A recent post on our Facebook page asked our followers to identify the best pizza they ever tasted. One reader responded “best pie I’ve had is at the Cromer C-Store”. Several others seconded this motion which lead to us immediately completing a Google search for “Cromer Valley Store”. Directions to Cromer, MB from Brandon. (102.2 km) via Trans-Canada Hwy/MB-1 W and MB-255 W.
After a quick trip Saturday morning to verify our reader’s claim, we can confirm that the Cromer Valley Store (256 Main St, Cromer, MB) is a hidden gem for more than just the pizza they serve. A pizza order was placed for an 11:45am pickup and the first thing you notice upon arrival is the comforting smell of freshly baked goods that greats you as you pass through their doors. Upon entry, a quick glance around the 8,000 sq ft store makes you quickly realize that an article on the Cromer Valley Store will be about more than amazing pizza and a bakery.
Kent Duncalfe and his wife are the current owners of the business, a business which has been in the same family for three generations. Kent tells bdnmb.ca they started selling pizza many years ago when they were an outlet for Vern’s Pizza in Brandon. When Vern’s closed, the family decided the demand was high enough so they extended their bakery operations to include their own pizza recipe. Their top selling pizza includes the meat lovers and BBQ chicken. Pizza is available by the slice or by the whole pie (15″) for takeout. Made with tasty dough, plenty of toppings and smothered in cheese, the pizzas both large and filling.
It is recommended you place your order ahead of time for pickup. Other popular items from their in-store bakery include cinnamon buns and sausage rolls.
Cromer Valley Store also supplies quality goods and services to the surrounding farming community, industrial and oilfield sectors. They carry work boots, gloves and work wear from major manufactures like Red Wing, Helly Hansen, and Carhartt Clothing. While the majority of the daily clientele is from the neighboring oil patch employees, the store is also the local post office and general store for the approximately 40 residents of Cromer. The Cromer Valley Store is one of those throwback small-town general stores that carries everything from power tools to pepperoni and BBQ’s to bubble gum.
