Gourmet Cookies Hit Peterborough As Crumbl Hosts Grand Opening Friday Morning

Popular gourmet cookie franchise Crumbl has planted its flag in Peterborough and is hosting its grand opening at 8 a.m. this Friday.

Hamed Faizi, Crumbl Peterborough owner (right) and his wife Asma Faizi (right) during the media and content creator sneak peek day. Faizi plays to open locations in Barrie and Sudbury. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located at 1154 Chemong Rd., the small dessert franchise has nearly 30 locations across the country and several more in the United States. Owner Hamed Faizi said his product is unlike any other cookie that people have had.

“It is very tasty. It's gooey inside, that's what people like,” he said. “There's a lot of work that goes into that one cookie. It’s very unique in flavour.”

The first 100 customers at the grand opening receive a free T-shirt. Anyone who comes on Friday can enter a ballot to win a free cookie every week for a year. Faizi said he has received massive support since he announced he was opening a location in Peterborough.

“I love this brand. I know people are very excited,” he explained. “I get a lot of messages, I get lot of responses and I think it's really going to do great here.”

Crumbl has several regular menu cookies such as chocolate chip, pink sugar, brownie batter and s’mores. The bakery features weekly rotating flavours that change every Monday. Showcased flavours this week include oatmeal raisin, lemon poppy seed, peanut butter cup brownie (with Reese’s), s’mores cookie thins, strawberry cheesecake and Biscoff cheesecake.

Featured cookies at the sneak peek were the Cookies & Cream Krispy Bar, peanut butter cup brownie (with Reese’s), chocolate chip cookie and strawberry cheesecake. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Despite not being from Peterborough and planning to open other locations in Barrie and Sudbury, Faizi highlighted the importance of hiring locally for his business, as a vast majority of his staff are students from Peterborough.

“I have other businesses too so when I open in a town, I only hire from that community,” he explained. “The whole staff is from Peterborough.”

@ptbo_canada @Crumbl has just hit Peterborough and its grand opening is on May 29, 2026 at 8 a.m.! #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #crumbl ♬ COOKIES - Tokyo Machine

Cookies are available in either mini or large size. They can be purchased as singles, a mini three-pack, four-pack, six-pack, party box or Graduation Bundls. Crumbl also sells dirty soda which consists of pop mixed with cream, flavoured syrups and/or fruit juices. They are customizable with over 40 flavours.

The following are Crumbl’s store and delivery hours:

• Mon. to Thur.: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Fri. and Sat.: 8 a.m. to midnight

• Sunday: Closed

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Ontario Government Extends Restaurant and Bar Alcohol Sales to 4 a.m. For FIFA World Cup™

The Ontario government has permitted licensed restaurants and bars to extend alcohol sales and service across the province until 4 a.m. during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ from June 11 to July 19.

Crook & Coffer co-owner John Clarke getting the Irish spirit on early pouring green beer for the DBIA’s inaugural “Catch the Leprechauns” free scavenger hunt in 2023. Photo by David Tuan Bu

“Fans can enjoy the games no matter what time they're happening,” said Doug Ford, Ontario Premier. “So make sure to gather, watch and celebrate one of the greatest sporting events in the world and let's all cheer Team Canada.”

“This summer, fans visiting from around the world will gather in Toronto to celebrate world-class sport,” said Doug Downey, Attorney General. “Allowing restaurants and bars to stay open later means that fans can fully experience the energy, excitement and atmosphere of the tournament while supporting jobs, strengthening local businesses and driving economic growth across Ontario.”

This year’s tournament is the first to feature 48 teams playing games across three countries, including Canada. Toronto will host six games at Toronto Stadium. Vancouver will also host games, alongside 14 additional host cities in the United States and Mexico, making it the largest FIFA World Cup 2026™ in history.

“Extending last call during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ will help Ontario deliver a safe, vibrant and welcoming experience for fans from around the world,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “As Ontario welcomes visitors for this global event, this measure will give people more time to enjoy our world-class bars and restaurants while supporting the province’s tourism sector.”

