Byron Bay Hot Bread Kitchen’s rising fortunes

Forty years back a Sydney family was told Byron Bay was dying a slow death, and that they were bonkers to invest in the town. Look who’s laughing now.

Byron Bay Hot Bread Bakery Kitchen owners Sandra and Sam Vickers .

A Byron Bay family-owned business of 40 years has announced the opening of a second bakery in the North Coast tourist hub.

Byron Bay Hot Bread Kitchen has rung the bell on its new shop on Marvell St in the CBD which will accompany its well-known Jonson St bakery.

Products will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week between the two shops.

Byron Bay Hot Bread Kitchen Bakery on Jonson St.

Husband and wife team Sam and Sandra Vickers have been running the bakery for the past 23 years.

Ms Vickers said many locals were doubtful when the family first took on the venture, as at that time the meatworks in Byron were closing down and families were leaving the area.

“When my father was purchasing a business a few people said ‘what are you thinking buying a business in this town’ - but he did it for a sea change as he had bakeries in Sydney,” she said.

Sam and Sandra Vickers.

Despite grim predictions at the time, Byron has flourished and so too the bakery - which now boasts a 40-strong workforce.

Ms Vickers said the move to open a second store came in part from an apprehension that they wouldn’t be able to renew the lease at the site of their first shop, as it was slated for redevelopment.

“It forced us into looking for something that gave us more of a long-term prospect,” she said.

Sandra and Sam Vickers.

“We were under the impression that the redevelopment would have started by now, but the landlord had a change of plans so he’s extended the lease for a short time.

“There are no plans for the Marvell St (store) to be 24 hours at this point.”

An official opening of the new shop was held on Wednesday, and Ms Vickers said she was stoked to meet new faces and welcome some regular customers.

“I feel really grateful that we have a great team that has put in a huge effort for getting this bakery up and running,” she said.