Order Online
A baker standing in front of shelves filled with fresh bread

About BCIT Cafe

From a single campus bakery to three thriving BC locations, BCIT Cafe has grown alongside the communities it serves.

Our story

A bakery built on community.

BCIT Cafe was founded in 2008 by Maria Chen, a BCIT culinary arts graduate who wanted to bring truly fresh, handmade baked goods to the campus community. Starting with a simple espresso machine, a proofing rack, and a passion for fermentation, she opened the first location in Burnaby.

Within three years, demand had outpaced capacity. The Coquitlam location opened in 2011, followed by a flagship Vancouver location in 2015. Each location maintains the same commitment: every item made in-house, every morning.

Today, BCIT Cafe employs over 60 people across the Lower Mainland, partners with local farms for seasonal produce, and serves thousands of customers each week.

2008Founded in Burnaby by Maria Chen
2011Coquitlam location opens
2015Vancouver flagship opens on Seymour St
2018Online ordering launched
2022Full catering service introduced
Maria Chen seated at a cafe table with coffee and a croissant
Hands kneading fresh bread dough
Bakers working together in a bakery kitchen
Maria Chen smiling inside her coffee shop

Founder

Maria Chen

Founder & Head Baker · BCIT Culinary Arts, 2006

Maria trained in classical French pastry and baking at BCIT before spending two years at a Michelin-starred boulangerie in Lyon, France. She returned to Burnaby with a clear vision: make the kind of bread and pastry she had fallen in love with overseas available to her own community.

She remains hands-on in recipe development and quality oversight, and is a regular presence in all three kitchens. Maria is also an advocate for sustainable sourcing and has partnered with five Fraser Valley farms to bring seasonal local produce into the menu year-round.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your opening hours?
Most locations are open Mon–Fri 7am–6pm and Sat–Sun 8am–5pm. Vancouver opens at 6:30am on weekdays. Check the Location page for full details.
Do you offer gluten-free options?
Yes. We have several gluten-free items including select drinks, cookies, and wraps. Cross-contamination is possible—please speak to a team member if you have a severe allergy.
Can I order catering online?
Catering orders require a request form submission. We will be in touch within one business day to confirm and finalize your order.
Do you sell wholesale to other cafes or businesses?
We offer limited wholesale on select baked goods. Please use the Contact form to inquire with subject ‘Wholesale.’
How far in advance should I place a catering order?
We recommend at least 72 hours for most catering orders. Large events with more than 50 guests may require up to one week’s notice.
Are your breads made fresh daily?
Yes. All breads, croissants, and pastries are baked in-house each morning at our central bakery and delivered to each location.
CTA image for order online

For smaller orders

Ready to order for yourself?

Browse our full menu and order online for pickup or delivery.

Order Online
CTA image for catering

Meetings · Events · Celebrations

Bring something good to the table.

Fresh sandwich platters, pastry boxes, and coffee service prepared for groups of every size.

Explore catering