Top Vancouver cafe to open first standalone location of its dope bakery concept

What started as a single-location coffee destination in Gastown has become a full-fledged Nemesis takeover in Metro Vancouver.

The much-loved local brand has been busy as of late. From launching its newest location in Surrey to announcing its upcoming Coquitlam outpost, you’d think that would be enough for the team to tackle for now, but there’s more.

Nemesis’ in-house baked good program, Dope Bakehouse, is getting its very own standalone location in North Vancouver this summer.

Danny Astefan

A first for the Dope Bakehouse, known for its picture-perfect treats and signature cobalt blue boxes, the concept will be setting up shop at 650 Mountain Highway in a 3,000 sq. ft. space. The location will feature a kitchen facility, 15 seats, and a 24-foot ceiling.

The team has tapped design firm Sml Studio Architecture to create the space, which we’ve learned is “inspired by re-interpreted nostalgia.” We’re told to imagine curves of viennoiserie, colours of baked goods, and a glossy bar reminiscent of butter.

Already drooling!

Danny Astefan

“We first named our in-house bakery program Dope Bakehouse at our Nemesis Polygon
location, and it really took off beyond our imaginations. It was then we knew we had
something really special,” explains Jess Reno, founder and CEO of Nemesis.

“Through our pastry friends, we were connected with Kevin. It’s now the right time to give Dope its own home.”

Kevin Lucas is at the helm of the Dope Bakehouse. The classically trained pastry chef grew up in Brittany, France, and has worked at the likes of Audierne, La Plagne, Tignes, Arcachon, and Saint-Barthélemy.

Considering he’s from the first place of the famous kouign-amann, it’s no surprise that Lucas brings a wealth of knowledge when it comes to French technique.

Lucas, along with Nemesis executive chef Mielye Mitchell, executive sous chef Lina Serrano, and a network of talented pastry chefs, will aim to “push the boundaries” of what a modern bakehouse can be.

Danny Astefan

So, the big question: What will we be eating when Dope Bakehouse opens its doors?

Think drool-worthy bites made on-site, such as a Mango Coconut Rice Pudding Danish, a Hochija Strawberry Danish, and a Bacon Smoked Cheese and Fermented Honey Croissant, to name a few.

We’re told the menu will offer everything from signature viennoiserie to seasonal pastry creations to focaccia sandwiches.

Naturally, the Dope Bakehouse will still bring the coffee culture that Nemesis offers at its many locations in and around Vancouver. The Bakehouse will even feature an exclusive Nemesis coffee sold only at its North Vancouver storefront.

“We’re just having a lot of fun with this concept,” Reno adds. “Our goal has always been to
create spaces where people feel inspired by the whole experience – from the food, the
drinks, to the music, the design, and the people. Dope Bakehouse is the embodiment of our
tongue-in-cheek spirit – the playful, younger sibling to Nemesis. We can’t wait to share it
with the North Shore community and beyond.”

In true Nemesis/Dope Bakehouse fashion, we can also look forward to capsule drops of merch.

We’ll keep you posted on an exact opening date for this exciting new spot. Stay tuned!

Danny Astefan

Dope Bakehouse

Address: 650 Mountain Highway, North Vancouver

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