Mei Mei Chinese Buffet & Takeout Brings All-You-Can-Eat Restaurant Back to Peterborough With Grand Opening

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Helping to revive all-you-can-eat restaurants in Peterborough, Mei Mei Chinese Buffet & Takeout welcomed hungry customers at their grand opening on Wednesday evening.

Co-owners Morgan Bell (left) and Susan Tung (right) with some of their classic and popular buffet dishes such as Torpedo Shrimp, Egg Rolls, General Tso’s Chicken and more. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Over 30 people were lined up at the restaurant during the grand opening, with several more customers coming after the doors opened. Co-owners Susan Tung and Morgan Bell said they were scared and nervous ahead of the grand opening. They have received a lot of positive feedback, leading to high expectations since their soft opening (takeout only) that began on Feb. 25.

“The positive response of this restaurant has been beyond what I imagined and now opening the buffet feels like we’re opening the floodgates,” said Tung. “At the same time, I feel like our hard work is paying off.”

“I think after our friends and family buffet night, we had to go back to the drawing board and figure out how to keep up with demand,” explained Bell. “This week so far, it has felt like we were preparing for war but I’m really proud of the team we’ve built and I can’t wait to see how we grow from here.”

The restaurant is located at 1080 Lansdowne St. W. in Consumers Plaza, at the former Wimpy’s Diner location, and offers a dinner buffet or takeout, with more options coming later. Several Peterborough Chinese restaurants that offered all-you-can-eat buffets prior to the COVID-19 pandemic did not reintroduce the concept after restrictions were lifted. This was an opportunity that Bell and Tung could not pass up.

“Who doesn’t love a buffet? I think we really just want to open restaurants we want to eat at. I was also really excited to learn and work with Mei (Tung’s mother),” said Bell. “She’s the Chinese Food Queen and I’m very honoured to learn from her.”

“I’ve skimmed Reddit enough to know what the people want and the Google search analytics,” said Tung. “Morgan and I joke about our mantra, which is give the people what they want and a Chinese buffet it is.”

This was not Tung’s first rodeo running a Chinese restaurant as her family previously owned the Golden Wheel Restaurant in the Springville area for several years. It was sold after Tung’s parents had retired.

“This is classic comfort Chinese/Canadian food that my parents sold at the Golden Wheel,” said Tung. We’ve slimmed down the menu because it’s unrealistic for us to sustainably have such a large menu but we stuck to the greatest hits.”

The restaurant is named after Tung’s mother in honour of the work and dedication she put into the Golden Wheel and her other restaurants.

“My mom was the anchor/boss lady at the Golden Wheel and when I was coming up with names for the restaurant, there wasn’t even a debate or question about what the name was going to be,” she explained. “My mom’s presence in my existing businesses is so felt. My team has so much respect for her and they learn from her even when she just pops in. It’s only fitting to carry on her legacy in my own way.”

Tung has founded and owned several food-industry businesses in Peterborough, including Hanoi House, Electric City Catering and Naka Japanese (sold to Emily Tan on Nov. 1, 2024). Bell had served as general manager for those businesses but this time joins Tung as a co-owner of Mei Mei.

“Over time, Susan and I realized we’re two halves of the same brain when it comes to building ideas,” explained Bell. “I’ve always put everything into the projects we’ve done together but this one felt different. We built it side by side, from the ideas to the problems, it didn’t feel like I was just supporting anymore. It felt right to step in as a partner.”

@ptbo_canada Peterborough’s newest Chinese restaurant, Mei Mei Chinese Buffet & Takeout is now open!!! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #food ♬ Chinese musical instruments cinematic of towns and fields(1329013) - GlanZauber

The following are the restaurant’s business hours:

  • Monday: Closed

  • Tuesday: Closed

  • Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Petes Defenceman's Fundraiser Collaboration With Milk + Tea Exceeds Expectations and Gets Over 120 Meals to Those In Need

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Petes defenceman Thanasi Marentette and his community initiative, Marentette’s Mission, in collaboration with Milk + Tea’s Brewing Confidence, was a major success that will feed over 120 individuals.

Kathy Song, Milk + Tea co-owner (left); Thanasi Marentette, Petes defenceman and Phillip Cho, Milk + Tea co-owner (right) at the bubble tea establishment, located on George Street in Downtown Peterborough. Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Petes.

The initiative donated a portion of the proceeds from select baked goods and specialty items to feed anyone in need, including ham and cheese sandwiches, fresh bagels, hearty chicken noodle and lentil soup, hot coffee and tea and cookies.

