DBIA Featured Post: Dr. J's BBQ & Brews

When the historical Montreal House closed its doors for a final time in late 2013, Ted and Addison Brown heard opportunity knocking. The father and son partners knew a good thing when they saw it and purchased the property with a specific intent in mind. They loved the history of the building, the ample parking, and its proximity to downtown. After some extensive renovations, on January 15th, Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews (282 Aylmer St) opened its doors for the first time and hit the ground running!

Named after Dr. Alexander and John Harvey who originally built the historical building in 1858, Dr. J’s has kept some of the past, but has brought a new feel to the property. Operating as a restaurant/pub and with owners who have an extensive background in the industry, Dr. J’s brings a distinctly different flavor to the downtown core. Specializing in southern cuisine, and featuring an authentic smoker brought in directly from Alabama, you know exactly what you’re getting as soon as you walk in the door.

Before opening, head chef Eric Hoflick went so far as to travel the southern United States in search of ideas and recipes to bring back to the great white north. His mission to learn was a major success and the menu is where Dr. J’s customers reap the rewards. From chicken and ribs, to brisket and pork shoulder, almost everything is smoked and absolutely nothing is skimped on. The menu features monster main courses, smaller sandwich options, and even vegetable options for those who aren’t meat eaters! A few of the house favorites include the ribs with a signature pineapple chipotle seasoning you won’t find anywhere else, the brisket on rye, and the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw.

Everything is made fresh from scratch in house daily, and local suppliers are supported as much as possible. Being a pub as well, the beer menu can’t be missed with 30 different types available by the bottle and 14 different varieties on tap!

With food available during the day and into the night, Dr. J’s is an environment for everyone. The renovations they’ve done include new flooring, tables, washrooms, booths, and a separate party room for larger groups of up to 24 when needed.

The restaurant also transitions during the night into more of a pub type atmosphere. Keeping with the old tradition of being a great live music setting, Dr. J’s has kept a stage area and have live music every Friday and Saturday night. With televisions set up all around, there is always some type of game on and specials to go along with them, including beer deals during Leafs and Raptors games.

If you’re in the mood for a new food and drink experience, Addison and Ted invite you to come down to a building that everyone already knows. They know you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the changes and you won’t leave disappointed!

For more on Dr. J's BBQ & Brews (282 Aylmer St), go to:
Facebook: Dr. J's
Twitter: @DRJSBBQnBREWS
Phone: 705.874.5717

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

DBIA Featured Post: McThirsty's

Pub culture is one that is well ingrained in today’s society. Whether you’re out for a pint, meeting up with friends to watch the game, or simply out for the pub fair, there is always a great selection of taverns to choose from. Peterborough’s resident Irish style pub, McThirsty’s, located at 166 Charlotte Street in the heart of the downtown, is always one that is at the top of the list.

A mainstay for years and always successful, the pub came under new ownership in late July of 2012 and has gone through an extensive overhaul to create an even better, energized atmosphere. Cam Green and Reg Maranda (who also own Kettle Drums on Hunter Street) along with Tony Best have set out to bring back the oldschool pub feel in both the environment and behind the bar/kitchen.

As any great pub should, McThirsty’s has a wide range of drink options, and is known locally as having one of the best varieties around. With 25 taps available, the pub has a roster that includes 7 regular beers, thus rotating the other 18 on a regular basis. Known as beer trend setters in the area, you’ll find everything from old domestic favourites and Canadian micro-breweries to exotic importants from as far away as Russia and South American to name just a few. On top of this, the liquor selection is second to none.

With new owners who have a background in the local restaurant scene came a new updated menu with incredible choices. As a good pub should have, options such as burgers, chip truck French fries, poutine and what some consider the best wings in town are available. With the kitchen being open until midnight, you’ll now find some other choices to tempt the taste buds such as an incredible blackened catfish and traditional Irish stew which is beyond unique!

