A new Indigenous-owned pop-up business is serving up some good food and vibes in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough.
As its name suggests, Bannock & Bean is a one-stop shop for fresh, modern Indigenous cuisine and a strong cup o’ joe — but it’s also selling whimsical, cheeky pieces of artwork made by owner Katie Beaver.
“I grew up making bannock and I know it’s a really popular thing,” says Beaver. “And I’m obsessed with coffee, and make a good coffee, so I just want to share that with people.”
Now residing in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough, Beaver was born and raised in Alderville First Nation where, from a young age, her father taught her how to make the traditional family bannock that had been passed down through generations.
As it’s known today, bannock is a form of quick-fry bread that is believed to have been introduced by Scottish fur traders in the 18th and 19th centuries, although Indigenous peoples in North America had previously made versions using starch from the stems of ferns and other wild plants.
When Indigenous peoples were moved off their traditional land and onto reserves, unable to hunt and gather as they once did, the Canadian government supplied them with rations including flour, eggs, and lard, which they turned into bannock.
“This food comes with resilience because it came from rations that were given on the reserve and we took those rations and made our own thing with it,” says Beaver. “My dad said if they didn’t have bannock, they might have starved.”
“That’s a powerful statement, but kind of true. They just didn’t have any other options for food. They weren’t allowed to leave the reserve to hunt or anything, so they’re just given these rations, and that’s what they dealt with.”
At Bannock & Bean, which will be popping up at festivals and events around Peterborough, Beaver’s partner Adrian Thomas joins Beaver to make the fresh bannock, which is served with butter, jam, or peanut butter.
“He’s been my big support system,” says Beaver. “He’s been giving me encouragement and enthusiasm, so I really couldn’t do it without him.”
The pop-up also serves pow-wow puffs — a mini dessert version of bannock, rolled in brown sugar and cinnamon and served with hazelnut cocoa spread.
Rounding out the limited menu, Bannock & Bean also offers drip and specialty hot and iced coffees, tea, and strawberry water.
While Bannock & Bean has operated at small events by using a generator and a couple of espresso machines intended for home use, Beaver hopes that by next summer, they’ll have received some grants to purchase a commercial-grade espresso machine. This will allow them to set up their booth and coffee bar at larger festivals and markets.
Though it was always a “childhood dream” to own her own restaurant after spending many years working in one, Beaver has also always been an artist, which she now incorporates as part of Bannock & Bean.
Two years ago, she made a zine with beaver characters — taking inspiration from her own last name, of course — after studying under an Indigenous artist.
Now Beaver turns the whimsical, colourful characters into cards, magnets, and stickers that are captioned with some cheeky puns.
“People really like them, and they get a lot of good feedback, even though they are silly,” she says. “I’m always excited to make more.”
To keep up to date on vendor pop-ups and new artwork, follow Bannock & Bean on Facebook and Instagram.
