By Emily Stonehouse
“I’m happy wherever I am,” said Molly McInerney, reflecting on her years of business in the heart of Minden.
It’s a sentiment that she will be taking into her next stage of life: retirement.
As of Dec. 15, Molly’s Market Bakery on Bobcaygeon Road will be changing hands. “It’s going to be a restaurant still,” McInerney noted, “which is great. They plan on doing breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”
The restaurant has been a staple in the community for the past 15 years, with McInerney setting up in 2010. Since then, the restaurant has changed gears a few times, shifting from a sit-in restaurant to a bakery two years ago. “People were sad the restaurant was gone,” said McInerney, “but regular customers were really supportive and understood.”
For the past three years, the business and building has been for sale. McInerney noted that she was waiting for the right person to come along and set up shop. The Times will be providing coverage on the new ownership upon their opening in December.
McInerney is no stranger to the hospitality industry. Before starting Molly’s, she ran a little shop downtown. It’s a part of her, and the pride of place courses through her veins. But that doesn’t mean she’s going to necessarily miss the momentum of restaurant ownership.
“I’m not sad at all,” she laughed. “Now I can start getting involved in the things I used to like getting involved in. I like to be a part of the community. I’m not going to dive into a thousand things at once, but I’ll be able to get into things I didn’t have time for.”
McInerney cited gardening and joining the local Rotary club as big areas of interest as she settles into retirement. While she will take a little break over the holidays to rest and recuperate, she is looking forward to easing into the next chapter in the new year.
As for Molly’s products, she is trying to move as much as she can. She is also sending food to Wintergreen in Gelert and Cottage County Bakery in Carnarvon to sell from additional locations, in an effort to use up the pre-made product. Gift certificates can be used right up to the closing date in mid-December.
McInerney is looking forward to seeing the next chapter of the restaurant take shape, while she eases into a restful retirement. “I’ll definitely support them,” she said. “I’m not entirely sure what their vision is, but I will support it for sure.”