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you McThirsty’s has the friendliest staff around. Cam, Reg and Tony are almost always on site working and you can tell that they care about everyone’s experience. One of their goals is to become the Cheers of Peterborough.

Featuring various musical acts from Tuesday through Saturday, trivia nights with Cam on Mondays, and Open Mic on Wednesdays with well known local rocker James Higgins, you’ll always find the pub hopping. With weekly specials and sports always on the numerous TVs, you’re bound to find something to peak your interest.

If you’re looking for a night out and a laid back pub experience, McThirsty’s is the place to be. With their epic St. Patrick’s Day celebration just around the corner, Cam, Reg and Tony invite you to come down and experience what a true pub should be.

For more on McThirsty's (166 Charlotte St.), go to:
Phone: 705.743.2220
Facebook: McThirsty's Pint
Twitter: @McThirstys

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

DBIA Featured Post: The Benevolent Stranger

Natalie Williams is the epitome of a small business owner. As the owner of The Benevolent Stranger, located at 212 Hunter St W in the middle of the trendy Café District, she aims to be a unique alternative to big box store culture. The shop is named after how Natalie sees the character Boo Radley from To Kill a Mockingbird. At first, people are hesitant and scared of him, only to realize he’s actually quite the opposite when they finally give him a chance, much like the shop. On top of it all, Boo Radley is also her friendly dog’s name, and you're sure to meet him at the shop!

Catering to an eclectic crowd who don’t want the everyday mall type experience and product, the Benevolent Stranger caries a wide array of products ranging from dresses, tops, pants, hoodies and wool jackets for women, to gifts from around the world such as knapsacks, journals, purses, jewelry, and even household items. Not leaving out the guys, she carries various clothing items for them as well, and the inventory is always changing.

Natalie is always on the lookout for one of a kind items. You’ll find products in her store from countries such as Tibet, Thailand, India, and from large cities such as New York and Montreal. Always wanting to be unique and funky, if she doesn’t find the item to be interesting to her personally then she won’t sell it in her store.

What a lot of people are surprised about when they enter the shop is the wide range of products it carries. Towards the back of the well thought out space, Natalie houses a fully stocked smoke shop, carrying all accessories, and she even has dreadlock products, as well as Rasta and punk accessories.

Natalie loves the Café District area she has been located in for five years now since moving her business to Peterborough from Bomanville previously. The patio neighbourhood with its widened sidewalks and the Only Café with its sub culture following next door suit her personality perfectly, she says. She loves the sense of community the area has with great merchants and the events that are always taking place all around her shop year round.

Natalie invites you to come down to her unique shop to find items you definitely won’t find anywhere else!

For more on The Benevolent Stranger (212 Hunter St W), go to:
Facebook: Benevolent Stranger
Phone: 705.748.0408

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

PTBOCanada Featured Post: Bears' Lair Entrepreneurial Competition

Aspiring local entrepreneurs rejoice: the Bears' Lair Entrepreneurial Competition is back, and just around the corner!

Based on the style of the hit CBC show The Dragon’s Den—albeit in a much friendlier setting in front of encouraging judges—the main event showcase takes place April 23rd at Market Hall in downtown Peterborough. The contest is open to potential and existing businesses with a great idea that benefits the local economy, is innovative, is financially viable, and shows that the entrepreneur has both passion and has done their research. It is a chance to make the dream a reality or take the project from the garage into production.

An important date to keep in mind before then is March 14th, which is the submission deadline. To officially enter, prospective contestants must submit both a picture and business description, as well as create a short 2 minute video and 2 page business overview

Created with the goal to encourage small business development and entrepreneurship in and around Peterborough, Bears' Lair is entering its 4th year and has been widely successful. Last year’s winner, Janet Howse, who won with her business The Work of Art Visuals, is back this year as one of four judges for the final.

