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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 Okotoks. **Established Community Liquor Retailer with Real Estate Ownership Opportunity**
This locally trusted liquor retailer has built a strong reputation for friendly, knowledgeable service and a well curated product mix that appeals to both everyday shoppers and discerning enthusiasts. With consistent customer traffic and strong community goodwill, the business operates as a reliable neighbourhood destination known for quality selection and convenience.
The store features a broad and diverse inventory of beer, wine and spirits sourced from both domestic producers and international markets. Customers enjoy access to popular national brands, premium imports, and a thoughtful mix of craft offerings. The wine portfolio spans Old World and New World regions, offering approachable everyday selections alongside premium bottles suited for entertaining and gifting. The spirits category is comprehensive, including Canadian and International Whiskies, Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Scotch, Liqueurs, Brandy and Cognac, providing balanced appeal across multiple price points and customer preferences. Complementing the core categories are Coolers, Ciders, “Ready-to-Drink” beverages, non alcoholic options, and essential add on products such as mixers and ice, reinforcing its position as a convenient one stop shop.
A significant differentiating factor is the opportunity to acquire the real estate along with the business. Ownership of the underlying property provides long term stability, protection against rising lease costs, and the potential for future appreciation an increasingly rare advantage in today’s retail environment. For owner operators seeking control over occupancy costs, or investors looking for both operating income and tangible asset security, this combined business and real estate offering represents a compelling and well balanced acquisition opportunity. 
Here is a new listing that I am happy to post in Calgary. Here’s a great opportunity to acquire a Calgary commercial property offering a versatile combination of warehouse with upper mezzanine office space. This type of property can appeal to a wide range of owner users, investors, service companies, distribution businesses, contractors, light industrial users, storage based operations, or businesses needing both functional floor area and dedicated office space under one roof.
The building provides practical warehouse space that can support inventory, equipment, supplies, vehicle related needs, light assembly, storage, fulfilment, dispatch, or general business operations. The upper mezzanine office area adds valuable separation between administrative functions and day-to-day operations, creating a more efficient layout for businesses that require private offices, staff areas, meeting space, or management oversight above the main work area.
For an owner/user, this property offers the ability to control occupancy costs, build long term equity, and customize the space around the needs of the business. For an investor, the property offers flexibility due to its functional layout and broad appeal to users who need a combination of warehouse space, office space, and operational flexibility.
The property may be well suited for a variety of commercial uses, including warehousing, distribution, service based businesses, e-commerce fulfilment, construction related operations, specialty retail with storage needs, light industrial users, equipment based businesses, or companies simply looking for a practical Calgary base of operations.
Properties that offer this mix of warehouse functionality and mezzanine office space can be difficult to find, particularly for buyers looking for a property that can serve multiple purposes without being limited to one specific business type.
There may also be an opportunity to purchase certain HVAC business assets & equipment and/or the client list in a separate transaction, subject to negotiation and seller approval. 
Here is a new listing that I am happy to post in 75 White AVENUE in Bragg Creek. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a truly multifaceted commercial property in Bragg Creek, Alberta. The offering includes a fully functioning, fully staffed, high quality restaurant operation with an outstanding reputation, along with exceptional long term redevelopment potential. Down the road, the site could lend itself to a larger commercial use such as a boutique hotel or other destination oriented project. Its future upside is especially compelling given its close proximity to the approved Gateway Village Development, a 12.6 acre master planned mixed use resort style project.
Bragg Creek has long been a sought after escape for those looking to enjoy the outdoors, great dining, and the charm of a vibrant hamlet just outside the city. The area is well known for hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, and its collection of unique shops and restaurants. Tourism in the region has always been strong and continues to grow, with more and more visitors making the trip to Bragg Creek each year. Located just a short drive from the world famous Kananaskis Country recreation area and set against the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant is a legendary fixture in the Southern Alberta dining scene.
Known by many as the BAV TAV, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has been serving guests since the 1970's and has built a long standing reputation for quality, consistency, and warm hospitality. It has been a trusted destination for casual family dinners, celebrations, and private gatherings, with owners who have carefully maintained its strong standing in the community over the years.
The building and property themselves are equally impressive. This well maintained, purpose built restaurant offers approximately 3,000 square feet on the main floor, featuring a welcoming dining room along with a separate, freshly renovated lounge and bar area. A beautiful wrap around patio services both spaces, adding to the guest experience and expanding seasonal seating potential. The kitchen is thoughtfully laid out with ample prep space, a large walk in cooler, and equipment that has been kept in excellent condition, with a new commercial flooring just installed. Inside, the dining room offers a warm and comfortable atmosphere, with a great mix of well spaced seating, abundant natural light during the day, and a wood burning fireplace that adds to the ambiance on cooler evenings.
What makes this opportunity even more exciting is the additional upside still to be realized. The full basement presents a range of possibilities, whether built out as an event space, another complementary business use, or even owner’s quarters. Opportunities like this are exceptionally rare, combining an established and respected business with a beautiful real estate asset and strong future development potential. This is a property that must be seen in person to fully appreciate everything it has to offer. Please call to arrange a private tour. |
