Fleming College Healthcare Graduate Brings Taste of Southern India to Hunter Street With Malabar Kitchen

Fleming College graduate Joyal Antony is bringing his heritage in southern Indian cuisine to 221 Hunter St. W., soft-launching his restaurant Malabar Kitchen on Hunter Street last Friday.

Joyal Antony, Malabar co-owner (left) with server Jeni (right) showcasing chicken biryani, beef dry fry, galub jamun and strawberry daiquiri mocktail. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

The restaurant’s one-page menu includes tandoor chicken, various vegetarian dishes, biryani, and more. Antony plans to release a six-page menu for the grand opening within the next few months. Malabar is also working on obtaining its liquor licence.

“Malabar Kitchen is an absolute labour of love created to bring authentic, home-style South Indian flavours directly to Peterborough,” explained Antony. “Our menu is crafted to delight everyone. Whether you are looking for rich, comforting meat curries or vibrant, wholesome vegetarian feasts.”

Originally a physiotherapist in India, Antony came to Peterborough and Fleming College in 2024, graduating to become a personal service worker. While he currently works in the healthcare industry and is working to obtain his physiotherapist license, he wanted to bring his homeland tastes to Peterborough.

“Missing the comforting taste of my homeland, I started cooking homemade Biryani right out of my kitchen,” explained Antony. “The overwhelming love from the local community showed me that Peterborough was hungry for authentic regional food.”

To keep his food as authentic as possible, he imports spices from his homeland region and incorporates them into his menu.

“To us, spices are an emotional bridge back to our home country. In Malabar, food is how we express love, and we import the very essence of coastal South India,” said Antony. “This includes fragrant green cardamom, pungent black pepper, fresh curry leaves and rich coconut milk to recreate that authentic taste in Peterborough.” 

@ptbo_canada Fleming College graduate Joyal Antony is bringing his heritage in southern Indian cuisine to 221 Hunter St. W., soft-launching his restaurant Malabar Kitchen on Hunter Street last Friday. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #malabar ♬ You Ain't Eating Like This - The Lava Lab™

He notes that working a full-time career while trying to open a restaurant would not be easy.

“Turning that realization into Malabar Kitchen meant relentless, punishing hustle,” he said. “I spent my mornings inside raw concrete walls doing manual construction, tiling, and setting up equipment and then sprinted to work my 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. healthcare shift every single night. It was built on pure sweat, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief in this vision.”

Despite years of hard work, struggles, and the urge to quit, Antony says your dreams will come true if you never give up.

“If you are working back-to-back shifts, feeling exhausted, or wondering if your sacrifices matter—don't give up. Your late-night grinds today are building your tomorrow. Malabar Kitchen isn't a corporate chain; it was built by hand and cooked with passion. It belongs to Peterborough, and we can’t wait to welcome you all home.”

Malabar Kitchen is open seven days a week from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.

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A Look Back at a 40-Year Legacy Left By Former Grady's Feet Essentials Owners

As a new chapter of Grady’s Feet Essentials begins, former owners Kelli and Tony Grady reflect on a 40-year legacy they left behind after transferring the business to Theresa Thibadeau and Mark Walsh on Tuesday morning.

Tony Grady (left) and Kelli Grady (right) are remaining as the landlords of the building during the new ownership. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Gradys first announced the new ownership in a Facebook post in October.

The new ownership was kept within the family, as Thibadeau is Tony’s cousin. Thibadeau worked at the store for the past 13 years, serving as manager for the last four.

“Theresa brings exceptional customer service skills and strong accounting experience,” said Kelli. “She knows what makes Grady's special and is passionate about carrying that forward.”

(from left to right) Kelli Grady, Theresa Thibadeau, Mark Walsh and Tony Grady doing the ribbon-cutting to mark the new era of new owners after 40 years. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

In 1984, Ken Grady Sr. founded Grady’s Orthopedic Service from his home, crafting custom orthotics for local customers. He opened the first Grady’s Shoes storefront in downtown Peterborough a year later.

Two years later, Tony started helping after school each day. He purchased the store with Kelli in 1997 and rebranded it as Grady’s Feet Essentials. They opened a kiosk at Lansdowne Place Mall in 2000. This led to further expansion into an entire storefront on the mall’s upper level in 2005 and a major renovation with the help of a retail designer in 2011.

