Hazeldean Neighborhood Icon Changes Hands After Five Decades of Sweet Success

Local favorite transitions to new ownership as community rallies for final taste of Lucy Lu's legendary treats

A legendary Edmonton bakery that has defined south-central community life for decades is officially under new management.

Hazeldean Bakery, a cornerstone of the tight-knit neighborhood for 50 years, recently completed its sale after owner Lucy Lu announced her retirement plans earlier this year.

The timing couldn't be more bittersweet.

After 15 years of crafting Edmonton's most coveted apple fritters and fresh-baked treats, Lu is stepping away from the ovens to reconnect with family.

Her decision sparked an emotional neighborhood farewell that played out over several months, with longtime customers making pilgrimages to savor their favorites one final time under Lu's watchful eye.

The bakery's reputation extends far beyond its 66th Avenue location, with social media users calling it an "absolute gem" and praising Lu as "the sweetest" owner who regularly surprised customers with complimentary treats.

What makes Hazeldean Bakery irreplaceable?

The answer lies in their legendary apple fritters, massive, perfectly glazed creations with crispy exteriors and custard-like apple centers that have earned cult status across Edmonton.

Each fritter measures the size of a small plate, making them a meal in themselves.

The treats are so popular that they often sell out before noon, prompting devoted fans to pre-order or arrive before opening to secure their fix.

The community response has been overwhelming.

Recent coverage highlighted daily lineups extending beyond the storefront, with the bakery even earning a feature broadcast that celebrated its devoted following.

Beyond the exceptional baked goods, families gravitate to the welcoming atmosphere, where children receive small treats during visits and everyone feels genuinely valued.

The transition represents more than a simple ownership change.

Lu built more than a business, she created a daily destination that anchored neighborhood life for residents across south-central Edmonton.

The family-owned operation has maintained its commitment to traditional recipes with modern touches, ensuring every item meets exacting standards.

Their dedication to quality includes avoiding nuts and preservatives in daily-made goods, catering to families with dietary concerns while maintaining exceptional taste.

The new owners inherit a thriving operation.

The turnkey business comes complete with established recipes for signature items like cinnamon buns, donuts, and savory sausage rolls that have built an unshakeable customer base.

Beyond the main Hazeldean location, the bakery also operates Lucy's Sweets in Terwillegar, expanding their reach across Edmonton's south side.

What happens next?

The bakery closed briefly on Christmas Eve to facilitate the ownership transition, with plans to reopen under new management following the holidays.

Customer reviews consistently praise the freshness and quality that made morning visits a ritual for countless Edmonton families.

The challenge for incoming owners will be maintaining the personal touch and community connection that transformed a neighborhood bakery into a beloved Edmonton institution.

For many locals, the apple fritters alone justify trips from across the city, making the bakery worthy of what fans call a "pilgrimage."

As Hazeldean Bakery enters its next chapter, longtime customers hope the new owners will preserve the warmth, quality, and community spirit that made Lu's tenure so remarkable.

The south-central Edmonton neighborhood waits to see if their cherished morning destination can maintain its magic under fresh leadership.