Joe Buhagiar (Joe’s Bakery).
Camera IconJoe Buhagiar (Joe’s Bakery). Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie

Turning 40 has never been so sweet

Victoria RificiEastern Reporter

TURNING 40 is sweet success for West Perth’s Joe’s Bakery.

The family-run business celebrated by giving away cakes and savoury items to customers and past staff.

Joe Buhagiar first opened his bakery The Cake Kitchen on Outram Street in 1979 when he was 26 years old.

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It remained there for seven years before moving to 1248 Hay Street, where it still operates today.

“The shop soon became known as ‘Joe’s’ and so we renamed it ‘Joe’s Cake Kitchen’,” Mr Buhagiar said.

Joe’s Cake Kitchen used to operate next door to West End Bakery, but after his competitor shut Mr Buhagiar expanded his shop and took over the premises.

In January 2016, Joe’s Cake Kitchen reopened as Joe’s Bakery and offered customers a new look with extra seating.

The East Fremantle resident runs his business with wife Jane, daughter Gabby and son David.

“While the bakery has gone through a few name changes and makeovers, it has stuck true to its values of providing good quality, delicious, fresh and affordable baked goods,” Mr Buhagiar said.

He said although West Perth had changed, business was still buzzing.

“There’s more residential coming in now – I’m optimistic about its future,” he said.

“It’s a matter of adapting to the change and trying to give people what they want.”