Bannock-In-A-Box brings traditional food to the freezer aisle
Bannock is a flatbread that originated in Scotland but the Indigenous community embraced this food after contact and it has become a staple of households across the country.
Some might even say the Indigenous community perfected it.
It usually comes baked or fried. But Anthony Faraci, who is of Italian and Métis descent, saw a new business opportunity and created Bannock-In-A-Box.
Each box contains six individual biscuits that are pre-cooked, then frozen. The consumer can then reheat the product in the oven or the microwave.
Faraci first got into the bannock business with a food trailer called The Bannock Factory — it specializes in bannock burgers and bannock dogs. For the evolution into boxed bannock, he partnered with his dad, Phil Faraci, who also works in the food industry.
"There's a lot of people out there who don't have their grandmothers or mothers to make it," said Phil.
Anthony added their bannock is a take on his grandmother's recipe but with some tweaks to make it microwave safe.
"I'm not saying we are the best, I'm sure your mom or grandma's is, but this is just something a little more convenient for everyone to enjoy," he added.
Bannock-In-A-Box is headquartered in Headingley, Man., on the western outskirts of Winnipeg. The small kitchen is tucked inside an unassuming office building on the side of the Trans-Canada Highway.
"It's mainly a handmade product, except for the mixing," said Anthony, adding that the love in his bannock comes straight from his family.