The main prize will include $20,000 in cash and business services to help the entrepreneur bring their idea to life. The package includes: social media training, a new computer from MicroAge, advertising, website and free office time at Hatch Ptbo. Also, there will be what is called a “Right of Passage” prize valued at $350 for the picture submitted that gets the most “Likes” on Facebook. Contestants are encouraged to use whatever creative means necessary to spread the news to their family and friends and have them vote.

The event is presented by Peterborough Economic Development’s Centre and the Workforce Development Board. In advance of the competition, the Business Advisory Centre (BAC) is serving as a resource to potential entrants to discuss their business idea.

The BAC, in partnership with the Ontario Centres of Excellence, is hosting a boot camp for all entrants to hone their business model and practice their pitch.   

The BAC is located at 210 Wolfe St (phone: 705.743.0777 x2123) and is a free resource for those looking to start or develop a small business, providing business counseling services such as review of plans, development of models and an assessment of financials.

The Bear’s Lair competition concludes with 4 finalists presenting to judges at the Grand Finale, held April 23 at Market Hall.

Tickets for the Grand Finale are $15 in advance and $20 at the door of Market Hall.

Learn more about the competition here, and don't forget to enter by March 14th!

For more on Bears Lair, go to:
Website: Bearslair.ca
Facebook: Bears Lair
Twitter: @Bears_Lair
 

For more info on PTBOCanada Featured Posts, email here. 

Peterborough Entrepreneur's Unique Company Uses Art To Help Those With Dementia

Peterborough start-up company The Work of Art—last year’s winner of the Bears' Lair entrepreneurial contest in Peterborough—breathes new life into those living with Alzheimer disease and dementia.

Its creator, Janet Howse, an artist and Recreation Therapist specializing in art programming for dementia, believes art has the ability to improve the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer and dementia (there are currently almost 6 million people suffering from dementia in North America, and this number is expected to double by 2030). 

“In 2003 I took a job running art programs on the secure dementia unit in a Long Term Care facility," says Howse. "At the time, I knew little about dementia and had never worked with seniors. I was drawn to the job because of the art aspect but what I discovered was a deep love, passion and commitment to folks living with this debilitating disease.”

For the past 10 years, she has worked in recreation therapy running art studios, one-on-one sessions and professional training for people with dementia and their caregivers. She has seen first-hand what an incredible tool art is for people living with dementia, and believes it is a fantastic aid for caregivers who struggle to find a way to connect with those suffering.

As such, Howse developed all-inclusive painting kits that can be used by anyone but are specifically designed to help bypass the limitations experienced by someone with dementia. She has created an Indiegogo campaign to help raise funds for the production of the first 1,000 demential-specific painting kits, which is her biggest hurdle right now (once the first run has been produced, costs will go down, and the business will be sustainable).

Learn more about her unique painting kits in this video below, and visit her website here.

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook.

DBIA Featured Post: Lakeshore Designs

Lakeshore Designs began as many interior design companies do: a dream, a truck and, of course, a talented and dedicated individual. Angela Jones opened Lakeshore Designs in 2004 as an in-home consultation business. In 10 short years since, she has turned Lakeshore Designs into Peterborough’s premier interior design firm.

After seeing the need for an interior design studio in downtown Peterborough, Angela made the move to her George Street location. Not only a design firm, Lakeshore Designs became a destination spot for cottagers looking for that perfect home décor accent or furniture piece. Since the expansion at its new location, Angela has transformed the business into the design studio that it is today.

With a knowledgeable staff of designers and consultants, Lakeshore Designs serves as an inviting place to meet with both new and returning clients. Lakeshore Designs is proud to have had some celebrities as clients, including Elton John, Mike Fisher, Carrie Underwood  and Marc Savard. They're also chosen designers for the Chex Daily design segment every Tuesday; for numerous Builders’ models; for The Toronto Cottage Life Show model home Spring 2013, Fall 2013 and Spring 2014; and The Princess Margaret Hospital Lottery dream cottage 2014.

