"How Sweet It Is!" Dooher's Bakery Soft Launches Its New Location In Campbellford

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After 49 years at 61 Bridge St. E. in Campbellford, Dooher’s Bakery is welcoming customers at its new location around the corner at 27 Doxsee Ave. N., which soft-opened on Thursday morning.

Original owners Harry and Muriel Dooher moved the bakery to 61 Bridge St. E. in 1977 after first opening at 44 Bridge St. E. in 1956. The bakery relocated to its current address because it had ‘outgrown’ its previous location.

“It (the previous location) was tight and there were often conversations at family dinners that if this location came up for sale, what a neat place to move the bakery if it worked out,” explained Cory Dooher, Dooher’s Bakery owner. “It came up for sale and the cards worked in our favour. I decided to take a leap of faith and move.”

Customers lined up outside the doors before the soft launch and kept flowing through the bakery on its first day. Cory says opening the shop on the first day of the new spot was very surreal.

“I've had so many emotional moments but I'm very happy here,” she said. “We've needed this space for a long time and seeing people come in with the reactions on their faces really fills my heart.”

The new space allows more shelved stock, bigger employee workspaces and a small dining area for customers to enjoy the baked goods in-house. While there were new additions, Cody assures that the bakery’s quality remains the same as it has been over the years.

“We kept everything the same,” she said. “Same recipes, same traditions; it's just a new space.”

@ptbo_canada After 49 years at 61 Bridge St. E. in Campbellford, Dooher’s Bakery is welcoming customers at its new location around the corner at 27 Doxsee Ave. N. #fyp #news #ptbocanada ##journalism##doohersbakery ♬ Sandy Shoreline - Lawn Gnome Whisperer

The business launched in 1949 in Madoc when Harry and Muriel Dooher purchased a small bakery in Madoc. The business stayed within the family, as Cory is the third generation of Doohers to own the bakery, having purchased it 13 years ago. She also employs her children, spanning four generations, to work at the bakery. Her business’s success and longevity are attributed to her parents' and grandparents' teachings and philosophies over the years.

“My dad had a passion for it and taught me everything I knew,” she explained. “He set me up for sure and did not leave my side during the transition. I'm so thankful for him. (It's) Family traditions that were sent down and taught to me and now I'm teaching it to my son and hard work pays off.”

Cory also credits the community and customers’ support and is grateful for their business over more than seven decades.

“We would not be where we are right now if it wasn't for them supporting us,” she said. “It's not just our little community; it's communities all over. People near and far have been coming for years and it's just really special to know that people really support you that way.”

The following are Dooher’s Bakery’s business hours:

  • Sunday and Monday: CLOSED

  • Tuesday to Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Community Futures Peterborough, Lang Pioneer Village and Peterborough DBIA

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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…

Community Futures Peterborough has announced its largest-ever Starter Company Plus cohort, with 23 local entrepreneurs selected from nearly 90 applicants.

The program provides training, mentorship, and access to grant funding to help businesses launch and grow. This year's cohort showcases the incredible creativity and entrepreneurial spirit happening right here across Peterborough City and County. For more information, you can visit: communityfuturespeterborough.ca/programs/startercompanyplus

Fall is just around the corner, and Lang Pioneer Village Museum is inviting the community to celebrate at its annual Applefest on Sept. 27.

The family-friendly event will feature historic demonstrations, live music, local food, apple-themed activities, and plenty of autumn fun throughout the village. It's a great way to enjoy the season while supporting one of our region's most beloved attractions. For more information, visit: www.langpioneervillage.ca

Downtown Peterborough is gearing up for Halloween, with the Peterborough DBIA now accepting registrations for its popular downtown trick-or-treat event.

The annual initiative helps connect local businesses with families while bringing thousands of visitors downtown to explore shops, restaurants, and services. Businesses interested in participating can learn more through the Peterborough DBIA, visit their website: theboro.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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Euphoria Wellness Spa to Host Its Biggest Community Celebration To Mark Its 20-Year Anniversary

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Euphoria Wellness Spa is celebrating 20 years in business and has invited the whole city to join on the festivities with a Fall Beauty Event on Oct. 7 from 1 to 8 p.m., announced on Wednesday.

(From left to right) Kaley Graham, Spa Euphoria Manager and Inventory Controller; Simone Dobson, Spa Euphoria Owner, Tiffany Arcari and Alley Dunn counting down the 20 days until the spa’s 20th anniversary starting on Thursday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The event will feature draws, giveaways, demonstrations and special surprises. The Downtown Peterborough business typically offers gift bags to commemorate its anniversary each year but wants this milestone to be the best it has ever been, with the event’s draws, demonstrations and beauty experiences.

