At the heart of every great business is a powerful story. For Holy Cannoli, that story is one of family, tradition, and bold entrepreneurial spirit—baked right into every shell.
Founded by Vanessa Chiara, Holy Cannoli began as a passion project inspired by her Sicilian roots and a deep love for sharing food that connects people. With a family legacy in the bakery world—her parents ran a popular Italian bakery in Scarborough for over 30 years—Vanessa knew one thing: if she was going to bring cannoli to Toronto, it had to be done the right way.
That meant handmade shells. Small-batch ricotta fillings. No shortcuts.
With support from the Toronto Business Development Centre, Vanessa turned her vision into a full-fledged business model. From building her first business plan to navigating commercial leases and scaling production, TBDC played a key role in helping Holy Cannoli go from weekend orders to a permanent storefront in Long Branch—now one of Toronto’s most buzzworthy dessert destinations.
“TBDC gave me the foundation and confidence to take that leap,” says Vanessa. “I had the recipe, but they helped me build the business.”
Today, Holy Cannoli isn’t just a bakery—it’s a brand. With a growing online presence, custom catering, and even branded merchandise, Vanessa continues to expand her reach while staying true to the company’s core: authentic desserts made with care.
Her story is a shining example of how Toronto’s startup ecosystem empowers women entrepreneurs and brings diversity to the culinary landscape. And as Holy Cannoli continues to grow, Vanessa remains committed to mentoring other women in food, helping them turn ideas into impact—just as she did.
To learn more about how TBDC supports small businesses like Holy Cannoli, visit tbdc.com.
To place an order or visit the shop, head to www.holy-cannoli.com