Selected goods sold included sourdough bagels, cinnamon rolls, cookies and bubble tea kits. The campaign goal was not only to raise funds but also to increase awareness of both organizations and their shared mission to support underprivileged individuals and families.

Meals will be served and distributed in partnership with Street Level Advocacy of Peterborough.

“This partnership was a huge success,” said Marentette. “The support from the community has been incredible, and it’s allowed us to turn this fundraiser into something tangible, providing real meals and real support to people who need it most. I am confident this will become an annual event.”

In addition to supporting Marentette’s Mission, the fundraiser also contributed to Milk + Tea Shop’s ongoing commitment to inclusive employment. The business continues to provide training and job opportunities for young adults with Down syndrome and individuals with disabilities.

“We’re extremely grateful for the response from the community,” said Philip Cho, Milk + Tea co-owner . “This partnership allowed us to give back in a meaningful way while continuing to invest in inclusive programs that are central to our mission.”

Following the success of this collaboration, Marentette’s Mission is actively exploring additional partnerships and initiatives to further its goal of uplifting the local community.

The Petes open their first-round series at home against the North Bay Battalion at the Peterborough Memorial Centre this Thursday at 7:05 p.m.

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Mayor Jeff Leal Helps Deliver Meals to Seniors For Community Care Peterborough's Meals On Wheels Program During 'March For Meals'

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To highlight Community Care Peterborough’s (CCP) work and the growing need for its services, they partnered with Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal to deliver hot food through the Meals on Wheels program on Monday morning.

Mayor Jeff Leal (left) going over the newly delivered meal to CCP client, Jane (Right). This meal was prepared by Maple Ridge Retirement Services and consisted of Shepherd’s Pie with mixed veggies, a roll, soup, salad and fruit tart. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Each March, Meals on Wheels providers across the province participate in a month-long initiative called ‘March for Meals.’

Part of the campaign involves inviting local mayors and other prominent community members to deliver meals to seniors and people with disabilities while raising awareness of the program.

“The meals are a big help and I really enjoy the variety,” said Jane, a Meals on Wheels client.

(From left to right) Meals on Wheels Volunteers Jim and Bob; Mayor Jeff Leal; Danielle Belair, CCP CEO and Brenda Twaddell, CCP coordinator of Meals on Wheels and grocery services. Community Care Peterborough also offers a Meals on Wheels subsidy program for clients in need of financial assistance. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Mobility challenges, health conditions, and transportation barriers can make shopping and preparing meals challenging for many seniors and adults with disabilities.

Last year, Community Care Peterborough delivered over 50,000 meals to clients. Over three million meals are delivered annually by Meals on Wheels agencies across Ontario, serving more than 60,000 individuals. The demand for Meals on Wheels continues to grow, according to Danielle Belair, CCP CEO.

“The services we provide to clients in the City and County of Peterborough are critical and the demand is continuing to increase,” she said. “Together, we can keep seniors living independently, healthier at home and feeling more connected to their community as they age.”

@ptbo_canada To highlight Community Care Peterborough’s work and the growing need for its services, they partnered with Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal to deliver hot food through the Meals on Wheels program. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #mealsonwheels ♬ Cooking Time - Lux-Inspira

March for Meals encourages members of the public to volunteer to deliver meals in their communities.

“Our volunteers are the heart of this program,” said Brenda Twaddell, CCP coordinator of Meals on Wheels and grocery services. “The program is so much more than a meal – it’s a social visit and a safety check by a dedicated volunteer. It really is neighbours helping neighbours. The need for this program is growing and we would love to welcome more volunteers to help make these important deliveries.”

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Peterborough’s Mac & Cheese Festival Returns This April With Downtown Grand Finale Event

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The cheesy goodness is back as the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) hosts the Mac & Cheese Festival, running from April 1 to April 25.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough DBIA.

This month-long celebration invites residents and visitors to explore a lineup of limited-time mac & cheese features from 20 restaurants, culminating in the Grand Finale Event on April 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Quaker Foods City Square. Attendees can sample dishes from select vendors and watch as a panel of local celebrity judges crowns the 2026 Mac & Cheese Champion.

According to the DBIA, some of the participating restaurants are taking the classic cheesy dish in bold and unexpected directions. Lola’s Cakes and Coffee is offering a Mac and Cheese Tiramisu, the first time a dessert is being served in the festival’s history.

“People are going to ask if there is really macaroni in the tiramisu and the answer is yes. It sounds crazy, but one bite and you’ll be hooked,” says Nino Ante, Lola’s Cakes and Coffee owner. “It’s the dessert adventure you didn’t know you needed. We decided to push the boundaries and make people smile with every bite.” 

