Dope Bakehouse, Nemesis’s beloved in-house bakery, is ready to go solo. On Friday, July 18, 2025, the team will softly open the doors to its first-ever standalone location at 650 Mountain Highway in North Vancouver. Originally created to complement Nemesis’s coffee program, Dope has been putting in the work – and now, it’s ready to break out on its own.
The 3,000 square foot space, designed by Nemesis founder and CEO Jess Reno in collaboration with up-and-coming local design firm Sml Studio Architecture, is all about re-interpreted nostalgia. Dope Bakehouse takes visual inspiration from the world of baking. Curved architectural elements echo the folds of viennoiserie, warm tones reflect the golden hues of baked goods, and a high-gloss bar mirrors the sheen of melted butter.
As Reno previously stated, “We’re just having a lot of fun with this concept. Our goal has always been to create spaces where people feel inspired by the whole experience – from the food, the drinks, to the music, the design, and the people. Dope Bakehouse is the embodiment of our tongue and cheek spirit – the playful, younger sibling to Nemesis. We can’t wait to share it with the North Shore community and beyond.”
The pastry team, composed of French pastry chef Kevin Lucas, Nemesis executive chef Mielye Mitchell, and Nemesis executive sous chef Lina Serrano, have partnered with an international network of super talented chefs to create the Dope Bakehouse menu.
Guests can expect a selection of signature viennoiserie, seasonal pastry creations, cookies, focaccia handhelds, focaccia, and much more – all made in the Dope kitchen daily. Current seasonal options feature: Canelé with orange blossom, Marsala Tiramisu Cruffin, Mango Coconut Milk Danish, and Spanikopita with Meyer lemon and nigella seeds.
Focaccia creations include: tomato sauce, garlic & basil; and tomato sauce, pineapple, cappicola, jalapeno & hot honey. For the focaccia handheld – mortadella, pistachio, arugula, ricotta mascarpone & honey.
The beverage program, led by operations manager Josh Shelvin, doesn’t take a backseat as it’ll feature an exclusive Nemesis coffee and signature drinks, like The DB Choco and Strawberry Matcha to start. And for those watching Dope’s Instagram updates, Reno’s cousin, and Dope’s retail lead Yianni Manero, will be manning the bar on launch day.
For Reno, opening Dope Bakehouse in North Vancouver just hits different. “This one’s truly close to the heart,” he adds. “When I opened Nemesis Polygon, I wasn’t living in the North Shore just yet. But now, this is home. We’ve been dreaming about giving Dope its own space, and to finally do it here – we’re just getting started.”
To celebrate its soft opening, Dope Bakehouse will also launch a special capsule merch drop on July 18, 2025.