Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews Owners Take Over Chemong Lodge

Adam and Addison Brown, owners of Dr. J’s BBQ & Brews, have purchased Chemong Lodge in Bridgenorth from the Northey Family on Friday.

Both Brown families outside their newly purchased property after the Northey’s owned Chemong Lodge for 59 years. Photo Courtesy of Sara Brown.

The Northey’s purchased the property back in 1962 and the Brown’s become the fifth family to purchase the Lodge since it was built in 1895.

“They’ve (the Northey’s) have done a phenomenal job with it,” said Adam Brown. “We’re really excited to take over that legacy and build on it.”

The three-acre property overlooks Chemong Lake and was a restored luxury cottage repurposed as a restaurant. It has been closed since last year due to the pandemic.

The Chemong Lodge website has been updated to reflect the hours, new ownership and online ordering of their menu of freshly-cooked or vacuum-packed food.

The Brown family will bring the smokers from Dr. J’s for the Lodge’s reopening on Victoria Day weekend starting Friday to provide curbside take-out orders of their food. Pulled pork, ribs and brisket among other things will be available for purchase as their way of introducing themselves to the community. They will operate at the following times and dates:

• Friday, May 21: 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. or until sold out

• Saturday, May 22: Noon to 8:00 p.m. or until sold out

• Sunday, May 23: 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. or until sold out

“Chemong Lodge has been to us, as it’s been to so many, a great place of celebration (birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, engagements) and we would like to thank the Northey’s for all of the special moments they’ve created for us and the local community.” said The Brown family in a press release. So many families have shared in the great food, love and laughter that you have provided.”

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Owner Of Olde Stone Brewing Company & Hot Belly Mama's Announces Both Restaurants Closing Due To Impact Of Pandemic

[UPDATE: A GoFundMe page has been set up to save the businesses. The page is requesting $500,000 and donors have already begun donating.]

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Incredibly sad news for fans of two awesome restaurants located side by side in downtown Peterborough. Owner Travis Smith has announced in a heartfelt Facebook post that they are both closing due to the impact of the pandemic on business.

Photo via Old Stone Facebook page

Here’s the full announcement:

“To all of our dearest friends, family and guests of The Olde Stone Brewing Company and Hot Belly Mama’s.

It is with deep regret and sadness that We are informing you today that as of March 1st we will be closing our doors to the public for good. We tried very hard to continue on and persevere throughout this pandemic and subsequent lockdowns but unfortunately we were beaten by it.

We want to take a minute to thank every single one of you that supported us over the last 25 years from celebration dinners to first dates, to a Friday night pint and everything in between. We have watched your families grow, and we have toasted those who have had to leave us. We truly feel very fortunate to have been a part of such a vibrant, tight-knit and caring community. We will continue to offer all your favourite menu items by take out or curb side pickup Wednesdays through Sundays from 12-8 until the end of the month, so please give us a call to enjoy that blackened catfish or a mound of sweet potato fries and we’ll be here with big smiles on our faces waiting to see you. Thank you Peterborough and we’ll see you soon!

With great love and respect,

Travis Smith and all of the staff of The Olde Stone Brewing Company and Hot Belly Mama’s”

Share your memories of these restaurants on our Facebook page.

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2020 Taste Of Downtown Has Been Cancelled Due To Covid-19 Crisis

With the uncertainty around Covid-19 and timelines around this physical distancing phase, the popular downtown event Taste of Downtown has been cancelled for 2020.

Taste of Downtown was scheduled for Saturday, June 6th on Charlotte Street. The event typically features more than 20 local restaurants, live entertainment, a beer garden, and family activities. The event will return to Charlotte Street on June 5th, 2021.

File photo courtesy DBIA

“The most important thing right now is that people look after themselves, stay safe, and stay home,” says Terry Guiel, Executive Director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area. “Rest assured, when we get through this crisis and it’s safe to hold events again, we’re going to host a big party downtown and everyone’s invited.”

In the meantime, if you still want a taste of what the downtown has to offer, check out their list of downtown eateries that are open for takeout and delivery here.  

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring PB's Peterburgers, Couture Candy PTBO & 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 Nosh and Nip recently opened on Queen Street in Downtown Peterborough. Located at 390 Queen Street in the former Charlotte Anne’s location, partners Charlotte Anne Hurley and Michelle Christie have created a unique twist on a classic tea room and gift shop. You’ll find everything from delicious, fresh baked goods to a unique selection of gifts and home decor. They offer a full menu and are fully licensed, so whether it’s an authentic high tea or you’re just looking for some nosh and a nip, check it out. Located at 390 Queen Street at Hunter, next to Dan Joyce’s, you can find Nosh and Nip on Facebook here.

Speaking of Nosh, PB’s Peterburgers just opened recently at the corner of George and Lake Streets. Owners Nicole Combers and Roy Asselstine have a strong history in the food industry and they pride themselves in offering their own recipes, including their own homemade sauces. Check out a variety of signature hamburgers at the brilliantly named Peterburgers, 25 George Street North. Go to Peterburgers.ca for more info.