Throughout April, locals and visitors are encouraged to try as many dishes as possible and vote online for their favourite to determine the People’s Choice Award winner.

Restaurants offering in-store features this year include:

  • Agave by Imperial

  • Ashburnham Ale House

  • The Back 40 Smokehouse

  • By the Bridge

  • Cork and Bean

  • Dreams of Beans

  • La Mesita

  • Lola’s Cakes and Coffee

  • Love You, Mean It

  • McThirsty’s Pint

  • Pappas Billiards

  • The Revy

  • Bar Vita

  • Riverside Grill

  • Sam’s Place Deli

  • St. Veronus

  • The Boardwalk Game Lounge

  • The Railyard Cafe

  • The Vine (last year’s People’s Choice award winner)

  • Turnbull Cafe (the Judge’s Choice winner for 2025)

“Our downtown is home to so many passionate entrepreneurs and talented chefs, and this event is a great way to experience that firsthand. Mac and Cheese fest is a great example of what downtown Peterborough is all about” says Nour Mazloum, Executive Director of the Peterborough DBIA. “Showcasing this talent is a large part of how we’re building a vibrant, welcoming downtown people want to return to all year long.”

The contenders for the grand finale event include:

  • Agave by Imperial

  • The Back 40 Smokehouse

  • By the Bridge, La Mesita

  • Lola’s Cakes and Coffee

  • The Revy

  • The Boardwalk Game Lounge

  • The Vine

  • Turnbull Cafe

@ptbo_canada The cheesy goodness is back as the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area hosts the Mac & Cheese Festival, running from April 1 to April 25. ##ptbocanada##journalism##fyp##news##macandcheese ♬ Macaroni & Cheese - David Chicken

Other vendors will be on site with treats and beverages.

The Mac and Cheese Festival Grand Finale event is also fully licensed this year for attendees 19+. With the mac & cheese, there will be live music, family-friendly activities, brews & seltzers and cozy lounge spaces.

Mac & cheese lovers can vote online for your favourite dish to help determine the People’s Choice Award winner. Voting will go live on April 1.

To vote in the People’s Choice Award, visit theboro.ca.

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The Two-Day Great Canadian Cheese Festival Comes to Peterborough This June

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The Great Canadian Cheese Festival (GCCF) of artisan cheese and Canadian food culture is coming to Peterborough June 13 and 14.

Photo courtesy of the great canadian cheese festival.

Relaunched last year, the festival established itself as a favoured gathering for cheesemakers, food artisans and culinary enthusiasts. Many vendors sold out on the first day, underscoring the strong demand for high‑quality, small‑batch Canadian cheese and artisan foods and beverages.

“The response in our first year was overwhelming,” says Festival organizer Patricia McDermott. “Guests were hungry for discovery, and our makers delivered. We listened, we learned and we’re thrilled to expand the experience even further in 2026.”

This year’s festival promises a lineup of returning favourites and newly added vendors, offering guests the opportunity to sample, shop and connect directly with the makers. General Admission includes access to all vendors, unlimited sampling and the chance to explore a curated marketplace of cheesemakers, bakers, chocolatiers, cideries, wineries and specialty food artisans.

"We are excited to welcome the Great Canadian Cheese Festival, its organizers and festival goers, to Peterborough this year,” shared City Councilors and Community Services co-chairs Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk in a joint statement. “It’s a great fit for our City - adding one more reason to celebrate local food, restaurants and farmers' markets. It also gives the City an opportunity to highlight Ontario products, small businesses, and celebrate the way that food brings people together.”

For guests seeking a deeper sensory experience, GCCF will feature its signature Tutored Tastings, hosted by some of the most acclaimed experts in the dairy industry. These guided sessions explore the art of pairing exceptional Canadian cheeses with classic wines, ciders and other complimentary beverages.

The two day event spans from June 13 to 14 at the Morrow Building (151 Lansdowne St. W.)

Admission and Tutored Tasting tickets will be available for purchase online starting March 5.

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Felicia Massey


Empty Bowls Community Fundraising Event Celebrates 22nd Year

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Attendees filled their bowls and their stomachs at the Showplace Performance Centre Friday for Empty Bowls 2026; a fundraising event aimed to address hunger in the local community, with all proceeds supporting One City Peterborough.

After 21 years of Empty Bowls supporting the YWCA Nourish Food Program, which ended in 2025, One City Peterborough has partnered as the new beneficiary for the fundraiser. All proceeds will support One City’s daily meal program at Trinity Community Centre.

