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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 Calgary. A great opportunity to acquire an established Calgary plumbing, heating, cooling and HVAC business, along with the commercial property it operates from. Opportunities like this don't come up often, especially when you can purchase both the operating business and the real estate together. Whether you're an owner-operator, an existing contractor looking to grow, or a strategic buyer wanting a foothold in the Calgary market, this business offers a solid foundation to build on.
The company serves both residential and commercial customers and provides a wide range of services, including plumbing repairs and installations, heating and furnace service, air conditioning work, water heaters, drain and sewer services, system upgrades, and other related mechanical work. Over the years, it has built an established customer base, experienced team, proven systems, supplier relationships, equipment, vehicles, and the infrastructure needed to continue operating and growing.
Included in the sale is the Calgary commercial property that serves as the company's home base. The building supports day-to-day operations with space for administration, dispatch, storage, vehicles, tools, inventory, and future expansion. Owning the real estate adds another layer of value, giving a buyer stability, flexibility, and the ability to benefit from both the operating business and the underlying property.
This is a confidential sale, and detailed information will be provided only to qualified buyers who have signed a confidentiality agreement. Additional information, including financials, property details, equipment lists, operational information, and due diligence materials, will be made available during the review process.
This opportunity could be a great fit for an existing plumbing, HVAC, or mechanical contractor looking to expand in Calgary, an entrepreneur seeking a turnkey trades business with real estate included, or an investor interested in acquiring an established operating company backed by commercial property.  Here is a new listing that I am happy to post in Calgary. A Unique, Well Established Specialty Café & Coffee House For Sale in Calgary
Here is an opportunity to acquire a well established, independently operated café and coffee house with a loyal following and a reputation that has been built around great food, welcoming service and a truly unique atmosphere.
The business offers a predominantly plant based menu with a strong emphasis on fresh, thoughtfully prepared food, including soups, sandwiches, bowls, specialty drinks, smoothies, coffee and desserts. The menu also appeals to customers looking for gluten free and other dietary friendly options, helping the business reach a much broader customer base than a traditional café.
What really sets this business apart is the experience it has created. Customers consistently comment on the relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, friendly service, creative décor and the feeling that this is somewhere you can come in, slow down and stay awhile. It has developed into much more than simply a place to grab something to eat, becoming a gathering place for regular customers, community groups and special events.
The business has built an excellent online reputation with hundreds of customer reviews and has also received recognition from Calgary media and local food publications. That exposure, combined with repeat clientele and word of mouth, provides a new owner with an established foundation that would take years to recreate from scratch.
The space has personality without being overly formal and lends itself well to the existing operation while also providing opportunities for a purchaser to introduce their own ideas, expand the menu, increase operating hours, add additional events, catering or programming, and continue building on the community that has already been established.
This would be an excellent opportunity for an owner operator who wants something different from the typical franchise or restaurant offering. There is an established business, recognizable presence, existing customer base and a concept that has proven it can create loyal customers.
A unique Calgary hospitality business with plenty of personality and room for the next owner to put their own stamp on it.
Confidentiality agreement required before additional information will be released. 
Here is a new listing that I am happy to post in Calgary. LOCATION WITHHELD AT SELLER REQUEST - EITHER KEEP THE CURRENT CONCEPT OR BRING YOUR OWN, THIS IS AN EASY CONVERSION IF THAT'S YOUR PLAN. A long operating inner city restaurant with strong profits and a loyal neighbourhood following. This well established business has developed a solid reputation for relaxed evening dining and small celebrations and continues to receive positive local recommendations. The operation is efficient and easy to manage with a compact layout, limited staffing requirements and systems that work well for an owner operator or small management group. The menu focuses on traditional house prepared Italian favourites such as pasta, veal parmesan, calamari and signature sauces. Situated near busy inner city amenities, the restaurant benefits from repeat local customers as well as regular visitor traffic. Lease terms are very favourable for the area and the setup supports dinner service with potential to expand hours, host private functions and continue the established catering business. Customers regularly comment on the welcoming atmosphere, consistent food quality and attentive service. The sale includes a fully equipped kitchen and dining room, established menus and supplier connections, transferable vendor relationships, and financial and lease information available to qualified buyers. A confidentiality agreement is required prior to releasing the full due diligence package. THE SELLER SAYS BRING HIM AN OFFER! |