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Six Young Entrepreneurs Selected For Summer Company Program After Record-Breaking Applicants

Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre has accepted six students into the Summer Company Program for training, mentorship and grant dollars to help them launch their new businesses this summer.

Photo courtesy of Community Futures Peterborough.

“The Summer Company program was designed to bridge the gap between a great idea and a viable business for our next generation of leaders,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By providing students with both the financial capital and the professional mentorship they need, we are ensuring that young entrepreneurs don't just dream about starting a business—they actually do it. It is inspiring to see such a record-breaking number of applicants this year, and we are proud to support their journey.”

The Summer Company program provides those aged 15 to 29 with the opportunity to receive tools, guidance and grant dollars of up to $3,000 to start and launch their businesses.

Funded by the Government of Ontario, through the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) program, Summer Company is designed to support the entrepreneurial ambitions of youth in communities across the province.

Participants receive in-person training in key areas such as business planning, marketing, and financial management, along with one-on-one mentorship tailored to their individual needs.

Community Futures Peterborough received 40 applications for this year’s program and the following students have been selected:

• 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; and

• Rielle MacDougall, Lake Safe Swim Lessons, Peterborough.

“Being accepted into the Summer Company program means that this idea is backed and validated by a fantastic team of individuals, which makes proceeding with everything feel far more achievable and realistic,” said Huntley. “The resources and connections from this program will be monumental for getting Peak Beach Volleyball of the ground and running. One of the scariest parts of beginning a business is the lack of promise of anything actually evolving, so to take the monetary risk out of that and have guidance is phenomenal.”

“These students are incredibly impressive,” said Allison Adam, BAC Officer. “They’re already eager to get started and are showing real potential for success.”

“Programs like Summer Company give young people the opportunity to turn their ideas into real businesses right here in Peterborough,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “These six entrepreneurs are demonstrating creativity, ambition and a strong commitment to our community. The City of Peterborough is proud to support Community Futures Peterborough’s Business Advisory Centre as they foster the next generation of business leaders, and we look forward to seeing their ventures grow this summer and beyond.”

“The Summer Company program empowers young people across our region to turn their ideas into real opportunities. It’s inspiring to see this next generation of entrepreneurs building skills, confidence, and businesses that will contribute to the strength and vitality of our rural and urban communities alike,” said Bonnie Clark, Warden, Peterborough County. “Peterborough County is proud of this outstanding program delivered by our trusted and valued partner, Community Futures Peterborough.”

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Lang Pioneer Village, Peterborough Humane Society, Peterborough County and Workforce Development Board

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…

A definite sign of summer is here, as Lang Pioneer Village Museum opens for the 2026 season on Tuesday.

Starting with their Spring hours, Monday to Friday, from 10 AM to 3 PM. The Summer and special event season will kick off with the Father’s Day Smoke and Steam show on Sunday, June 21 and following that, the Museum will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be an add-on experience of Afternoon Tea as well as other hands-on experiences and immersive programs. More information about Lang Pioneer Village Museum can be found by visiting www.LangPioneerVillage.ca

Need pet food?

The Peterborough Humane Society will be hosting their Pet Pantry Pop-Up Saturday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or while supplies last at the Chamber of Commerce Parking Lot – 175 George Street North. Free cat and dog food will be available to pet owners in need. No registration is required.

Peterborough County is continuing work on the Transportation Master Plan Study for the Lakefield Area Road Network.

On May 27, they are inviting the local business community to provide their “unique and valuable insight” during the second public information centre at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre in Lakefield. This is important work as the future look of transportation in Selwyn and Douro Dummer are reviewed.

If you are a business owner, HR manager or responsible for recruitment in Peterborough (City and County), Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton, then the Workforce Development Board needs to hear from you as they are conducting research to inform the 2026-2027 Local Labour Market Planning Report.

If you are passionate about developing current and future workforce for you and the community, let WDB know what you need by completing their survey today.

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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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Swish, Rubidge Retirement Residence and Heads Up For Inclusion

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…

Swish is a proudly Canadian company that brings local insight, national reach and decades of experience to every customer relationship.

