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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. Excellent opportunity to acquire a well located restaurant and bar space on Calgary’s highly desirable 17th Avenue SW. This location offers strong exposure, steady traffic, a good patio, and the flexibility for a new owner to continue with the existing style of business or bring in an entirely new food and beverage concept.
The space is already set up as a full service restaurant and bar, but the real value is in the location, the lease, the patio, and the ease of conversion. The kitchen has been recently renovated, which gives a new operator a major head start and helps avoid the cost and downtime of a major back of house buildout. The front of house area can be refreshed or redesigned without a complicated renovation, making it a good fit for many different concepts, including casual dining, lounge, pub, cocktail bar, specialty cuisine, quick service, or a new branded restaurant.
The rent is very attractive for 17th Avenue SW and should be viewed as one of the strongest selling features of this opportunity. For an operator looking to control occupancy costs while securing a presence in one of Calgary’s best known restaurant and entertainment areas, this is a very compelling option.
This is a great opportunity for an owner operator, experienced restaurant group, or growing food and beverage brand looking for a flexible space in a strong inner city location. With a renovated kitchen, good lease economics, a patio, and the ability to rebrand or convert the decor with relative ease, this location provides a solid foundation for a new operator to step in and make it their own.  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. 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! |
