“My husband worked tirelessly for two years on our trademark pasta, which is keto,” explains Daphne O’Neil, owner of Ketobolic Kitchen. “If you came to our house during that time, you’d see little clothes lines of pasta strung through the kitchen. Oh, we had fun!”

Robert O’Neil, Daphne’s husband, created the pasta – and waffles – that are 100% keto friendly. These creations, now popular features on their menu, cater to those who are gluten-free, diabetic, or live with Celiac disease.

After deciding to retire, they moved to Round Hill, Nova Scotia, and by August 24th, 2018, they had bought a home. But the couple never actually retired - they started out baking in their home.

Daphne had always wanted to open a bakery in Nova Scotia. Encouraged by her supportive husband, who said, "okay, let’s try it," they embarked on a new venture - The Ketobolic Kitchen. They started out by running deliveries to various communities, serving their unique culinary creations.

Word spread quickly and soon folks were lining up – literally outside their door – to try their food. They get up at 4am and then start food prep.

“It’s a good thing we have a long driveway,” Daphne laughs. Robert had to jockey cars out of the way so that customers could get up and down the driveway.

As their popularity grew, they realized the need for a larger space to cater to their expanding customer base. They found the perfect location in Bridgetown and moved their operations to a brick-and-mortar establishment.

As the business continued expanding rapidly, they reached out to CBDC Annapolis Ventures for help. They needed financial support to buy new equipment like freezers. Their experience with CBDC Annapolis Ventures was positive, with ongoing support and guidance from Andrew Welch, Business Development Officer.

“Andrew’s right there to answer our questions,” Daphne says. “We’re still in touch.”

When COVID hit, they shifted to a retail model, continually supplying all retailers who had called and asked to sell their products. The Ketobolic Kitchen line is now available in retail outlets across Nova Scotia, including Sobeys, Needs independent grocers and markets. You can also order a variety of items from their website, including: quiche, butter chicken, casseroles, Fettuccine Alfredo, lasagna, cookies, cheesecakes, and cupcakes.

Future plans include seeing their ready-to-eat offerings go into major grocery stores across the Atlantic provinces. This expansion will allow them to reach even more customers, continuing their mission of providing delicious, dietary-friendly meal options.

Daphne cherishes the happiness she sees in her customers' faces when they eat her keto dishes, describing it as “a glow that comes from feeling good inside out.” Daphne and Robert continue to spread joy and good health through their food, one dish at a time – always keeping dietary restrictions in mind.