From starting as a loyal COBS customer to now franchisee, Marcio Menquini is leading the charge with Nova Scotia's newest COBS Bread location in Larry Uteck Plaza!
Timing has finally aligned and the dream to open up a COBS location has become reality. In looking for a new challenge, Marcio felt a strong pull to return to something he's always loved - baking fresh bread and serving the community. Through exploring different options, other food business came up short and was attached to significant waste, something Marcio was strongly looking to avoid. In learning about COBS' End of Day Giving program, the connection to purpose was felt immediately and he knew he found the right fit.
Marcio is proud to step into this role and join a business where he can not only serve fresh, high-quality products, but also give back meaningfully to his community!
When did you join the COBS Bread family? Why did you decide to open a COBS Bread bakery?
We joined the COBS Bread family in 2024, drawn by how closely COBS’ values mirror our own. We believe in leading with purpose and heart.
What did you do before working at COBS?
Over the years, we’ve worked in a range of industries — from manufacturing to customer service, and more recently, food and beverage. My background includes managing large-scale operations, supply chains, and cross-functional teams, all of which helped shape the leadership approach I bring to the bakery today
Our values are simple but powerful: - People come first — always.
- Safety is non-negotiable.
- Efficiency should serve a purpose.
- Community is our compass.
Opening a bakery that lives these values every day was a natural next step for us.
What are you looking forward to about your new bakery?
We’re most excited to welcome the community into our bakery — not just as customers, but as neighbors. We want the bakery to be a warm, familiar place where people feel seen and appreciated. There’s something special about building those everyday connections over something as timeless as fresh bread.
What charity did you pick and why for your Community Day?
We’ve partnered with
Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, an organization doing incredible work to support those facing food insecurity and other challenges in Halifax. Our
End of Day Giving donations go directly to Souls Harbour, and it’s a privilege to play even a small role in supporting their mission.
Before joining COBS, were you much of a baker?
Baking has always been a part of our lives. We both come from families where everything happened around the dinner table — cooking and baking are in our DNA. That love of sharing food and creating joy through it is something we’re excited to bring into the bakery every day.
How are you planning on getting involved in the community?
Our goal is to stay closely connected to the community and let its needs help guide our efforts. Our End of Day Giving partnership is just the beginning. We’re also inspired by initiatives like COBS'
Hot Cross Bun campaign, where kids from the community played the Hot Cross Bun song for a free treat. We love seeing young people get involved and would love to support more creative, joyful initiatives like that here in Halifax.
And a couple of questions, just for fun!
If you were a treat or loaf from COBS, which one would you be and why?
I’d be a Cape Seed Loaf — full of substance, quietly reliable, and built with care. It’s not flashy, but it’s consistent, purposeful, and good for the long haul — kind of like how I approach both leadership and life. It’s a loaf that shows up every day, does the work, and leaves people feeling a little better.
What’s in your favourite sandwich?
A fresh slice of sourdough, shaved Montreal-style steak, a layer of melted cheese, and just the right touch of mustard — then grilled to perfection. It’s bold, simple, and full of flavour — the kind of sandwich that doesn’t need much fuss, just quality ingredients and a good foundation.
What’s your favourite baking pun or joke?
Life’s what you bake it — so we make it fresh, every day. I always tell the team:
Don’t loaf around — unless you’re rising to the occasion! 😄