They are your Canadian partner in clean and are celebrating 70 years of service to the community. Everyone is invited to two full days of prizes, clearance items, product and equipment demos. May 13th and 14th at their founding location - 2060 Fisher Dr. in Peterborough from 9 til 4 with a free lunch on both days from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Rubidge Retirement Residence is hosting an open house from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Friday May 15th and Saturday May 16th.

It’s a great chance to tour and learn more about their residence and services. Perfect for anyone who may be looking to open their next chapter in a place where comfort, community and care come together. For more information, you can call 705-748-4000, extension 252.

On Friday, Alternatives and Heads Up for Inclusion are joining together to host Washboard Hank, sponsored by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, at the Hub on Braidwood Avenue.

The community is invited to participate along with the Amigos Community Program, which brings together adults with and without disabilities for fun and friendship through planned recreational activities. To reserve a spot to see WashBoard Hank, you can email Laura_Lombardi@headsupforinclusion.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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Topper's Pizza Bringing Fresh Slices To Peterborough After Celebrating Its Grand Opening

Peterborough’s latest pizza chain restaurant, Topper's Pizza, has hit town as it plans to serve up delicious cheesy pies and hosted its grand opening on Monday morning.

Brothers and Franchise Partners Brijesh Patel (left) and Kishan Patel (right) putting one of their gourmet pizzas, ‘Meat Mountain’ on display. Topper’s Pizza was founded in Sudbury and has 45 locations in Ontario. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located at 999 Lansdowne St. W. at the Byersville Creek Plaza, the Sudbury-based pizza chain held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with a representative of Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP and a grand-opening pizza special to commemorate the occasion.

Brothers Brijesh and Kishan Patel are the franchise partners of the Peterborough location. Both were Fleming College alumni and look forward to being part of the community with their newly launched business.

“We have been waiting for this moment and this day for the last eight months,” explained Brijesh. “We are planning to grow in the Peterborough community as early as possible.”

“We are eager to serve the community here in Peterborough,” said Kishan. “Hopefully we can give the best taste (of pizza) and give what the Peterborough community wants. That’s our goal.”

@ptbo_canada Topper’s Pizza had its grand opening in Peterborough on May 11, 2026. The Sudbury-based pizza chain makes its first Peterborough location with brothers Brijesh and Kishan Patel as the location’s franshise partners. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #pizza ♬ Gets Like That - Max Dean & Luke Dean

In addition to pizza, the restaurant serves panuzzos, flatbread, chicken and a modified panzerotti called a Topperoti.

The franchise was started in 1982 by the Toppazzini family. Topper’s uses an old family recipe for its pizza crust/bread that was widely utilized in the early 1900s, according to Keith Toppazzini, founding family member.

“In 1982, we decided to take that family formula, turn it into a pizza shop and 44 years later, we’re at store number 45,” he said.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

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JA-NEO Inducts Nine Business Leaders Into City of Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) celebrated and honoured business leaders at its fourth Annual City of Kawartha Lakes Business Hall of Fame at Mackey Celebrations in Lindsay on Thursday night.

Photo courtesy of JA-NEO.

The event recognized those who have shaped the region's economic and social fabric, according to JA-NEO.

The following are the 2026 Inductees:

• Dan Burns (Posthumous) – Burns Bulk Food

• Greg Nisbett (Posthumous) – Nisbett’s Men’s Shop

• Jason Willock – Co-operators, Willock Insurance Group Ltd.

• Ken Found (Posthumous) – Linborough Properties

• Patricia & Phillip Nieukirk (Posthumous) – The Grand Hotel, The Grand Experience Restaurant

• Ray DeNure – DeNure Tours

• Sarah Quick & James Barrett – Globus Theatres

“The Hall of Fame is about more than business,” said Cody McIntyre, JA-NEO interim president and CEO. “It’s about recognizing the people who built something meaningful and, in doing so, helped build this community. Their stories are powerful reminders to our young people of what’s possible.”

Proceeds from the event went to Junior Achievement programs in the City of Kawartha Lakes which help equip youth with the skills, confidence and knowledge they need in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Cambium, Century 21 Realty and Be Your Brand

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…

Cambium Consulting and Engineering is celebrating twenty years in business!

