Pancakes Make People Happy
Since day one, beloved blueberry stacks have been at the heart of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen’s brunch experience.
For over 16 years, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen has been synonymous with comfort, but no dish speaks more to its heart than the iconic pancakes. During the pandemic, when life felt uncertain, Mildred’s brought joy to people’s homes. “Our phone was ringing off the hook,” Donna recalls with a warm smile. “People were asking for our pancakes, so we thought, why not let them enjoy them at home?” What began as a humble brown paper bag of dry pancake mix quickly blossomed into a beloved pantry staple, now sold in 20 stores across the country. “It’s been an incredible journey,” she reflects. As guests—always the center of their innovation—pushed for more, Mildred’s introduced jars of treasured blueberry compote and frozen options. This story is one of embracing change, always with a sprinkle of sweetness.
There’s something magical about brunch at Mildred’s—a tradition transcending the food on your plate. “People come from all over,” Donna shares with a twinkle. “We’ve had guests from the U.S. and the U.K. visiting just for our pancakes.” Moving Mildred’s Temple Kitchen to Liberty Village was a bold step. “It wasn’t the destination it is today,” she remembers. “But we saw the potential.” What started as a small Sunday brunch has become a cherished ritual, a time to slow down, connect, and indulge. Even in tough times during COVID-19, Mildred’s adapted with meal kits and delivery options, ensuring the community could still enjoy their favourite flavours. As Liberty Village grows, so too does Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, evolving to meet patrons’ needs.
“My big, crazy dream? Expanding how restaurants shape grocery stores—I see a grocery aisle called brunch.”
Liberty Village buzzes with energy, yet growth brings challenges—traffic being the most pressing. “I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the traffic,” Donna nods knowingly. “It’s affected us, no doubt.” Yet she speaks with the resilience of someone who’s weathered many storms, optimistic about the future—especially with FIFA WC 2026 on the horizon. “I’m excited about FIFA WC” she beams, though construction concerns linger. Working closely with the local BIA, Mildred’s is set on ensuring that the World Cup brings opportunity, not obstacles. With traffic officers helping to ease congestion, Donna remains hopeful, seeing each challenge as a chance to adapt. Her optimism is contagious—a hallmark of a business that thrives, no matter the roadblocks.
As Liberty Village has grown, so has its four-legged population, a trend Donna saw coming years ago. “I remember saying over a decade ago that dogs in restaurants would be an emerging issue,” she says with a wise grin. She wasn’t wrong. With young couples having pets as family, Donna often hears, “If we can’t bring our dog, we won’t go out.” Balancing pet-friendly policies with health regulations allows Donna’s forward-thinking approach to ensure Mildred’s is ready for what’s next. “We want everyone to feel welcome, but it’s about finding the right balance,” she reflects, attuned to the changing needs of her customers.
The story of Mildred’s Temple Kitchen is one of resilience, charm, and an unwavering belief in the future. Donna’s journey in Liberty Village has been an adventure and through every challenge—from economic shifts to construction chaos—she’s faced it with wisdom and collaboration. “I’ve lived through a lot of construction in Liberty Village,” she says, with both understanding and hope. But to her, the future holds growth opportunities. With new distribution partners, a thriving e-commerce platform, and FIFA WC on the horizon, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen remains a beacon of innovation and warmth. Always looking forward, and always listening, Donna ensures Mildred’s is a place where tradition and vision meet, serving pancakes, memories, and so much more.