In 2018, they purchased the former Angela Mark boutique building at 231 King St. in Peterborough. Until the pandemic hit, they restored the building and used it for storage and office space. The pandemic forced them to think creatively so they established a curbside pickup location and a satellite store on King Street. By February 2022, Grady’s Feet Essentials had officially relocated from Lansdowne Place to their newly renovated King Street location.

The couple are empty nesters and have plans to fill their time now that they have retired from the foot care business.

“We’re travelling to Europe for a month; we’re really looking forward to it,” said Kelli.

“When we get back, we’re still going to be active in volunteering,” explained Tony. “Giving back to the community, that’s always been a priority. We love supporting the arts; 4th Line Theatre is a big thing we love supporting and (Peterborough) Musicfest for the past couple of years. Both of us also volunteer for the Rotary Club of Peterborough, with me just finishing as president.”

@ptbo_canada A new chapter of Grady’s Feet Essentials has begun as Theresa Thibadeau and Mark Walsh officially took over the business from Kelli and Tony Grady. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #peterborough ♬ Success Inspirational - StereojamMusic

This year, Tony started another business called Silvertech Computer and Technology Support to help older generations navigate through current technology.

“I provide help for adults 50 and over with technology, whether it's your computer or phone acting up; I’m here to make technology for them simple and stress-free,” said Tony.

The Gradys reflect on the relationships they've built over the years.

“It was always about serving the customers,” said Kelli. “It’s so satisfying when they come back to our store and tell us how much we helped them.”

However, the friendships were not limited to customers; they extended to employees, both past and present.

“We even have a book club with some of our former employees,” explained Kelli.

Although they no longer own Grady’s Feet Essentials, this is not goodbye to the business or Peterborough.

“You'll still see us around the community and cheering on Grady's,” said Kelli.

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Grady's Feet Essentials Continues Family Legacy With New Owners

A new chapter of Grady’s Feet Essentials has begun as Theresa Thibadeau and Mark Walsh officially took over the business from Kelli and Tony Grady after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday morning.

(from left to right) Kelli Grady, Tony Grady, Mark Walsh and Theresa Thibadeau performing the ceremonial transfer of the key to the building. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The business remains with the Grady family, as Thibadeau is Tony’s cousin and Walsh is her husband. Thibadeau has worked at the store for the past 13 years, serving as manager for the last four.

“(I'm) definitely nervous but it's an excited nervous,” explained Thibadeau. “Tony has set me up for success and I'm looking forward to being able to prove that to him and to everyone else that this is going to be an amazing place to be whether you're working here or shopping here.”

“When my dad started this business in 1984, we could never have imagined the journey ahead,” said Tony. “Kelli and I are proud of what our family, staff and community helped build, and we could not be happier that Theresa and Mark are leading its next chapter. Theresa knows this business, our customers and what makes the Grady's experience special.”

In 1984, Ken Grady Sr. founded Grady’s Orthopedic Service from his home, crafting custom orthotics for local customers. He opened the first Grady’s Shoes storefront in downtown Peterborough a year later.

Two years later, Tony started helping after school each day. He purchased the store with his wife, Kelli, in 1997 and rebranded it as Grady’s Feet Essentials. They opened a kiosk at Lansdowne Place Mall in 2000. This led to further expansion into an entire storefront on the mall’s upper level in 2005 and a major renovation with the help of a retail designer in 2011.

“Owning my own store has been a dream for a long time, and a lifetime of experience has brought me to this moment,” said Theresa. “Back in high school, I took an entrepreneurial class and I realized this could be kind of fun, exciting and very achievable. So when it started to talk about possibly having a succession plan, it was the first thing I was like, 'maybe this is for us.’”

Mark has 20 years of automotive-industry experience and a first-hand appreciation for Birkenstock repairs and Blundstone care services. He plans to help expand the store's safety-footwear selection and is training.

@ptbo_canada A new chapter of Grady’s Feet Essentials has begun as Theresa Thibadeau and Mark Walsh officially took over the business from Kelli and Tony Grady. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #peterborough ♬ Success Inspirational - StereojamMusic

Kelli and Tony’s final act as owners was a charitable contribution made through the business: a $5,000 donation to the Rotary Accessible Playground Project at Riverview Park & Zoo. They also made a personal contribution through the project's Buy a Brick campaign.

