Bring Back The Drive-In

There aren’t many signs of the Mustang Drive-in that exist today. The berms are still there for the cars to park on, and the roads still exist, but that’s about it.

Maybe it’s one part nostalgia, and one part perfect timing, but we’d love to see the Mustang Drive-In return.

What better time than during physical distancing to enjoy movies from the comfort of your own vehicle? Unfortunately, the drive-in closed back in 2012, the structures have since been demolished and now the land sits vacant. (Here is a post we did from a woman whose father managed it back in the day.)

Would you enjoy going to the drive-in or did you have fond memories of going? Thankfully we still have two semi-local Drive-ins that are considering opening this year: the Lindsay Drive-In and the Port Hope Drive-In.

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UPDATE

One of our readers was kind enough to dig some photos out of his archives to share with us…

“Back in the day, Peterborough had TWO drive-ins for us to choose from... 

The Mustang, and up on the Lakefield highway where Giant Tiger now stands was the Peterboro Drive-in.

Here’s also a photo of my ‘66 Impala parked on a hump at the Mustang Drive-In site.”

- Frank B.

“It would be the ultimate in nostalgia to go to the drive-in in my ‘66 Chevy Impala... second only to going up to Armour Hill in my ‘66 Impala... accompanied in either case, of course, with a fine companion. - Frank B.”

—by Evan Holt, PTBOCanada.com

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BE Catering Is Shutting Down Storefront Location, Read The Heartfelt Letter From Its Owner

UPDATE: To be clear, they’re only losing their storefront location but are still a catering company with the ability to serve all.

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The popular BE Catering storefront location (located at Charlotte and Park) has become a casualty of the economic crisis we’re in. Read the heartfelt letter posted to their Facebook page below from its owner Bonnie Kubica….

“This is a letter to let all of you know what’s been happening over on our corner of Charlotte and Park Streets. For the past six weeks, we have made so many soups, casseroles, lasagnes and curries, with the help of our wonderful cooks and staff. Thank you so much for your support of us and our local community, it is greatly, greatly appreciated! We are sad to announce that we will be leaving our facilities at the end of this month.

It warms my heart to think of everyone who has come through our doors, people we have gotten to know so well, some of you we got to see on a daily basis. We will remember fondly all of our in house bistro dinners, parties with live bands, Christmas get togethers and the celebrations with our food and drinks.

Bonnie Kubica at far left with team (picture via BE Catering Facebook page)

We will remember fondly all of the coffees (Americanos!) served, the muffins and scones, the BLT’s, ALT’s, soups, focaccia, and salads, lunches, breakfasts......

Our lease is up at the end of the month and we were unable to come to an agreement with the landlord, after 8 months of negotiations. They originally wanted to raise our rent by 87%. We tried to come to an interim agreement when the pandemic hit, but to no avail. We made the decision to store our equipment and tools, and will be moving out of our beloved kitchens at the end of this month.

This was a very difficult decision to make in a very turbulent and trying time for everyone. I have had a professional kitchen since BE Catering began in 1998, almost 22 years. I will miss my sunny mornings and afternoons looking out my big kitchen window, chatting with fellow cooks, making food. We did a lot of good, hard work. I know this decision for us is the right one.

Picture via BE Catering Facebook page

The core component of our business is catering for large gatherings of people, namely, weddings, parties and conferences. Since large events are not allowed to happen for the foreseeable future, this means that over 90% of our business has disappeared for 2020. If you have booked a party with us, or a wedding for this year, and hope to reschedule if we are allowed to congregate at a later date, I do have ability to work out of professional kitchens, so don’t fret.

We’re not going anywhere, just going dormant for a little while, while we take some time and space to figure out what catering, our true profession, will look like in the future. We hope that we can have smaller get togethers to celebrate being together, as we all so desperately crave at the moment. And we will be there to cook and serve wonderful handmade local food for you, with the same heart and honesty we have always strove to provide.

Picture via BE Catering Facebook page

Finally, I want to thank Simon, my partner in life and with the business, who has been by my side to support my decision, whatever that may be. I also want to thank my amazing staff who have helped us get through the past few months, we couldn’t have done this without you. And to all of my past cooks and dishwashers and servers and managers who have come and gone, but still remain friends forever, we have an amazing industry that we live and work for. It will come back, it will be different, but I do truly believe that we will all be better for it.

We wish you well.

Yours Truly,
Bonnie”

Read the comments pouring in on their Facebook page here.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat Featuring Canoe Co. Café, The Log Cabin Store & Snack Bar, & More!