Wild Rock has just opened its own Cycling Training Centre. If you want to stay in ride-ready condition this winter, you ride your own bike, you can ride with friends or a group, and the facility and equipment are top quality. There are 16 bike trainers, a large projection screen, scheduled classes, a weights and stretching/yoga room, individual change rooms, lockers and long-term storage—including secure bike storage. Located right across the street from Wildrock on Charlotte Street, you’ll find the details at wildrock.net/training-center.

Lisa Couture recently launched her online candygram service. Called Couture Candy PTBO, Lisa offers customizable birthday loot bags, Christmas stocking stuffers, customized or themed candy-grams, party ideas, and more! She can also include special items such as products from Walton Wood Farms, or even merch from the movie Frozen! More details about Couture Candy PTBO can be found on their Facebook page.

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Peterborough Musicfest Diner's Super Savers Go On Sale Black Friday

Back by popular demand, Peterborough Musicfest is excited to announce the return of its Diner’s Super Savers booklet.

Forty Six of Peterborough’s finest locally-owned restaurants, cafés and pubs are on board this year to offer “buy one regularly priced entrée, get the second one at half price.” 

“Our Diner’s Super Savers booklet is the perfect stocking stuffer for the foodie in your family,” says Tracey Randall, general manager of Peterborough Musicfest.

“The best part is because it’s only $25, you just need to use the booklet two or three times before it’s paid for itself,” adds Randall. “Plus, your purchase is an investment in Musicfest as all proceeds go towards helping us put premier artists on our stage all summer long.” 

WHERE THE BOOKLETS ARE AVAILABLE

Peterborough Musicfest’s Diner’s Super Savers booklet is available from Black Friday (November 29th) onward at the customer service desk at Lansdowne Place, City Hall, Peterborough and the Kawarthas Tourism office on George St. or online here.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Mr Brock Barbershop, The Play Cafe & 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…

Mr Brock Barbershop opened recently at 221 Brock Street. Owned by Marsel Khakimi, you’ll find brothers Jack and Aiden Wilson ready to provide classic cuts, buzz cuts, a beard trim, or a hot towel shave. Both licensed barbers, Jack is also a licensed hair stylist. Walk-ins are welcome and they have a virtual reality room to play in if there is a wait. Book online at mrbrock.ca.

The Play Cafe is reopening at 1434 Chemong Road. Play Cafe offers a cozy, warm environment for children and their caregivers to create, explore, play, and connect with new friends, with developmentally appropriate toys, puzzles, books, and gross motor equipment. They host a variety of classes from Yoga for kids and adults, Mom + Baby Groups, and Family Paint Nights. Plus they offer birthday party and event packages! Stop in this Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. for some re-opening free play, cupcakes and prizes. playcafepeterborough.com

The Canoe and Paddle in Lakefield is starting a new Ball Hockey Tournament next weekend (December 6th). It’ll be held during the annual Christmas Street closure in Lakefield. There is no entry fee and they are looking for 12 teams. Details at the Canoe and Paddle (18 Bridge St.) in Lakefield.

Congratulations to Tina at Tiny Greens, who recently renovated in order to give the shop more room and add a lunch bar, so you can quickly order your lunch and have it freshly made right in front of you! 431George Street. Find Tiny Greens on Facebook here.

Whether you’ve got retail therapy plans for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday or Cyber Monday, or maybe you’re holding out for Boxing Day, I only have one suggestion—keep your town in business, by keeping your business in town. Everyone loves a bargain... just make sure that bargain comes from a local store that employs local people, pays local taxes, and not only gives on giving Tuesday, but every other day of the year by sponsoring local charities or sports teams. Hashtag #LovelocalPtbo on social media.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out Business Beat This Week Featuring Orange Theory Fitness, Copper Spoons & 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…

Orange Theory Fitness recently opened in town. Franchise owner Katie Wheler explains Orange Theory as heart-rate based interval training where you work for 1 hour, and burn for 36. Science-backed, technology-tracked, and coach-inspired, it’s an hour-long HIIT class, incorporating cardio, rowers, weight training, floor exercises, and individual heart rate monitors for personalized results. Orange Theory is located at 1905 Lansdowne Street, just West of Brealey. Visit peterborough.orangetheoryfitness.com for more info.

Say “The Hide-A-Way” to most people in Peterborough and they’ll know that you are talking about the little restaurant on Romaine Street. New owner Jessica Gillett is committed to maintaining that friendly neighborhood feel, but wanted to give it a fresh start. The new name is Copper Spoons and friends and family have helped Jessica with a top to bottom renovation. Open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, stop in and check it out.

After 25 years on Crescent Street Ron and Karen Bestard are moving their income tax business and Ron's Mutual Fund Franchise to 250 Sherbrooke Street Unit 4. The new location provides more office space and plenty of ground level parking. With a combined 60 years of tax preparation in Peterborough, Ron and Karen will continue to provide accurate and efficient tax preparation. Call 705-745-6336 for info on their services.