The Peterborough + Kawartha Chamber of Commerce and a representative of Peterborough-Kawartha MP Emma Harrison gave certificates in recognition of the Grady family’s contributions and milestones during the event.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Kawartha Gymnastics, S.O.S., Sherry Hill and 6ixty Wings

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Kawartha Gymnastics is expanding its reach with the launch of KG North, a new location in Bancroft.

The expansion will help ensure that children and families in Bancroft and the surrounding North Hastings community continue to have access to gymnastics programming close to home. The new location will also create opportunities through the connection between Kawartha Gymnastics’ Peterborough and Bancroft programs, supporting athletes and families across both communities. For more information, go to: http://www.kawarthagymnastics.ca/

A local Peterborough business is getting ready to celebrate a major milestone. S.O.S – Save Our Soles will mark its 20th anniversary on September 23, and the celebrations are already getting underway. Happy Birthday S.O.S.! For more information you can visit their website: www.shopsos.ca

Peterborough County has partnered with Sherry Hill of IntegrAlign, to offer a series of free, hands-on AI training sessions across the county.

The workshops are designed to help people build confidence using AI, with no technical background required. Five sessions will be offered at each stop, tailored to industries including construction and trades, small business, tourism and hospitality, health and wellness, and non-profits. The first session takes place September 16 in Keene, followed by stops in Bridgenorth, Millbrook and Norwood. For more information and to register, go to: https://events.ptbocounty.ca/ecdev

A new dining destination in Peterborough is officially celebrating its grand opening next month.

6ixty Wings, located at 110 Chandler Cres., will host its official Grand Opening on Sept. 25, beginning at 5 p.m. The locally operated restaurant has been serving the community since its soft opening six weeks ago and is now celebrating its official launch as part of the Peterborough business community. For more information, you can go to: https://6ixtywings.com/

Tickets are now available for the 2026 Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Gala, presented by Cogeco. Taking place on Thursday, October 22, at Kawartha Downs, the evening will celebrate the outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and organizations that help strengthen the Peterborough and Kawarthas business community. For more information and tickets, go to: pkchamber.ca.

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.

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Real Estate Company Engel & Völkers Expands Into Peterborough and the Kawarthas

Real Estate Company Engel & Völkers opened its Kawarthas Port Credit branch in Peterborough, led by licensed partners Traci Tempany and Keith Monahan.

Photo courtesy of Engel & Völkers.

“Peterborough and the Kawarthas represent an exceptional opportunity to expand the brand’s presence in one of Canada's most distinctive lifestyle markets," said Stuart Siegel, president and CEO, Engel & Völkers Americas. “Traci and Keith have built an outstanding reputation for serving luxury clients with professionalism, market expertise, and innovative marketing. Their commitment to delivering an elevated client experience makes them an outstanding addition to the Engel & Völkers network.”

The branch is located at 445 George St. N. in Peterborough and serves clients throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

Tempany and Monahan have been business partners for over 20 years with experience in fine homes, waterfront estates, acreage, investment properties and new developments.

“With today's competitive real estate landscape, combining our deep local knowledge with Engel & Völkers' global marketing platform allows us to deliver a truly differentiated experience,” said Tempany. “We're excited to connect buyers and sellers in the Kawarthas with one of the world's most recognized and respected luxury real estate brands.”

“Engel & Völkers provides the international reach and elevated marketing platform that today's luxury clients expect,” added Monahan. "This affiliation enables us to showcase the unique lifestyle and exceptional properties found throughout Peterborough and the Kawarthas to buyers both across Canada and around the world.”

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Tickets Available For Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala

Tickets are open for the 2026 Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Gala set for Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Kawartha Downs.

For 23 years the Business Excellence Awards has annually recognized the commitment, innovation, leadership, and resilience of the local business community. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

The event celebrates outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and organizations that help strengthen the Peterborough and Kawarthas business community.

“Every business, whether a small family-run operation or a large organization, represents people who show up every day with determination, creativity, and a commitment to making our community stronger,” said Susan Dunkley, Chamber Board Chair. “The Business Excellence Awards give us an important opportunity to recognize that hard work, celebrate the successes that often come after years of perseverance, and honour the people behind them. When our businesses succeed, our entire community benefits—and that is something worth celebrating together.

