The UK's first independent drive-through bakery has opened in Fife

The UK's first independent drive-through bakery has opened in Fife as hoards of drivers turned up to get their hands on some tasty treats.

Published 18th Jan 2018
Updated 8 th Aug 2023

Stephens Bakery put a twist on their traditional format and opened the new business in Dunfermline, Fife.

Their family-run drive-through lets motorists pull up, place an order and whizz off in less than 90 seconds.

The site will operate as a drive-through and walk-in shop and is open for business seven days a week.

On offer are bacon and egg rolls, a selection of pastries, including the firm's prized bridies, but also cakes and hot drinks.

André Sarafilovic, 54, managing director of Stephens, attributed the idea to his wife Rona, 53, who has worked for the business since she was 16 years old.

He said: "Time is of the essence now. Everyone seems to be out of time so this stops you from getting out of your car.

"Dashboard dining is a big thing. It was really my wife's idea. We've both been running this business for many years.

Drive-through bakery

Picture: Stephen's Bakery

"Rona first had the idea of a drive-through in 2014 and although it seemed bold at the time, we have always strived to innovate and look for new ways to do things.

"We would really like to think we are really innovative and being at the cutting edge of searching for new things to keep our customers happy.

"We want to be meeting their demands and the speed of service was very important to our customers.

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"Rona came up with the idea and that we should have a drive-through bakery.

"The service time should be considerably quicker.

"On the trial runs we've done, depending on how many cars are in the queue, you should be round in less than 90 seconds."

Stephens, which is in its 145th year of business, operates 14 of its own retail shops, six vans but also has a long-standing partnership with retailers across the country.

The site where the drive-through stands was found and purchased in 2014.

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The family-run business sought planning permission and the build finally went ahead last year.

It was today (Thurs) opened by pupils from Milesmark Primary School and McLean Primary School in Dunfermline - who pulled up in a customised Ford Mustang.

André added: "When this site came through the market we realised we can fit a drive- through but we had no idea how we would do that."

His daughter Talia, 25, and son-in-law, Jordan Hodgson, 30, were handed the reins to manage the project from design, rebranding and training staff.

Talia said: "Dad will check in to see if things are running smoothly but he does trust us and I feel so fortunate to be in that position."

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Paula Stevenson, manager of the new drive-through, has been with the company for 13 years and said she was delighted to take on the new project.

She said: "It feels like we've been waiting for this launch for so long and the team are all really excited now it has arrived. We can't wait to welcome regular and new customers alike."

One of their first customers, Mary Dowie, 37, from Dunfermline, said: "You can pick whatever you like on a roll. It's will be much easier for drivers.

"It's nice and my kids can't wait to come. I like the salad bar and how it looks so fresh.

"I think this will be great for Scotland, especially for the community. I look forward to seeing what's going to come in the future."

André now plans to bring the business to Glasgow.

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