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Posted on
August 25, 2011
by
Rob Campbell
Well… we have been “kidless” around our house for the last few days, so the wife and I have been enjoying some romantic nights out. My good friend Jared Kichula and his stunning wife Aja have just returned from their honeymoon, so they invited us to join them for dinner at their wonderful restaurant La Vita e Bella, in the historic Dafoe Terrace Building in Victoria Park.
La Vita e Bella has been a labor of love for Jared and Aja, and it shows in every aspect of this warm and s...
Posted on
July 25, 2011
by
Rob Campbell
Well this is a first for me. A client texted me yesterday to let me know that he was sorry that the café in Canmore that he was considering buying had “ditched”. Unsure of what he meant, I called to ask. He informed me that a family member who lives in Canmore was told that the owners of the restaurant had done a “midnight move” and stripped the place bare. Not only that, but they had left a DEAD horse on the front lawn!
Not that I didn’t believe him or his kin,...
Posted on
March 6, 2011
by
Rob Campbell
Can I use the word “WOP” without offending my many Italian friends? Well…. in this case I don’t have a choice and if I offend you with the reference, then go down to 1216 - 9th Ave SE, walk upstairs and tell Executive Chef Angelo Contrada and his business partner Jesse Johnson how you feel. But while you’re there..... try the pizza!!
This is the latest homerun from the duo that brought us Sugo in 2001. WOP is located right next door to Sugo in the old Nectar Desserts...
Posted on
October 1, 2010
by
Rob Campbell
I just want to take a minute to thank the Alefantis Brothers of The Broken Plate Group of Restaurants for the invite to last Saturday's inaugural Greek Poker Tourny. All of the profits went to benefit the Calgary Hellenic Society's Special Projects Fund.
Now... being a poker virgin, I was a little hesitant to sit down at the tables. But after hearing that the 4th place player had never played before, and had a set of rules in his pocket, I am bound and determined to play next time!
The cast of characters...
Posted on
May 27, 2010
by
Rob Campbell
Doing our best to get in a little "no kids/date time" last week, my wife and I managed to escape for a few hours and enjoy some patio time on Stephen Ave. With the weather as warm as it was, the patios were packed, but we were glad to get a space at Divino's. We enjoyed a number of appetizer plates (the House Made Rabbit Sausage was outstanding!), and a great bottle of wine (2007 Robert Weil Riesling). Our server Brett was very well versed on the menu and wine list and made the evening.
While we were...
Posted on
March 8, 2010
by
Rob Campbell
Well it was another reason to hire a babysitter and explore the Calgary food scene, my lovely wife's birthday! When our close friends Oliver and Meg Malana (Oliver is the GM of Canadian Linen here in Calgary) heard the reason for the proposed night out, they quickly called one of Oliver's accounts and made reservations. This was my first visit to Il Sogno, so the anticipation was high to sample the culinary artistry I had heard so much about.
We arrived a few minutes early and were greeted with a...
Posted on
November 11, 2009
by
Rob Campbell
It was an amazing night of music, food and friendship at the University of Calgary Theatre on Monday night as the AHEPA Family, The Broken Plate Restaurants and the Alefantis Family sponsored an evening of music to benefit FARA and the search for a cure for Friedreich's Ataxia. This debilitating disease has recently touched the Greek community in Calgary and they rallied to raise as much money as possible to aid in researching a treatment and hopefully a cure. Dana and I were very grateful to be invited...
Posted on
November 1, 2009
by
Rob Campbell
Got an email this morning from my buddy Rob Hilditch of the Joey's Only group of companies, telling me he is growing a moustache (Texas handlebar with a soul patch I was later informed) to raise money for Prostate Cancer research. So after I stopped shaking with laughter and found my Blackberry on the floorboard of my truck, (all the while trying not to drive off the road) I fired up the laptop and donated $50 bucks to this physically impossible, yet very good cause on behalf of Rob's efforts.
Now...
Posted on
October 14, 2009
by
Rob Campbell
On Saturday night I met some friends at 1600 World Bier Haus, in the Glenmore Landing Shopping Centre at 90th Ave and 14thStreet SW, to celebrate a birthday. Now, it was a short notice kinda thing, so when it was put together, I got a call asking if there was anyway I might be able to help out with getting us a table. (I know a couple of people in the restaurant and pub biz I guess was the rationale for the call, LOL)
Well... I sheepishly called my good friend George Haralabakos to...
Posted on
October 4, 2009
by
Rob Campbell
Once again, Twitter has lead me to another unique find, a Blog by a local Calgary foodie!
If you are into eatin', loungin' or just plain hangin out, this is a great look at the Calgary food scene from the eyes of a local lover of food and traveler. Take a minute and scroll through the tastes and textures of ugonnaeatthat.com. I enjoyed it, and I know you will too!
