Grayson's Rustic Bakery in Scarborough is a homey little shop on Kingston Road just west of Birchmount, making it an ideal spot for picnickers on their way to Bluffer's Park.

Grayson Shnier sits at the centre of this touching success story. While working as an industrial designer, Grayson developed an interest in baking and began making sourdough in his spare time.

The hobby quickly grew into a side hustle, which in turn became a full-fledged business.

This transformation didn't happen overnight, though. It took Grayson years to perfect his recipes and even longer to get the shop up and running.

Until recently, the storefront's only decoration was a paper sign, which insisted that the bakery was "opening soon."

"We were 'opening soon' for two whole years," Grayson told blogTO with a laugh. "It made a lot of people in the neighbourhood really curious."

This curiosity led to a memorable grand opening. Grayson reports that the bakery was mobbed on its first day of business, with most of its stock being depleted in under an hour.

"Things have settled down since then," he says. "Though most days, we still sell out by noon."

All of Grayson's baked goods are made on-site. Staple products, such as sourdough boules and rustic baguettes, are available daily, while other items change throughout the week.

These rotating items include plant-based challah and soft pretzels, as well as potato and olive focaccia. The Light Caraway Rye ($7.50) is the Thursday special. Described by Grayson as a "bread lovers' bread," this loaf is a bit of an acquired taste. Though lighter and less grainy than many other ryes, it still has the style's characteristic earthy flavour.

First-time tasters should approach this bread with an open mind, while diehard fans should bring along their favourite sandwich fillings. The White Sourdough Boule ($5) is a crusty loaf made with four simple ingredients: flour, water, sea salt, and sourdough culture.

Despite its humble origins, it has a subtle yet addictive flavour. I was so taken with its tangy taste that I didn't bother to use any butter!The Rustic Baguette ($4.50) is crunchy on the outside and airy on the inside, with a strong flavour similar to the boule. Though tasty enough to eat on its own, it also makes a great addition to charcuterie boards or party platters.Cinnamon Buns ($4.20) were originally part of the weekly rotation, but joined the main lineup due to popular demand.

They're denser than their food court counterparts, not to mention larger, and are also chock-full of raisins, adding a unique texture to the otherwise uniform dough.Grayson and his staff roll the buns near the front window, giving passersby the chance to see how they're made. On weekends, the spectacle often attracts a sizeable crowd.Breakfast sandwiches ($6) come wrapped in tinfoil, making them the perfect meal for busy commuters and families on the go.

Eggs, cheese, lettuce, and sliced tomatoes are layered between two English muffins. It's a simple but wholesome combination. If you'd rather bake your own bread, Grayson's has you covered there, too. Flour, granola, and other dry goods line the shelves, providing you with plenty of options for crafting your own loaf.The bakery also boasts an impressive selection of Canadian cheeses. Crowd favourites like Cows Creamery can be found alongside local Ontario brands like Wildwood and Mountain Oak.

Grayson plans to add jellies and jams to his catalogue in the near future. His goal is to make the bakery a one-stop-shop for everything bread-related — spreads and toppings included.Grayson's Rustic Bakery is located at 1672 Kingston Rd.