This year’s gala-style event features a full cocktail hour with appetizers provided by Fyrestoke and a cash bar. A fully catered menu is prepared and served by Chemong Lodge.

“We are so excited to bring this fresh, elevated approach to the long-standing event, and we truly can’t wait for our local business community to get behind it, grab their tickets, and show up to celebrate in a big way,” said Brenda Whitehead, Chamber president and CEO. “It’s going to be a luxurious, high-energy night showcasing the very best of our homegrown talent, grit, and generosity. A huge thank you to the sponsors and partners who help make this signature celebration possible. There are still opportunities available to be part of this night, so if you or your organization would like to get involved, reach out today. This truly is our moment to come together, cheer on our Peterborough + Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce neighbours, and celebrate the businesses that make Peterborough and the Kawarthas such a vibrant place to live, work, and grow.”

Tickets are available online or by calling 705-748-9771. Tickets purchased by Sept. 18 will be entered into a draw for local merchant gifts. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 8 in order to ensure adequate local supplies.

Event Details Include:

• What: 2026 Business Excellence Awards Gala

• When: Thursday, October 22, 2026

• Where: Kawartha Downs

• Tickets: Premium table sponsorship (8 tickets +) $1,500

• Center table tickets: $125 each (tables of 8)

Wing table tickets $115 each (tables of 6)

• Cocktail Hour: Starts at 5:30 p.m.

• Awards Dinner: Starts at 6:30 p.m.

Food: Cocktail Appetizers by Fyrestoke

Fully Catered Dinner by Chemong Lodge

• Ticket Deadline: Oct. 8

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Six Future Business Leaders Graduate From Community Futures Peterborough's 2026 Summer Company Program

Six aspiring entrepreneurs have graduated from Community Futures Peterborough’s (CFP) 2026 Summer Company Program, turning their business ideas into thriving businesses.

Rutger Huntley, Peak Beach Volleyball owner, spins one on his finger while showcasing his brand after graduation. All Photos by David Tuan Bui.

“Small businesses play a vital role in keeping our local communities vibrant and growing, and seeing students step up to launch their own enterprises right here in Peterborough-Kawartha is inspiring,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “The Summer Company program equips these future leaders with practical skills, confidence, and real-world experience. I congratulate all six graduates on a successful season and look forward to seeing where their drive takes them next.”

After graduation, the students showcased their businesses before local leaders and community partners.

“Community Futures Peterborough gave me a sense of community and belonging throughout my summer. There is such a wide range of knowledge and expertise from the team; whenever I had any sort of curiosity, I always knew where to find answers,” said Rielle MacDougall, Lake Safe Swim Lessons owner. “Having a team to back you up through a solopreneurship journey made starting a business feel a lot more manageable.”

This year’s Summer Company graduate students are:

• Aiden Budd – Dock to Driveway Detailing (Peterborough)

• Zander Bromley – Clearview (Peterborough)

• Caleb Galbraith – Joy Collectibles 3D (Lakefield)

• Emma George-Peters – Kawartha Luxe Cottage Care (Peterborough)

• Rutger Huntley – Peak Beach Volleyball (Millbrook)

• Rielle MacDougall – Lake Safe Swim Lessons (Peterborough)

@ptbo_canada Six aspiring entrepreneurs have graduated from Community Futures Peterborough’s 2026 Summer Company Program, turning their business ideas into thriving businesses. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #entrepreneur ♬ Success Inspirational - StereojamMusic

The program gave students hands-on experience launching and operating their own businesses while building valuable entrepreneurial, financial, marketing, and leadership skills.

“The Summer Company program allows students to do more than work a summer job. It gives them the opportunity to explore what it takes to be a leader, make decisions, solve problems, and build something of their own,” said Allison Adam, CFP entrepreneurship officer. “These students worked incredibly hard to create their own summer jobs, taking their ideas from concept to operation and learning firsthand what it takes to run a business. They rose to the challenge and excelled, which speaks volumes about both their dedication and the impact this program can have on young people.”

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Brant Basics, Begin With Baby and Innovation Cluster

PTBOCanada is delighted to be running the Business Beat columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Congratulations to Brant Basics on their grand reopening at their new location on The Queensway!