“Twenty years is a huge milestone for us, and we wanted to celebrate it with the people who helped make it possible: our clients and our community,” said Simone Dobson, Euphoria Wellness Spa owner. “We’ve been planning some pretty special things, and we can’t wait to share them.” 

@ptbo_canada Euphoria Wellness Spa is celebrating 20 years in business and has invited the whole city to join on the festivities with a Fall Beauty Evrnt on Oct. 7 from 1 to 8 p.m. #fyp #news #ptbocanada #journalism #euphoriawellnessspa ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

A special surprise for the 20th Anniversary Celebration is planned, bringing together clients, friends, supporters and the community to toast 20 years in business. 

As Spa Euphoria counts down the 20 days until its anniversary starting Thursday, it has launched a city-wide scavenger hunt with more than $1,500 in prizes up for grabs.

Residents are invited to follow Euphoria’s social media for clues that will send them out into the community in search of prizes. The first clue was released on Thursday.

Those interested in attending the anniversary celebration are encouraged to RSVP at 705-741-4772 or by email. 

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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Cormack Chiropractic Care, United Way Peterborough & District, The Vine and ONWARD

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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…

Cormack Chiropractic Care has expanded its services with the addition of physiotherapy, welcoming experienced physiotherapist Marienelle to its team full-time on Sept.1.

She offers direct billing and works with WSIB and motor vehicle accident claims. As a new member of the Peterborough community, Marienelle is looking forward to building connections both through her practice and by getting involved in the local community. For more information you can visit: https://www.cormackchiropracticcare.com/

United Way Peterborough & District is celebrating a major milestone this year as it marks 85 years of supporting the local community.

The organization will kick off its 2026 campaign on Sept. 17, with a launch event at Healthy Planet Arena. The event will offer a look at this year’s campaign and an opportunity to recognize the community of donors, volunteers and supporters who have helped United Way make a difference over the past 85 years. The campaign launch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Healthy Planet Arena. For more information, go to: https://www.uwpeterborough.ca/

After several months away from regular service, The Vine is getting ready to reopen its doors with a grand re-opening on Sept. 15 and dine-in service will resume Sept. 16, with reservations required as the restaurant eases back into regular operations.

After so much adversity, their return to business is a heartwarming example of the strength in our community. For more information, you can visit: https://www.thevineptbo.com/

ONWARD is bringing women together this month for a conversation about financial security and navigating uncertain economic times.

The Women & Money: Economic Security in Uncertain Times event takes place Tuesday, September 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Market Hall in Peterborough. For more information and to register, go to: www.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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Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Euphoria Wellness Spa, Peterborough Museum & Archives, Kids Against Hunger and Peterborough Musicfest

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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…

Euphoria Wellness Spa is celebrating 20 years in business and inviting the community to join the anniversary party on Oct. 7th from 1 to 8 p.m.

Guests can enjoy exclusive discounts, live demonstrations, goodie bags, complimentary services, door prizes, a live DJ and more. Congratulations to Euphoria Wellness Spa on 20 years in the community! To reserve your complimentary service, call 705-741-4772.

Tickets are now on sale for the Peterborough Museum & Archives Roy Studio Film Gala, happening Oct. 8 at Market Hall.

The fundraiser will feature newly restored films shot by local filmmaker Frederick Lewis Roy from the 1920s through the 1940s, offering a rare look at Peterborough’s past — and highlighting the incredible work that saved the films after they were damaged in the 2004 flood. The Museum is also showcasing the collection and the film preservation process in a special exhibition from Sep. 19 through Nov. 1, with tickets for the gala available through the Market Hall Box Office or online at markethall.org.

Kids Against Hunger Canada — the local organization — is putting a mysterious spin on fundraising with Murder at Carrington Hall, a murder-mystery dining experience happening Nov. 7.

Kids Against Hunger packages nutritious meals for people facing hunger here in Canada and around the world, and has packed more than 5.2 million meals that have been shipped to over 19 countries, with at least a third of its meals staying right here in Canada. Guests at the fundraiser will enjoy a multi-course dinner while following clues and working together to solve the mystery, with proceeds supporting that ongoing work to fight hunger. For more information, you can go to: https://www.kahcanada.org/murdermystery/

Even though the summer concerts are over, Peterborough Musicfest is already looking ahead to its 40th season in 2027 and they’re inviting the community to help keep the free music coming!

The $30 Diner’s Book features deals at 85 local restaurants, so you can enjoy some great food while giving back to Musicfest. The 50/50 is also going year-round, with monthly draws giving supporters a chance to win while helping to support a beloved Peterborough tradition. For more information, you can visit: https://www.ptbomusicfest.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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Fleming College Healthcare Graduate Brings Taste of Southern India to Hunter Street With Malabar Kitchen

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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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David Tuan Bui