A trip to Maynooth would not be complete without a coffee, pastry, or lunch from the Sun Run Cafe and Bakery. Owners Owen and Maya have been in business since 2020 and attract travellers, cottages and locals from all around the world.
“Maya is a baker … and I am a chef with a fine dining background”, says Owen. They tried to buy a restaurant in Orillia, but that deal fell through due to zoning issues. Then, “when COVID hit we were looking for a job, so we found a listing for this place, and bought it. We bought ourselves a job”.
Owen and Maya are no strangers to rural life, and enjoy the benefits of small-town living. “We’ve never lived in a big city. We’ve been kind of living on the outskirts of cities our whole life”.
They say it’s very satisfying to run their own business, and there are plenty of milestones and accomplishments they reflect on. Owen continues, “Having regular customers is pretty great… where people come back. We have cottage regulars. It’s hard to find great food in the area, and it’s nice to provide tourists and local people decent food”.
Every year, business has been picking up and the reputation of the Sun Run has spread across the province and the world. The Arlington hostel is across the street which attracts young people from around the globe. “There are more and more customers coming in constantly”, notes Owen. They’re drawn to the great outdoors, snow in the winter, fishing and adventuring in this summer, and increasingly hunting in the fall. The connection to the outdoors is notable in that you’ll find many ATV and snowmobiles parked out front. Plus, there’s a direct connection via the ANAF trail to the Hastings Highlands Heritage Trail B106E, which adjoins the property here at Maynooth Station Lodge.
Next time you crave exploring the great outdoors, consider staying in Maynooth. Owen reminds us that Maynooth “is a great outdoor experience that’s cheaper than Muskoka. Why not?”
Sun Run has summer and winter hours. Be sure to check out their active Facebook page for daily menu specials.