The Chamber was pleased to join Brant Basics on Aug. 13 to celebrate the move from their downtown Peterborough location to 701 The Queensway. The celebration featured free product samples, vendor demonstrations, giveaways and prize draws, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Jeff Leal. Congratulations to the Brant Basics team on their new location and exciting next chapter!

A Peterborough nurse is helping fill a gap in prenatal education for local families.

Holly, founder of Begin With Baby, launched her business in 2025 after hearing from expecting parents looking for more opportunities to connect, ask questions and prepare for birth and life with a newborn. With a background in labour and delivery nursing and a current role in Public Health, Holly created in-person prenatal classes to provide practical information and support for growing families. For more information, can visit: beginwithbaby.com.

The Innovation Cluster is launching a new thought leadership event this fall, bringing together voices from across the region for some honest conversations about where our community is headed.

IC Talks: Unfiltered will be taking place on Oct. 1, at the Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and will bring together leaders from business, healthcare, technology, education, manufacturing and investment. The event is designed to challenge assumptions, spark new connections and explore ideas shaping the future of our region. For more information and to register, visit: innovationcluster.ca/ictalks

If you want to have your business featured on the Business Beat or know of a business doing something new and interested, shoot an email to brenda@pkchamber.ca.

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Community Care Peterborough's 'Gary Dalliday Memorial Golf Tournament' Raises Over $15,000 For Meals On Wheels Program

The sold-out fifth annual Gary Dalliday Memorial ‘Caring for Our Communities’ golf tournament saw 100 golfers help raise over $15,000 in support of Community Care Peterborough’s Meals on Wheels program at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Aug. 10.

(From left to right): Tim, Krista, Donna and Pete Dalliday. Photo courtesy of CCP.

All proceeds from this special event will support Community Care’s Meals on Wheels program, providing nourishment and connection for seniors and adults with disabilities in the City of Peterborough, West Selwyn Township, the Municipality of Trent Lakes and Curve Lake First Nation.

The tournament was held on the eighth anniversary of Dalliday’s funeral. It brought together family, friends and community members to honour his legacy.

“Memorials give us a way to make the people we have lost present to us again,” said Chris LeBlanc, CCP director of donor and public relations. “Every time we gather for this tournament, we make sure the last page has not been written in Gary’s story.”

The former spots director at CHEX Radio and Television often volunteered his time to the Meals on Wheels program, which sees 50,000 meals delivered annually.

“Our dad loved Peterborough, he loved sports, and he loved the people he met through both,” said Pete Dalliday, Gary’s son. “What makes this tournament special for our family is seeing all of those things come together. People come out to have fun, reconnect and tell stories about Dad, but at the same time they are helping neighbours in our community. I think he would be incredibly proud of what this tournament has become.”

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Peterborough Dreams of Beans Becomes Co-Op

Community coffee shop and breakfast restaurant, Dreams of Beans, has expanded its ownership into a co-op model.

Photo courtesy of Dreams of Beans.

Dreams of Beans staff member Logan Benson and baker Melanie Johnson have joined Andrew MacGregor in ownership.

“An expanding ownership team makes room for a larger restaurant offering,” said MacGregor. “It helps smooth the path to bring back Dreams After Dark: a dinner and licensed drink service, including evening community events and live entertainment.”

Since 2023, MacGregor has instituted a living wage and no-tipping policy, moved the café from its former location to a larger spot, and introduced a breakfast menu.

Benson joined Dreams of Beans originally as a placement student three years ago.

“Starting off at Dreams of Beans as a co-op student, I never imagined I would one day become a co-owner,” she said. “It’s something I’m incredibly proud of, and I’m excited to continue growing DoB, bringing new ideas to life, and helping make it a place where everyone feels welcome.”

Johnson joined Dreams of Beans in 2025 as a baker.

“Dreams of Beans is a business I believe in--the how and why we do things set us apart,” she said. “I want to make sure our customers continue to have an amazing experience, especially with my baked treats! I've been through a lot to get here, and I am focused, confident, and excited to watch all of us grow together.”

“To our customers, new and familiar, there should be little apparent change to the experience of visiting our restaurant, as we intend to carry on with our great vibe and good food, still paying a living wage, still no tipping,” said MacGregor.

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