The bakery brand that has earned a devoted following when paired with a Metro Vancouver coffee shop is venturing out on its own for a debut standalone location.
Dope Bakehouse, whose cruffins, cookies, and croissants have drawn raves (and line-ups) at Nemesis cafés, will open its first solo shop on Friday, July 18, 2025 in a new build at 650 Mountain Hwy in North Vancouver.
North Van is a fitting community for the first Dope Bakehouse standalone, given the baked goods made their debut on the North Shore.
"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,” said Jess Reno, founder and CEO of Nemesis, in a media release for the new project.
Dope Bakehouse is led by pastry chef Kevin Lucas, who hails from Brittany, France (home of the famous sugary, buttery, densely layered treat called the Kouign-Amann). For the solo shop, Lucas continues to work closely with Nemesis executive chef Mielye Mitchell and executive sous chef Lina Serrano, alongside a growing network of international collaborators.
The Dope Bakehouse menu includes a core selection of croissants, ranging from classic butter and pain au chocolat to eye-catching flavours like tiramisu, along with the croissant-muffin hybrid creations (cruffins), Brittany's beloved Kouign-Amann ("The Queen"), and a line of delectable cookies—all offered alongside seasonal specials and creative standouts, like Raspberry Rhubarb Pain Suisse and collabs with folks like breakdancer Phil Wizard.
In the new North Van location, you can expect the Dope team to roll out even more fresh treats, all baked onsite in the new 3,000-square-foot space. Items you might find in the pastry case include Canelé with orange blossom, Mango Coconut Milk Danish, Spanikopita with Meyer lemon and nigella seeds, Marsala Tiramisu Cruffin, Bacon Smoked Cheese and Fermented Honey Croissant, and the Espresso Double Chocolate Smoked Sea Salt Cookie.
There’s also an expanded focaccia program, including both slabs and “handhelds,” with playful, flavour-packed options like tomato sauce, garlic & basil; and tomato, pineapple, capicolla, jalapeño & hot honey. A handheld combo features mortadella, pistachio, arugula, ricotta mascarpone & honey.
The treats will be available to enjoy for take-out or onsite, the latter thanks to Dope Bakehouse’s 15-seater café, part of the stylish interior designed by Reno in collaboration with local architecture up-and-comers Sml Studio. The look draws inspiration from the art of baking—curved elements that echo pastry folds, warm golden tones, and a high-gloss bar that mirrors the sheen of melted butter.
Also on the menu: Nemesis coffee, fresh-pressed OJ, and specialty drinks created by operations manager Josh Shelvin, including the Strawberry Matcha and The DB Choco.
“We’re just having a lot of fun with this concept. 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 and cheek spirit – the playful, younger sibling to Nemesis. We can’t wait to share it with the North Shore community and beyond,” adds Reno.
Opening this shop in North Vancouver carries personal weight, too. “This one’s truly close to the heart,” says Reno. “When I opened Nemesis Polygon, I wasn’t living in the North Shore just yet. But now, this is home. We’ve been dreaming about giving Dope its own space, and to finally do it here – we’re just getting started.”
Follow Dope Bakehouse on Instagram at @dope.bakehouse.
This article was originally published June 9, 2025 and has been updated.
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