They are winner of numerous prestigious awards, including Best Interior Decorating 2013 from the Peterborough & Kawarthas’ Homebuilders Association; The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneural Spirit Award 2012; Best Cover award 2011 from Our Homes Magazine; and The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Micro Business of the Year 2010. The design team’s projects range from choosing paint colours and other finishes, in-home consultations, full kitchen designs and sales, renovations, designing dream homes, cottages, and commercial spaces from the ground up.

If you have design challenges or if you are thinking of building your dream home, give them a call today! 

For more on Lakeshore Designs (427 George Street North), go to:
Phone: 705-748-3875
Website: Lakeshorehd.ca   
Facebook: Lakeshore Designs

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

Two Fifty Café Closes, Sushi Yonge Opens In Its Place

Update: October 23rd, 2014 - Sadly it looks like Sushi Yonge is now closed.

The Two Fifty Café (at 250 Sherbrooke Street) has closed, and Sushi Yonge has opened in its place. They are currently offering 20% off to celebrate their opening.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook.

A Mucho Burrito Franchise Is Available In Peterborough

The last spot in the new plaza on Lansdowne Street West is a Mucho Burrito, and the franchise is available still (see poster in window of the plaza, at right, we spotted).

The restaurant will feature a small patio, and offer a selection of Burritos, Quesadillas, Tacos and Taqueria Salads.

---

Update: July 9th, 2014 - Work has started up again on construction of the business. A sign now adorns the face of the building.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook.

DBIA Featured Post: Peterborough Photo Service

Passing down a family run business to the next generation isn't as common as it once was in the small business world. So you can imagine how rare it is to have a small business passed down to a third generation! This is exactly what has happened at Peterborough Photo Service, which is one of downtown Peterborough's longest serving businesses of record.

Located at 188 1/2 Charlotte St, and having been in the same location since 1956, the shop is now currently owned and operated by Josh Resar who took over for his father Doug who previously took over for grandfather Carl who opened it originally.

Being such a longstanding business, it has evolved quite a bit over its tenure. Originally opening as a simple camera shop, it has added a darkroom for development, a service department, and a thriving photography business as well which offers full photo packages specializing in weddings.

The retail section of cameras and equipment is dominated by Canon products, which as most camera pros and even amateurs would tell you is top of the line. Offering Nikon products as well, the shop brings in a top of the line selection found at many bigger shops, but with a small town friendly feel.

Also offered at Peterborough Photo Service is custom printing—which is seemingly becoming a lost art. They can print anything from basic film and slides to canvas, large format negatives, and then even do custom enlargements.

Their camera repair section services even more makes and models than they sell. They service Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Olympus, and Panasonic products all in house to name just a few brands. If cameras are bought at the store and are covered by warranty, the turnaround time you can expect when compared to a box store isn't even close and you'll know exactly who is working on your gear.

The photography side of the business is one that is definitely picking up steam. Josh is a member of the Pro Photographers of Canada so you know you're not dealing with an amateur. They offer wedding packages, have a studio on site, and also take the best passport photos in town.

Having been in the same location for nearly 60 years now, it's clear that Josh and his family have a love for the downtown. Josh especially loves the close knit community feel, selection, and support amongst owners all around him. He appreciates each and every one of his customers and that they support small business.

With the largest selection in town, huge knowledge base, and pricing to compete with anybody around, Josh invites you to come down to Peterborough Photo Service and experience what generations upon generations already have in our city.

For more on Peterborough Photo Service (188 1/2 Charlotte St), go to:
Website: PeterboroughPhoto.com
Phone: 705.742.2062

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

Mercedes-Benz Peterborough Touted at CIAS 2014

The brand new Mercedes-Benz Peterborough location was touted to the media at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto yesterday (February 13th). As well, Peterborough was promoted to the Canadian press at the Mercedes-Benz booth as one of the cities that the company has focused on.

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Evan Holt]

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and Like us on Facebook.