180 event attendees received a handmade artisanal bowl from Kawartha Potters Guild, opportunity to participate in the silent auction and an array of food options from local restaurants and vendors including:

  • Hanoi House

  • St. Veronus

  • The Vine

  • La Mesita Restaurante

  • Hard Winter Bakery

  • By the Bridge

  • The Food Shop

  • Sam's Place

  • Love You Mean It

  • Ashburnham Ale House

  • Silver Bean Cafe

@ptbo_canada 180 attendees filled their bowls and their stomachs Friday at Empty Bowls 2026; a fundraising event aimed to address hunger in the local community, with all proceeds supporting One City Peterborough! 🥣 Visit ptbocanada .com to read more! #ptbocanada ♬ Does it Really Matter? - Boyan

“It’s really exciting that so many people wanted to participate in this event,” said One City’s Mackenzie Clark-Smith. “So many community members have told me they’ve been coming to this for 10 years, and others have said that this is their first time. It is very exciting that people who have liked the event in the past and those who are newcomers are all here supporting.”

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Taste of Syria Comes to Downtown Peterborough With Aleppo Castle Restaurant Grand Opening

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Peterborough can get a taste of Syrian cuisine as the restaurant Aleppo Castle had its grand opening downtown on Wednesday morning.

Aleppo Castle owner Amhed El Nime puts the finishing touches on aji (egg and parsley fritter) before presentation. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located at 349 George St. N., the restaurant serves familiar classic Middle Eastern favourites inspired by Aleppo, Syria, such as shawarma, falafel and hummus. Aleppo Castle also serves traditional Syrian cuisine, including batatas faroojh, aji, fatoush and more.

Amhed El Nime, Aleppo Castle owner, arrived in Canada three years ago. He had help adjusting to a new country through the New Canadians Centre and his business was aided through Community Futures Peterborough.

El Nime said he is grateful to Canada and Peterborough for welcoming him to the country, where he can build a new life and start a business in a short time.

“Slowly, slowly, slowly, I’ve been working hard,” he said. “I’m so happy for the people who helped me. Thank you to god, thank you for everybody and thank you to Canada.”

Mayor Jeff Leal, Community Futures Peterborough and the Peterborough DBIA attended the grand opening and sampled the Syrian cuisine. It was capped off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the occasion.

@ptbo_canada Peterborough can get a taste of Syrian cuisine as the restaurant Aleppo Castle had its grand opening in Downtown Peterborough. ##ptbocanada##journalism##news##fyp##syria🇸🇾 ♬ Síria Syria سوريا - DJ Reverb & Ads

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Peterborough Gets Less Sweet As Two Dessert Spots Announce Closure

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Dessert options in Peterborough are declining, as BeaverTails and The Vanilla Room have announced on their social media accounts that they are closing their businesses.

Adam (left) and Michelle Levesque (right) showcasing a strawberry cheesecake BeaverTail and strawberry lemonade. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Vanilla Room had announced its closure on its social media platforms last Tuesday, citing rising costs and the current economic state.

“The reality is simply the state of the world right now. Rising costs, an uncertain economy, and the fact that many people just don’t have the extra room to spend on treats the way they once did. And we completely understand that,” said Kayla Da Luz, The Vanilla Room owner.

Located at 386 Water St., The Vanilla Room opened in early fall of 2024. The bakery and café served sandwiches and wraps, croffles, snacks and a variety of drinks.

An exact date for their closure has not been announced but the business said they will update the community as soon as they can.

Following suit with The Vanilla Room is BeaverTails who announced its closure on social media on Jan. 24.

“This was not an easy decision as we have some amazing customers we consider friends but we are lacking the consistency required for survival,” said Adam and Michelle Levesque of BeaverTails.

The couple opened their food truck in mid-September of 2023 just outside of Peterborough in Selwyn.

BeaverTails announced it will close no later than Feb. 15 or when it has sold out of product. Adam and Michelle are rebranding themselves as the food truck, Chemong Chuck Wagon. It will remain in the same location as their BeaverTails business at 1665 Chemong Rd. beside Home Hardware.

BeaverTails are deep-fried dough that can be topped with spreads, sauces, chocolate bar bits, fruit/fruit sauces and more.

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Winners Crowned In United Way's Inaugural Ultimate Burger Battle Fundraiser

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After eight participating restaurants put their cooked patties to the test, United Way Peterborough & District has announced its winners of its first-ever Ultimate Burger Battle at Agave by Imperial on Monday morning.

