Geelong’s popular Charlie Bakery opens a second location in Torquay

A popular Geelong bakery and patisserie has expanded onto the Surf Coast and a surprising menu item is winning over customers.

Charlie Bakery has recently opened a second store in Torquay. Picture: Alan Barber

A successful Geelong patisserie has expanded to the Surf Coast and opened a new location in the heart of Torquay.

Charlie Bakery is serving up fresh breads, coffee and an assortment of pastries and baked goods at their second premises on Bristol Rd.

Owner Elleese Aoki said they were quickly outgrowing their store on Burdoo Dr in Grovedale which opened about two years ago.

“It’s a very small space and we were quickly growing out of it as bakery equipment is quite large,” she said.

“We have a large (pastry) selection as well and it was getting a bit squishy.”

Elleese Aoki with team members Emily Bibby and Kendra Gerusel. Picture: Alan Barber

Ms Aoki, who has been in the hospitality industry for more than 10 years, said the opportunity for the new location came about in late 2024 and they worked hard to be able to open in late January.

“It was a quick turnaround in terms of fit out because we were trying to catch as much of the summer crowd as possible,” she said.

Ms Aoki said the two locations would now share the workload but everything will be baked at the store where the product was sold.

Charlie Bakery is serving up fresh bread, pastries and coffee. Picture: Alan Barber

She said the response from the Torquay community had been “overwhelming”.

“It’s been so good,” Ms Aoki said.

“Word is spreading quickly.

“The location is great because we’re near Coles so there is a lot of foot traffic.”

Among the bestsellers were their almond croissant and, to Ms Aoki’s surprise, their sausage roll.

“We just went by what a good sausage roll would taste like,” she said.

“People are going nuts for them ... they seem to be getting a name for themselves.

“I’m really surprised but we use quality ingredients and it makes a huge difference.”

Charlie Bakery’s second store is located at 41 Bristol Rd, Torquay.

Originally published as Geelong’s popular Charlie Bakery opens a second location in Torquay