By Dylan Freeman-Grist
The Haldimand Press
JARVIS—Christine’s Homestyle Bakery, a beloved Jarvis bakery, caterer, and deli known for keeping the town and county well stocked with sweet treats, roast beef, and fresh baked goods, will be closing its doors at the end of the month.
The news came on the shop’s Facebook page on October 6, 2025 as owner Christine Best announced her retirement. The post was met with a swell of sadness but also support from loyal customers in Jarvis and beyond who shared their favourite memories of the shop.
In 2020, the bakery was facing a handful of challenges.COVID-19 had forced a shutdown and then shift in business strategy. In addition, Best was battling cancer. It was during this time that her husband Kenith Best quit his job and began working alongside Christine full time. He soon became a staple among dedicated customers. He was known for creating delicious meals and treats, including his famous ‘flakies’. Even after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, and Best beat cancer, the partnership continued.
“He was very proud of his pastries,” says Best. “He took care of our whole freezer of frozen foods.… He was very proud of the meals he put in there, and the way that people gravitated to them so that was his pride and joy.”
Sadly, Kenith passed away in late September 2025, prematurely ending the couple’s business partnership as well as their union of over four decades. As a result, Best decided to accelerate her planned closure of the shop, which the pair had initially scheduled for next year.
“I couldn’t do it on my own,” says Best, recalling the importance of Kenith’s contributions. “He was my partner in it, so retirement came a bit early.”
Christine’s Homestyle initially started as an extension of the butcher shop Nigh’s of Jarvis, which was owned and operated by Best’s father before being taken over by her cousin Sean Wallis in 1995. Best began working for the shop in the early 2000s before helping to add a bakery to its offerings. In 2008, Best purchased the bakery outright, starting a 17-year run.
“I have seen little ones come in baby carriages that are now in university or are finishing high school,” says Best. “A lot of those kids still come in with their mom and dad, so I have gotten to see them grow up. You know it was just such a social place, and I had many long conversations because I never wanted to be one of those businesses where you’d get in and get out.”
Many of Christine and Kenith’s family rotated in and out of the shop regularly wearing many hats. Their son Jorden Best would routinely help with the shop’s production on days off from work, while their daughter Brittany Sullivan helped with baking and social media duties from the shop’s very beginning. She was also the main organizer behind the shop’s treasured holiday traditions, such as the Christmas Turkey on a Bun Dinners and Holiday Cookie Walk.
“I think it’s going to be pretty missed by the people of Jarvis,” says Sullivan. “I think it’s sad to see it close … but it’s hard to picture it without (Dad) there.”
The bakery will open for two final days on October 24 and 25. While scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, customers who want one final visit are advised to come as early as possible. Once inventory is gone the shop will close its doors for the final time. All purchases will be cash only.
