieh’s journey to bakery ownership is as rich and layered as a perfectly proofed sourdough. Before donning an apron at COBS, she owned a language school in Montreal, helping students build communication skills, while also supporting her husband’s trading business. But even then, her heart was set on baking. She joined COBS to test the waters—and six months working hands-on as a baker only deepened her love for the craft.

Now, as she opens her first COBS Bread location, Atieh is focused on building a passionate team, creating meaningful connections, and offering a warm, inviting space for the community. She’s excited to share new flavours, spark creativity in the kitchen, and build lasting relationships—one loaf at a time.

When did you join the COBS Bread family? Why did you decide to open a COBS Bread bakery?

I joined the COBS Bread family two and a half years ago. It has always been a dream of mine to own my own bakery, so I started working at COBS to see if it was more than just a dream. Over time, I realized how much I truly enjoy it. Now, I can say with certainty that baking has always been my passion and lifelong dream, and opening a COBS Bread bakery feels like the perfect way to bring that dream to life.

What did you do before working at COBS?

Before working at COBS Bread, I owned a small language school in Montreal, where I enjoyed helping people develop their communication skills. In addition to that, I also supported my husband with his company, assisting with trading activities. Both roles gave me valuable experience, but I always knew that my true passion was in baking, which led me to eventually join COBS and follow that dream.

What are you looking forward to about your new bakery?

I’m really looking forward to building a team that shares the same passion I have for serving the community. I believe that when a team is genuinely passionate, it shines through in everything we do—from the quality and taste of the products we create to the joy and warmth we bring to our customers. My goal is to create a bakery where both the team and the community feel connected and inspired.

Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker?

Before joining COBS Bread as a baker, I was an ESL teacher and the owner of a language school. However, before applying for a COBS Bread franchise, I had spent almost six months working as a baker at COBS. That hands-on experience gave me a deeper understanding of the craft and confirmed that baking is truly my passion.

How are you planning on getting involved in the community?

I plan to get involved in the community by offering excellent and personalized customer service, along with products tailored to our customers’ needs. I want to create a welcoming environment where customers can try new flavors of bread through samples and be introduced to exciting new products. Additionally, I’d love to inspire our community by sharing creative ideas on how to incorporate our bread into their meals,
helping families enjoy delicious and memorable moments together. I want the bakery to be more than just a place to buy bread—I’d like it to be a welcoming space where we can give back through donations, events, and community initiatives. I believe that supporting and engaging with the community will create a positive impact and help foster a true sense of connection with our customers.

And a couple of questions, just for fun!

If you were a treat or loaf from COBS, which one would you be and why?

If I were a COBS product, I would be a sourdough loaf. It’s a classic with a lot of character—simple at first glance, but with depth, complexity, and a lot of heart. Like
sourdough, I value patience, dedication, and bringing people together. It’s versatile, comforting, and always leaves a lasting impression, much like the way I aim to connect with others and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

What’s in your favourite sandwich?

My favorite sandwich would be a juicy hamburger with fresh tomato, a generous drizzle of garlic sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. I love adding some crisp onions and a dash of black pepper to give it that perfect balance of flavors. It’s a simple yet satisfying combination that never fails to hit the spot!

Welcome to the next delicious chapter, Atieh. We’re so glad you’re here.