Adam Parish and Luke Silver recently launched Skip the Dump. They’ll haul away any and all junk for you, with up-front pricing and fast efficient service. Serving Peterborough and surrounding area, visit skipthedump.net for details.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Kit Coffee, Taso's Restaurant And Pizzeria & 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…

Last year Swish Maintenance and their Charlotte Products division introduced a camera that can identify invisible pathogens. Called OptiSolve, the camera can reveal invisible contamination on surfaces. It might look clean, but is it really clean? It’s an amazing technology that can help your company or institution perform an audit and establish cleaning systems that can not only elevate your standards, but give you a competitive edge. Diane Richard of Diatom Consulting has been contracted by Swish to bring Optisolve to market. If you are in the healthcare, food, office, or hospitality sectors, check it out at diatomconsulting.ca or optisolve.net.

Lots of recent activity in Peterborough’s Downtown core with the opening of several new businesses, including Taso’s Restaurant and Pizzeria. A family owned Greek and Italian restaurant, you’ll find their Homemade Signature Pizza, Pasta, Gyro, Fresh Ground Burgers, an eight-layer lasagna and lots more. Daily Specials, Gluten-Free and Vegan options are also available. Located across from Showplace, you can find Taso’s on Facebook.

Taso’s 8-layer lasagna

Illume Room Cosmetic Teeth Whitening owner Emma Pineo was one of the DBIA's Win this Space Top 10 contestants. Her new shop is located at 414 George Street in the former Spill location. Emma offers laser teeth whitening, spray tanning and a complete retail product line as well. Call 705.768.5130 or go online at illumeroom.com.

Illume Room owner Emma Pineo

At Kit Coffee Espresso Bar & Bake shop at 144 Hunter Street, owner Helen McCarthy offers an espresso bar and bakeshop in a cozy, bright space, serving everything from traditional cafe eats and drinks to Vegan, gluten free, dairy free, plant based, and kid friendly options. Go to Kitcoffeeptbo.ca for more info.

Kit Coffee owner Helen McCarthy

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Sweet Beast Butcher Shop, Fusion Bowl & 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…

Grant Slavin recently opened his own butcher shop in East City. Called Sweet Beast Butcher Shop (95 Hunter St. E.), Grant specializes in local, ethical and traditionally raised beef, pork and chicken from Southern Ontario and the Kawarthas, pasture-raised with no antibiotics, growth hormones or steroids, as well as fresh seafood. Open Tuesday through Sunday, visit sweetbeastbutcher.com for more info.

The owners of the award winning Imperial Tandoor Restaurant on Lansdowne Street recently opened a new restaurant in Downtown Peterborough. Called Fusion Bowl (376 George St. N.), owners Nitin Grover and Manish Choundry offer a counter-service concept with noodle or rice bowls topped with a fantastic selection of mains from Indian, Chinese and Mexican cuisine, as well as salads, quesadilla’s, tacos and more. Everything is fast and delicious. Located in the former Natas Cafe location on George Street in Peterborough, stop in or visit their Facebook page for more info.

Fusion Bowl in downtown Peterborough

Dan Brandsma was recently introduced as the new co-owner of the Silver Bean Cafe. The now iconic Silver Bean was started by Michael and Andrea VanDerHerberg in 2003 and has built a loyal following for both its setting on the Otonabee River, the food, and the friendly staff. Andrea decided that it was time to move on and Dan Brandsma stepped in to join Michael as the new co-owner. Expect the same great food and atmosphere, and think about renting the event space next door for your next event.

Silver Bean Cafe

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat This Week Featuring Hobart's Lighthouse, Tora Bistro & 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…

Tora Bistro is a brand new Asian fusion restaurant on Charlotte street. A sister restaurant with Madoi Sushi at the corner of George and Brock streets, Tora Bistro specializes in Korean and Japanese cuisine, including sushi, noodles, rolls, ramen and lots more. A complete renovation has created a cool setting, and the food reviews are all positive, so check out Tora Bistro at 172 Charlotte Street, or order delivery or take out.

ComForCare Home Care recently established a Peterborough location under franchise owner Woody Brumet. Compassionate, professional caregivers and PSW’s, the team provide individual non-medical care plans for seniors, people with disabilities, injuries, post-surgery or stroke, palliative care, chronic disease and more. Services include meal prep, personal care, light housekeeping, shopping, errands, escort to appointments and companionship. Call the office at 705-874-5770 for a complimentary in-home consultation.

ComForCare team

Congratulations to Hobart’s on the opening of their third location! Hobart’s Lighthouse is located at Harbour Town at McCracken’s Landing. Hobart’s Executive Chef Scott Hudson is serving up casual dining for brunch, lunch and dinner, all in a spectacular setting. Harbour Town looks out over Stony Lake and is a great spot for watching people, boats and sunsets. McCracken’s Landing is located about 30 minutes from Peterborough. Just take County Road 6 East of Lakefield to 2281 McCracken’s Landing Road.

Hobart’s lighthouse

TrustWealthy is Sophie Simard’s new business. Sophie offers bookkeeping and financial services including software setup, data entry, preparation of financial statements, budgeting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll and more. TrustWealthy is located in Peterborough but they offer virtual services everywhere in Canada. Sophie brings ten years experience to her new company. For details visit trustwealthy.com.

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