They were founded in 2006 and are a multi-service consulting and engineering firm that helps shape stronger communities with their wide range of technical and professional expertise.

A long-standing friendship between two family-founded real estate companies has come full circle.

Century 21 United Realty has expanded into Cobourg with the addition of Century 21 All-Pro Realty, a brokerage that has served the Northumberland community for over 30 years.

Both brokerages were family-founded, and their founders, Carl Oake and Garry Liboiron, shared a decades-long friendship within the industry. Today, the brokerage is led by Vanessa Oake Hogan, continuing that legacy and bringing the two offices together in a way that feels like a natural next chapter. Congratulations to Vanessa and her team, who will continue the longstanding legacy of real-estate brilliance.

After four and a half years in business, Phillip Jolicoeur who many know as The Marketing Guy has announced his exciting rebrand to Be Your Brand.

It’s a new name but the same business. A full-service marketing concierge designed to support businesses and not-for-profit organizations. The new brand reflects Phil’s vision of helping clients build stronger identities, clearer messaging and a bigger impact.

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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Century 21 United Realty Acquires Century 21 All-Pro Realty In Cobourg

Century 21 United Realty has acquired brokerage Century 21 All-Pro Realty in Cobourg, announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of Century 21 United Realty Inc.

According to Century 21 United Realty, this merger represents more than a business decision—it’s a heartfelt joining of two brokerages that share the same core values, family roots and long-standing commitment to the people and communities they serve according to Vanessa Oake Hogan, Century 21 United Realty owner.

“This partnership feels like a natural extension of what both our families have built,” she said. “We share the same beliefs about integrity, service, and community. My father, Carl, always believed in people first—and that spirit lives on in this next chapter. I only wish he were here to see it.”

Carl Oake founded Century 21 United Realty in 1978. Garry and Liz Liboiron established Century 21 All-Pro Realty three decades ago, serving the Northumberland community since 1993. Over the years, Oake and Garry were known to be cordial with each other, having friendly competitions and team-building mystery tours and lively company events.

The merger provides agents and clients with greater access, collaboration and reacch to provide real estate services across Peterborough, the Kawarthas and Northumberland. Agents from both offices have expanded market insights, shared resources, and a stronger network for client support.

“We are honoured to carry forward All-Pro’s history while looking ahead to an exciting future—one that blends legacy, heart, and innovation,” said Oake Hogan. “This is a celebration of shared purpose and connection.”

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring YMCA, Lakefield College School and Summer Company Program

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…

The 2026 YMCA Peterborough Pickleball Tournament is gearing up to be a great way to spend May 9.

Cheering on and watching local realtors Wade Hamblin and Shaun Pearce gather their teams to face off in the quest to win the Golden Pickle, all for the benefit of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, will be amusing. Every child deserves a chance to reach their full potential: to live healthier, happier lives today and grow into productive adults in the future, and these team captains, with their teams of local businesspeople, are raising the bar to ensure the Strong Kids are supported. Let’s see if Team Pearce can hold on to the pickle for another year.

To find out more, or make your donation to support your favourites, visit www.ymcaofceo.ca/events.

A big shout out to the students from Lakefield College School who are giving their time at The Selwyn Public Library as part of the Tech Help Program.

They are there, by appointment only, on Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m., offering assistance with different tech topics - from email management to accessing books on apps. A great way to increase anyone’s tech abilities.

For more information, reach out to Amy Rosborough at arosborough@mypubliclibrary.ca.

The Summer Company Program offers grants of up to $3,000 to start a business in the City of Peterborough and Peterborough County.

The program provides students (ages 15 to 29) with grant dollars, business skills development, training, advice, and mentoring. Youth in this community can be their own boss this summer, while building valuable skills for their future. Students eager to take initiative and interested in learning how to run a business can apply today to the Summer Company Program and if successful, will be guided every step of the way from developing a business plan and budget to marketing strategies to launch their business.

Take a look under programs at www.communityfutures.Peterborough.ca to learn more.

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.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.