Bizilagun, the pastry shop located on Tolosa's busy Correu street, managed by Colombian sisters Brigitte and Brany Martínez, has become a local favorite thanks to its pastries and tranquil ambiance. They opened the establishment two years ago, initially planning a simple coffee and bread service, but it soon transformed into a specialized pastry shop, particularly known for its cakes and sponges, which they now prepare by order for events like birthdays and communions.
The sisters, originally from Colombia's Valle del Cauca region, arrived in Tolosa with Brigitte four years ago and Brany two years ago, seeking new experiences with their mother's encouragement. Despite having no prior experience in hospitality, they adapted quickly, even undertaking intensive barista training just a week before opening.
Their commitment to integration is evident. They named the shop Bizilagun (meaning 'neighbor' or 'fellow resident' in Basque) and always attend to customers in Euskera when possible. "We make an effort to use it because establishing conversations with people is important to us. It creates a space of tranquility, calm, and trust," explains Brigitte. They note that their most loyal customers are locals, even though Tolosa is a tourist town with patrons from various nationalities.
Among their most successful products are brownies, cookies, sponge cakes, and a variety of tarts, ranging from tiramisu to carrot cake, with vegan and gluten-free options available. They are also gradually introducing Colombian flavors, such as three-milk cakes and the traditional pandebono they make on weekends. Their coffee, 100% arabica and mostly Colombian, is another point of pride.
Recently, they have seen great success with custom-made cakes for special orders, particularly for spring events like communions. "We are very happy to have accompanied many people during their celebrations," they express gratefully. Looking ahead, their goals are to grow, expand their team and workspace, and continue learning from Tolosa's rich traditional pastry-making heritage to create new offerings.