Jennifer Gutierrez, Agave by Imperial head chef (left) and Angelica Jimenez, Agave by Imperial partner (right) celebrating their victory, claiming the title of “Ultimate Burger of the Year.” Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The month-long fundraiser saw eight local restaurants, eight Burger Ambassadors, and the community participate. Each restaurant crafted a signature Ultimate Burger to compete for one of several awards.

The following were the participating restaurants: 

  • The Dirty Burger Company

  • Double Dz's Diner

  • Agave by Imperial

  • The Vine

  • The Loon Lakefield

  • The Chemong Lodge

  • Pizza Villa & Pasta House

  • The Rink Tap & Grill

This year’s Burger Ambassadors were:

  • Laura Montague, PTBO Eaters

  • Dan O’Toole, BetRivers

  • Neil Morton, Consultant/ Entrepreneur, 2017 United Way Peterborough & District Campaign Chair

  • Tiffany Arcari, The Tiffany Show

  • Nour Mazloum, Peterborough DBIA

  • Pete Dalliday, TV Voice of the Lakers & Petes

  • Jason Wilkins, Muralist/ Illustrator

  • Paul Rellinger, Journalist, 2025 United Way Campaign Chair 

@ptbo_canada Agave by Imperial is crowned the winner of the United Way’s inaugural Burger Battle! 🍔 🌮🍹 #AgavePTBO #PTBOCanada #peterboroughontario ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

A combined 1,022 ‘Ultimate Burgers’ were sold, with two dollars from each supporting United Way’s work across its 20 partner agencies. In total, the inaugural campaign raised $2,065 for programs and initiatives that help ensure individuals, families and seniors have access to essential supports.

“This campaign exceeded every expectation,” Jim Russell, United Way CEO. “The Ultimate Burger Battle brought together local creativity, friendly competition, and real community spirit. Every burger sold represents not just a great meal, but a direct investment in the well-being of people across Peterborough and the County. We’re incredibly grateful to the restaurants, ambassadors, and residents who made this first year such a success.”

United Way has announced the 2025 winners:

Ultimate Burger of the Year

Agave By Imperial – Cien Fuegos

Double house-made beef chuck patty, spicy queso fundido, jalapeño & bacon jam, caramelized onion, chili oil aioli.

This title was determined by United Way’s Burger Ambassadors, who scored each burger on presentation, taste, originality, toppings and overall execution.

Most Ultimate Burgers Sold

Double Dz’s Diner – The Big D (207 Ultimate Burgers sold)

Featuring a fresh 6oz ground chuck smash burger with lettuce, peameal bacon, gouda, onion rings, double smoked bacon, signature whiskey sauce, peppercorn ranch aioli on a homemade bun.

People’s Choice Ultimate Burger

Pizza Villa & Pasta House – The United Way Burger

Melted mozzarella on both buns, bacon, mushrooms, onions, hot peppers, BBQ sauce, a six-ounce beef patty, and melted cheddar.

This title was determined through an online voting form available on the United Way’s website – diners were encouraged to visit the online page after trying each burger to crown their favourite.

Russell stated that he wants to do this fundraiser again next year.

“We’re already hearing from restaurants and residents asking when round two begins,” he said. “Based on the excitement and community pride we witnessed this year, we’d say the appetite is definitely there.”

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Kawartha Food Share Named Recipient For 2025 Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign Fundraiser

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There are a lot of happy faces at Kawartha Food Share (KFS) after they were selected as recipients of Tim Hortons’ Holiday Smile Cookie Campaign, announced on Friday.

Last year, Kawartha Food Share received $43,992.81 from the Holiday Smile Cookie fundraiser. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The campaign runs form Nov. 17 to 23 at all Tim Hortons locations in Peterborough, Lakefield, Bridgenorth and Curve Lake. The cookies retail for $2.00 each, and all proceeds will be split between Kawartha Food Share and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.

The Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie is a white chocolate chip sugar cookie, infused with red and green sprinkles, finished with a hand-decorated smile.

Last year, this campaign raised $87,985.62 locally, with half going to KFS.

“We are so thrilled to be partnering with Tim Hortons for this wonderful initiative. The funds raised during this campaign will assist us in purchasing much needed food items to keep our agencies shelves well stocked,” said Ashlee Aitken, KFS general manager. “Our volunteers are excited to get to work decorating cookies for our community.”

Kawartha Food Share is a central collection and distribution warehouse that partners with 37 member agency food banks, food cupboards and other food action programs in the City and County of Peterborough.

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