Cheers!
Suggested Blog Articles Here is a new listing that I am happy to post in 300 6940 Fisher ROAD SE in Calgary. Zero Latency OnTilt Calgary is a rare opportunity to acquire a unique entertainment and hospitality business located at 300, 6940 Fisher Road SE, Calgary, Alberta. This is not a typical bar or recreation business. It combines free-roam virtual reality, arcade-style entertainment, a fully licensed lounge, and strong group event appeal in one flexible operation.
The business is built around immersive, untethered virtual reality experiences where guests can move freely through a large game space with friends, family, coworkers, or private groups. The concept is highly engaging, easy to understand, and well suited to today’s experience-based entertainment market.
In addition to the VR component, Zero Latency OnTilt Calgary offers an arcade and lounge area with classic pinball, retro gaming, pool, shuffleboard, and a licensed space where guests can relax before or after their experience. This creates multiple ways to attract customers, including casual walk-ins, birthdays, family outings, date nights, private parties, corporate events, and team-building bookings.
The operation also benefits from a small, manageable food and beverage component that can be run without the need for a formal chef or large kitchen staff. A new owner could continue with the existing service model or explore ways to expand the food and beverage offering, subject to all required approvals.
This is a strong opportunity for an ambitious owner-operator, hospitality group, entertainment operator, or entrepreneur looking for a business with personality, built-in infrastructure, and room to grow. The combination of virtual reality, licensed lounge, arcade entertainment, and event potential gives this business several revenue channels beyond a standard bar or restaurant model.
With reasonable rent, a distinctive concept, and the ability to serve both consumer and corporate markets, Zero Latency OnTilt Calgary offers a compelling platform for a new owner to take the business to the next level.
There may also be potential to open a second location with additional equipment, providing further upside for a buyer who wants to grow the brand and expand the concept into another market.
This is a very cool business opportunity that needs to be seen and understood in person. Please contact us for additional information or to arrange a private showing. 
Here is a new listing that I am happy to post in Calgary, Calgary. **LOCATION WITHHELD AT SELLER’S REQUEST**
Well Established, Profitable Inner City Italian Restaurant
Here is the perfect opportunity to acquire a long running, profitable inner city restaurant with a loyal following. This Italian style neighbourhood restaurant has been owned and operated by the same chef/owner for many years, earning a great reputation for casual evening dining or a special event destination and is regularly recommended by local dining guides.
Why this is a strong buy
* Consistent years of profitable operations
* Proven profitability and straightforward operations: small footprint, modest staffing needs, and systems in place that suit an owner operator or investor looking for low overhead.
* Solid reputation for classic, “made from scratch” Italian dishes (pasta, veal parm, calamari and house sauces are frequently singled out by diners).
* It’s longstanding local presence is trusted by repeat patrons and positioned near high foot traffic inner city attractions (making it a dependable choice for both residents and visitors)
* Very attractive lease terms relative to comparable inner city spaces (details available upon request).
* Flexible format: Can be open for full dinner and lunch service, private event capability (small banquets/cocktails), established catering relationships.
What guests say (market sentiment)
* Frequently praised for authentic flavours, attentive service, and a warm, family run atmosphere.
Key selling points are;
* Turnkey kitchen and dining room with proven menus and supplier relationships.
* Compact staff roster and straightforward operations make this an ideal purchase for an owner/operator or small management team.
* Strong local awareness and regular weekend dinner bookings provide a solid base to continue to grow revenue with modest marketing or extended hours.
Included with sale
* Fixtures, fittings and kitchen equipment (list available on request)
* Transferable vendor contacts and catering relationships
* Financial summaries and rent/lease abstracts available to qualified buyers
A full due diligence packet will be provided once a confidentiality agreement is in place, call to start the next steps! 
Here is a new listing that I am happy to post in Calgary, Calgary. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a fully built out, well established family dining restaurant located in a high exposure commercial area with consistent daily traffic. The space is designed for family dining and is ideally suited for a full service restaurant, breakfast concept, or casual dining operation looking to capitalize on an existing, functional layout with a large dining room and an open lounge area with a nice size bar.
The premises feature a spacious dining room, well equipped commercial kitchen, ample storage, and efficient back-of-house areas, allowing for a smooth transition for a new operator. Extensive leasehold improvements are already in place, significantly reducing startup costs and time to opening.
Positioned near major transportation routes, hotels, offices, this location benefits from steady weekday and weekend demand from local businesses and nearby residential communities. Generous parking and convenient access further enhance the site’s appeal.
This offering is ideal for experienced operators or first-time restaurateurs seeking a turnkey opportunity in a proven restaurant corridor with strong visibility and long-term potential, but will be subject to landlord approval of the buyer and their business plan. |
