Owner Barb McCaughrin and Chef Jamie Killoran, Basket of Wishes

Bringing the finest selection of food products from makers abroad to her shop Baskets of Wishes, entrepreneur Barbara McCaughrin is determined to create a shopping destination.

On the outskirts of Dresden, Barbara’s quaint country store is brimming with character and charm as she continues to add unique and gourmet products and services to expand her gift basket business. Baskets are available for any occasion, specializing in both personal and corporate gift giving. Taking another step toward reaching her goal, her most recent expansion is a cozy restaurant within the former Whitson Farm Market. Operated by locally renowned Chef Jamie Killoran, guests are treated to a weekday lunch menu of homemade soups and sandwiches, calzones and Killoran’s creative Asian noodle bowls. An assortment of baked goods is always available in the store. The business pair also hosts cooking classes and sampling days for the public to try the new and gourmet products available.

Baskets of Wishes is the place where visitors with the most discerning tastes will find the best apple butter, award-winning red pepper jelly, famous preserves and garlic products from across Canada and the U.S.

“I bring in items that you cannot find in our area,” says Barbara who began her gift basket business in 2005. She made the decision, after a few years, to move from her tiny storefront in downtown Dresden to grow in the former farm market on the north end of town. Today, Baskets of Wishes includes the country store, restaurant, bakery and even ice cream in summer months.

Before Baskets of Wishes, McCaughrin worked long hours in the emergency room at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kitchener until she decided to make a change. “I thought about what would be the best move for me and I loved the idea of custom gift baskets. But I have always wanted to make it a destination place,” says McCaughrin.

Chatham-Kent Entrepreneurship Development Officer Jana Shouldice adds, “Barbara is a fine example of the many local small business owners who believe in our community and are persevering by trying to do something a little different.”