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

The Log Cabin Store and Snack Bar has new owners. The iconic store, better known to many as Mrs Reid’s store, is located on County Road 6 at the far end of Stoney Lake. The new owners are the husband and wife team of Kevin Huckell and Toni Emerson. They are busy with a significant renovation of the property and hope to be up and running with the gas pumps soon, followed by the convenience store as well as a coffee bar and kitchen with some home cooked meals. The store was started by Bud Bedore, and now Marylin Reid is enjoying a well-earned rest after running the store for decades.

Euphoria Wellness Spa has just completed the rebranding of their Starbucks and Gelato Café. Called Canoe Co. Café, the new name pays tribute to the fact that the building was the former home of the Peterborough Canoe Company, founded in 1892—manufacturing wooden canoes from the corner of King and Water Streets until 1961. The space has been renovated, and while they can’t welcome you inside just yet, they are getting ready to open a walk-up/take-out window soon. Owner Simone Dobson wanted to thank Amy Leclair Graphic Design for the new logo and Commercial Press for the new sign.

Local company OptiSolve is in the news again. OptiSolve developed a proprietary surface imaging technology that can produce high quality images that reveal where pathogens remain before and after cleaning. Think about the germs on your keyboard, door handles, your television remote control, your cellphone… This ground-breaking technology was recently written up in a four-page article in the Canadian Journal of Infection Control, considered the most credible journal on the topic. For details, visit optisolve.net.

The Staffing Connection and Level A Professional Group are joining forces to honor local frontline workers. Beginning May 11th, you can visit their websites and Facebook pages to nominate and tell a brief story about frontline workers who have displayed extraordinary bravery, response and compassion during the Covid-19 crisis. Each week for four consecutive weeks, six frontline workers will each receive a $100 gift card redeemable at any downtown Peterborough business. At the end of the four weeks, one local hero will be awarded $1500 in VISA gift cards. Check it out at thestaffingconnection.ca or levela.net, or find them on Facebook.  

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Support Downtown Businesses By Purchasing Gift Cards

Many downtown business owners are struggling badly right now and need the support of the community more than ever. 

One of the biggest challenges faced by local businesses is the expenses don’t stop when the lights are turned off and the door is locked. One thing people can do to support them is buy gift cards and certificates now and spend them later when they reopen. This allows the businesses to have some cashflow to help cover current expenses.

Lisa Dixon, Owner of Black Honey on Hunter Street West

With that in mind, The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area has launched a website supportdowntownptbo.ca where you can buy gift cards and certificates from downtown businesses. Gift cards and certificates will be mailed (or emailed if electronic) to shoppers.

Visit supportdowntownptbo.ca and support your favourite downtown businesses!

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat Featuring Watson & Lou, 100 Kids & More!

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

Thomas Elmourne recently launched his own company. Called LT Contracting and Services, Thomas specializes in repairs, renovations or installations of bathrooms, tile work, kitchens, drywall, painting, as well as building maintenance and cleaning. Thomas brings over 20 years of broad experience and covers Peterborough City and County. Call 705-772-1197.

100 Kids Peterborough was launched last week. The organization mirrors the 100 Women and 100 Men organizations, who both do great work supporting local charities and not for profits. Organizer Faith Dickenson and her advisory team want to build future leaders in the community by engaging young people between the ages of 5 and 13 in philanthropy. Check it out online at 100kidspeterborough.ca.

Watson and Lou owners Erin Watson and Anna Eidt recently introduced a cool new concept called an Economic Nutrition Label. Modelled after the typical nutrition label you’ll find on food packaging, the Economic Nutrition Label breaks down where the money goes when you buy something at their downtown store. It’s a great idea, that demonstrates the importance of buying locally… LoveLocalPtbo! Check it out at 383 Water Street or watsonandlou.com.

And congratulations to Seana Collins Mander and Marie Claire Ruttan, the owners of RMT Ptbo. Formerly 360 Wellness, the new location of the business is 150 Lansdowne Street, inside Fandango, across from TSC. They focus on expert, effective registered massage therapy care, through a clinical approach. They can also direct bill their clients and you can book your appointment online. Rmtptbo.ca

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Kawartha Buttertart Factory, Head 2 Toe Footwear & More!

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

Head 2 Toe Footwear repair is Melissa and Chris Allan’s new business. Located in the lower level of Peterborough Square, some might remember Chris from his years as Allan Shoe Repair. Services include repairs to shoes, boots, high heels, men’s dress shoes and work boots, as well as Velcro repairs, replacing elastics, buckles and building lifts. From Birkenstock’s to bowling shoes, Chris and Melissa can handle it. Open Tuesday through Saturday, call 705-874-2939.

