Lidz CinaBunz Are On A Roll

A brand new business launched in Brantford and they’re ready to take your orders for their delectable, fluffy cinnamon buns! Lidz CinaBunz is owned by Gennaro and Lidia Battista, a Brantford couple who have converted their garage into a commercial kitchen. Recently acquiring their official business license and successful inspection from the Brant County Health Unit, this home-based business is rolling out the red carpet for customers looking for the most unique buns in town.

When the pandemic first hit, Gennaro was laid off from his job. During this time, the Battista family spent a lot of time together in the kitchen. They baked a lot to stay busy and connected, and they made a lot of cinnamon buns. Being entirely self-taught, Gennaro was always looking at recipes and trying to combine them to find the best buns. Fast forward a few months and Gennaro had some family visiting from his Montreal. His sister loved his product so much she suggested he start selling them. After taking some time to think about the possibility, on their wedding anniversary – August 24 – they decided to bake some of their classic cinnamon buns topped with cream cheese icing, created an Instagram account (lidz.cinabunz), and gave them to friends while encouraging them to post the buns and tag them. The business took off!   

Lidz CinaBunz aren’t the cinnamon buns you may be used to. They’re gourmet, made from scratch and fluffy – similar to soft Italian bread – rather than dense. They come in a range of flavours, including: Classic with cream cheese frosting; Reese’s PB&J topped with mini Reese’s Pieces and a drizzle of fruity jam; and Bacon and Salted Caramel – the perfect blend of sweet and salty with a touch of savoury smoke from the Strodes bacon topping.

Over the past three years, Gennaro had been searching for a way to spend more time with his growing young family, including Lidia and their two children, Alessia (4) and Antonio (2). Many opportunities arose, but none of them quite fit, and led to many frustrating dead ends; baking came naturally and the family feels that this business is simply meant to be. He credits his wife for his happiness and success, and is so thankful for her support and love that he named the business Lidz CinaBunz to honour her.

Gennaro’s mentor, a man named Michael, was his youth pastor as a child. He had a rough upbringing in his hometown of Montreal, living in a home that struggled with mental health. Michael and his wife, Stefanie, offered constant love and support to Gennaro and made him feel like he had someone that believed in him. As the years passed, they lost contact, but life connected them again when Michael and Stefanie relocated to Brantford and invited Gennaro to come to the city to escape the hustle and bustle of Montreal. Gennaro moved here in September 2011 and never looked back, calling his new home a “breath of fresh air” with a slower pace and small town feel that has allowed him to grow and thrive. Lidia is from Woodbridge and calls Brantford a very supportive, friendly community that is family-focused with neighbours always eager to help each other. Pre-pandemic, the Battistas were avid hosts, always bringing together family and friends; the business allows them to maintain this feeling of having people sit down at their table to enjoy a meal together.

Lidz CinaBunz is taking orders, but you might find that they book up quite quickly, so make sure to get your order in now if your mouth is already watering! Even though they’re pumping out over 600 cinnamon buns every weekend, there’s a local following that keeps coming back for more. If you want to try them out, or you need a bun right now, they do sell single buns at Zaza’s Pizzeria , Strodes BBQ & Deli, Pies and Tarts from the Heart at the Brantford Farmers’ Market and Mercasa Little Italy Eatery, and they’re negotiating with even more local entrepreneurs to make their product readily available throughout the community. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date and direct message them to order.