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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!
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Here is a new listing that I am happy to post in 9432 Hwy 3 & 95 in Out of Province_Alberta. Great opportunity to own, Development of fully serviced RV park and Resort, in the heart of Kootenays, Rockies. - Crown land all around.- 3/4 mile of Moyie river frontage- Approximately 100 + Acres of Land on both sides of the Major Hwy, only 10 km from the 24 hour open, Kingsgate U.S. Border. About 45 acres on one and 60 acres on the other side of the Major Hwy(3/95).- Land is UNZONED, so any other kind of development( i.e. Motel, gas station & convenient store, or liquor store, is possible to add on to. Unlimited future potential. - Site has own gravel, dirt, rocks available for use. - Cleared path to Forestry Trunk Road- All environmental studies/report's completed.- Own Excavator, dump truck , compactor, golf cart, Tractor Mower.- 30 Amp and 50 Amp power to sites.- Water, Sewer, telephone(TELUS), Internet access.- Cell phone coverage.- 911 coverage and availability.- Many sites can be used as trailer park(Large lots).- Took 7 years to permit and develop. LOCATION- 12 Km. from, 24 Hr. open, KINGSGATE U.S. Border.- 2 Km. from Town of Yahk, B.C.- Off the Main Hwy(3/95).- 65 kilometres from Cranbrook, and 45 Km. from Creston.- Many golf courses and lakes near by. Moyie lake about 10 minutes away.- Great outdoors, with access to urban facilities.- Whole Park fenced and burmed. (enclosed with gate access).- Forestry Trunk road access from 60+ acres(on other side of the Hwy.) BUILDINGS ON SITE- 2500+ Sq. ft. restaurant building(empty, and needs some work).- 2000 Sq. ft. house.(on 9482 adjacent property)- about 5000 Sq.Ft covered shed/common area for park user's.- Office building with attached 2 room apartment.- Tool shed and workshop.- Sewer treatment plant and building.- Water treatment building.- Electrical meter sheds(8).- M+F Common Bathrooms and Laundry building.- 5 acres of common area - grassed, and playground. sites(all on the RIVER side of the Hwy). Phase I -135 sites ready to go - has 30 river front sites and 105 other sites. Phase 2 - 60+ sites, can be hooked up to existing structures with minimal cost - 30 river front sites and 30+ other sites - only need to be hooked up to the main water line and sewer line - both plants are all in place. Revenue Potential: there're two ways to rent out the sites (as it is commonly done in the area) - Lease/Sale of each site, or Lease only of each site, it can also be a mixture of both, Lease/sale gives the buyer of the site to sell the lease in the future (and make profit), with Lease sale, the buyer pays a yearly maintenance fee for the site to us, Lease sale returns your capital immediately, Lease only we retain the ownership of the site, potential/projection for both avenues of revenue can be provided upon serious inquiry. Be Your Own Boss!  Here is a new listing that I am happy to post in Calgary. Here is a great opportunity to acquire a fully built out and operating burger restaurant in a busy NW Calgary retail location. Situated in a newer commercial development with strong visibility, good access and a complementary mix of surrounding businesses, this location benefits from consistent traffic and an established customer base.
The approximately 1,786 sq. ft. restaurant offers a modern, inviting dining area along with a fully equipped kitchen designed for an efficient quick service operation. The business is set up for both dine in and takeout service, providing multiple ways to serve customers throughout the day.
A major added feature is the licensed patio, along with licensing for beer and alcohol service, creating additional opportunities to increase average customer spend and take advantage of Calgary's patio season.
The restaurant currently operates as part of an established franchise, providing a buyer with the opportunity to continue with the existing concept, branding and operating systems. Alternatively, there may also be an opportunity for a purchaser to acquire the restaurant and transition the space to their own concept, providing additional flexibility for an experienced operator or restaurant group looking for a well built out location without starting from the ground up. Any change of concept would be subject to the required landlord and other applicable approvals.
The restaurant is well positioned for an owner operator looking to take a more active role in the business or an experienced restaurant group looking to add another location to their portfolio.
The newer development, strong surrounding demographics and combination of retail, service and entertainment businesses help generate both destination and walk in traffic.
The restaurant is fully equipped and ready for a new owner to take over, whether continuing with the existing franchise or exploring the potential for a new concept.
All inquiries are strictly confidential. Please do not approach the business, employees or ownership directly. Additional information will be provided to qualified buyers upon completion of a confidentiality agreement. 
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. |