Congratulations to Cathy Smith, who is putting the finishing touches on the new location of the Kawartha Buttertart Factory. Originally in Warsaw, the new location is 713 County Road 4, which is commonly known as the Warsaw Road, at the corner of Highway 28. Cathy and her team specialize in award-winning butter tarts, apple fritters, cinnamon rolls, pies, squares and sweet loaves, as well as grab and go sandwiches, pizza wraps and Sausage Rolls! Cathy is very grateful for all of the local trades who helped her prepare the new location and move and install all of the equipment.

The owners of a new building are Dave Conroy and Sean Harris, who wanted a home and showroom for their business – The Little Building Company. Dave and Sean specialize in high quality, custom designed cabins, bunkies, saunas, decks, docks, additions and renovations. The new building employs a long list of energy efficient, low-carbon feature, a special focus of the Little Building Company. Dave and Sean have even built a stand-alone cabin next door to showcase some of their techniques. Go to littlebuildingcompany.ca for more.

Congratulations to Garnet Northey and the staff at Spotlight Home and Lifestyle on capturing the Best of Houzz award for customer service. Check out spotlighthomeandlifestyle.com for details.

Congratulations to Kerri Rogers and crew at Restwell Upholstering on their 75th anniversary this year! Watch for lots of discounts, promotions and draw prizes every month!! Go to restwellupholstery.ca for more.

And don’t forget the Future Ready Business Summit is this Wednesday, a great morning of better business fundamentals. Register today at peterboroughchamber.ca.

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$1.2 Million Announced For 26 Local Businesses To Innovate, Expand & Create Jobs

On Thursday (March 6th) at the Venture North building in downtown Peterborough, Maryam Monsef, Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha, announced that 26 local businesses will benefit from an investment of nearly $1.2 million from the federal government through the Rural Innovation Initiative of Eastern Ontario (RIIEO).

Seven Peterborough-based manufacturers will receive up to $700,000 through the RIIEO Regional Stream, matched by $1,905,701 in incremental private investment. An additional $450,000 will go towards 19 local businesses operating in the City of Peterborough and County of Peterborough under RIIEO’s Local Stream, and be administered by Community Futures Peterborough.

Photo from announcement via Community Futures on Facebook

RIIEO supports local, innovative projects with a goal of supporting the transition and growth of traditional small and medium sized businesses and manufacturers to expand their business growth and adopt advanced, innovative business processes.

Recognizing the vital role rural communities play in the region’s economy, FedDev Ontario collaborates with Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) in Eastern Ontario to support the transition and growth of new and existing businesses into the new rural economy.

Gail Moorhouse, Executive Director, Community Futures Peterborough speaking at announcement (photo via Community Futures on Facebook)

This RIIEO program investment contributes to an estimated 93 jobs being created and 391 jobs being maintained within the City of Peterborough and County of Peterborough.

“This stream of funding has allowed local businesses to think boldly about their future and how to implement innovative measures to grow and protect jobs in the future,” says Gail Moorhouse, Executive Director, Community Futures Peterborough. “We are thrilled with the quality of exciting projects and innovation taking place in our community.”

“Through smart investments that support our rural innovators and entrepreneurs, we strengthen the local economy and create jobs,” adds Maryam Monsef. “Our government is pleased to work with Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) and Community Futures Peterborough to ensure our local businesses have the tools they need to develop and reach new markets.”

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat Featuring Hanoi House, Cody and James CPA & More!

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

The Peterborough Farmers Market at Morrow Park has lots of plans for March and April. That includes Customer Appreciation days, lots of family activities for March Break including a Good Bye to Winter contest, a colouring contest for kids, a Celebrate the Irish Day, vendor gift baskets every Saturday, and The Maple Syrup festival every Saturday in April, including the East Peterborough Lions Club Pancake Breakfast on April 4. Watch for details at peterboroughfarmersmarket.com.

Hanoi House recently opened at 213 Hunter Street in Downtown Peterborough. Owner Susan Tung, the former owner of the Golden Wheel, serves up an authentic Vietnamese menu including many different kinds of Pho, vermicelli noodle bowls, an oyster bar, spring rolls, shrimp, chicken, broken rice and more. Eat in or take out, details are online at hanoihouseptbo.com.

Stacey and Jasmine met while working together, and their backgrounds have merged into their own business called Village Marketing. Offering social media marketing, photography and video, content creation and design, Stacey brings a background in journalism and public relations, while Jasmine brings a background in film and photography. As business partners, they say they fit together like orange juice and champagne. Check out villagemarketing.ca for more info.

Cody and James CPA’s are Suzanne Cody and Gwyneth James, who offer a full suite of accounting services from their offices on Milroy Drive. They recently added controllership functions to their suite of services, which allows them to offer a level of expertise that small businesses typically find impossible to staff in-house. Controllers go beyond simple bookkeeping to provide reports, analysis and advice, not only preparing your financial statements, but interpreting them. For details, visit codyandjames.ca.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Ryan Cornish & Allison Laming Of IG Wealth Management & More!

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

Ryan Cornish and Allison Laming of IG Wealth Management recently announced that they now have a second office located in Cobourg at 259 Division St. The second location allows them to serve their growing clientele. The main location remains at 300 Aylmer St. North in Peterborough. Ryan and Allison provide full financial planning, financial goal setting and insurance for families, businesses, and professionals. Call them at (705) 304-1144 for info.

Ryan Cornish & Allison Laming of IG Wealth Management

Plan A is offering a unique option for anyone looking for supplemental, casual employment in the long-term care sector. Recruiter for Plan A Peterborough, Aaron McMillan says they ask for a commitment of three shifts per month to remain on the staff pool. When and where you work is completely up to you. Plan A utilizes a shift-filling software called StaffStat, which notifies all staff within each specific designation. RN’s RPN’s, PSW’s of a shift to be filled, and its first come, first served from there. Located at the Peterborough Business Hub on McDonnell Street, call Aaron at 705-243-3659 or visit jointheAteam.com.

Local media company Redstone Media Group recently launched “I Heart Saving”, a new app that takes “Shop local” to a whole new level. Owners Tim Hockley and Dana Cox say that I Heart Saving gives members deals and discounts at local merchants throughout Peterborough, with a portion of every $29.95 membership supporting a participating local charity, including Five Counties, Habitat for Humanity, Lakefield Animal Welfare Society, Camp Kawartha or Ptbo Strong. The free App is for both iOS and Android. Go to iheartsaving.com for more.

The Future Ready Business Summit 2020 is coming up on March 11th. Presented by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and Peterborough and the Kawarthas Economic Development, the full morning and lunch agenda includes a keynote address by Daniel Lewis from T by Daniel, panel discussions on succession planning, the psychology of the sale, the circular economy, digitization, and marketing, mediums and messages. Breakfast and lunch are included in the $50 registration fee, as well as a professional headshot by Moss Works Photography, and some awesome swag. Check it out at peterboroughchamber.ca.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Emily Mae's Cookies & Sweets And More!

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

Emily Mae’s Cookies & Sweets is Jen Wight’s new business. Named after her grandmothers, Jen has been building her businesses from home but recently opened a storefront location and workshop at 1135 Lansdowne St West. Whether it’s some sugar cookies decorated and personalized for a gift, wedding favor or just to brighten someone’s day, or you want to purchase supplies to make your own, or take a class to learn the tips and tricks, check out emilymaes.com or stop in.

Near North Customs Brokers now have a local presence in the name of Jamie Bradstreet. Near North offers numerous cross-border trade consulting services, freight forwarding, and more. If you find border security, trade tariffs, and changing trade agreements daunting, call Jamie Bradstreet for help at 705-868-4165, or visit nearnorthcustoms.com.

Paul McKenzie’s new business is designed to help you improve your sales systems using Salesforce, the well-known sales software platform. Paul has spent years in programming, development and database administration using Mainframe, Unix/Linux, and Windows platforms, and is now a Salesforce Platform System Administrator and App Builder. So if you want help building client relationships and unique business processes using Salesforce, contact Paul McKenzie for a demo at 705-202-6052 or visit crmapps.ca.

Don and Laurie Riley have been boaters in the Kawarthas for a long time, so when they saw that the former Water’s Edge Restaurant in Bobcaygeon was available, they jumped on the opportunity to open their own restaurant. Called Riley’s Bar and Grill, the first order of business was to renovate the building to allow them to open year-round. Open Thursday through Sunday for now, they’ll move to full hours the Victoria Day weekend. Meanwhile you can check out their unique menu items like chicken and waffle, their own Riley’s fresh baked warm bread, wraps, salads, a children’s menu and more. Go to Rileysbarandgrill.ca for more info!

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