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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. 4 QSR Locations in Alberta For Sale - Keep The Concept Or Convert To Your Own Business Model The location sizes vary between 473 sq. ft. and 1,176 sq. ft. and are all storefront locations with parking and street access. Rents and length of term are also varied with each location. A rare opportunity to acquire a four-location restaurant portfolio operating under an established quick-service food concept. This offering includes multiple professionally built-out stores with existing infrastructure, leaseholds, equipment, and operating systems already in place. For a buyer looking to step into an existing platform, the current concept can be continued, subject to any required approvals and assignment of the applicable agreements. For an experienced operator, franchise group, emerging brand, or entrepreneur with their own food service model, these locations also offer excellent conversion potential. Each store is already designed for quick-service restaurant use, making them well suited for a buyer who wants to bring in their own concept, menu, branding, and operating style, subject to landlord approval of the proposed tenancy and use. This is an attractive opportunity for a buyer seeking scale without starting from scratch. The existing restaurant improvements may significantly reduce the time, cost, and uncertainty normally associated with opening new food service locations. The stores may be acquired as part of a continued operating concept or repositioned into a new brand, provided the buyer obtains all necessary landlord, licensing, and regulatory approvals. Business name, exact locations, financial details, and further operating information will only be released to qualified buyers after a signed confidentiality agreement has been received.  Here is a new listing that I am happy to post in Calgary. Here is a great opportunity to take over a professionally built hospitality space in one of Calgary’s most established inner city neighbourhoods.
The space was designed as a quick service food and beverage operation and would work well for a café, sandwich shop, pizza concept or almost any other fast casual restaurant. There is also a separate licensed room that could be used for evening service, private dining, tasting events, small functions or another complementary concept. Two outdoor patios provide additional seasonal seating and help create even more ways to use the space.
More than $550,000 was originally invested in the buildout, and the assets are now being offered for $265,000. For a buyer looking to open a hospitality business, this is an opportunity to acquire a high quality, ready to operate space for a fraction of what it would cost to build something similar today.
The sale includes the leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment. Additional equipment may also be available, giving a purchaser the flexibility to adapt the space to suit their own menu and concept.
The kitchen has been designed for efficient service, with existing takeout and delivery infrastructure already in place. The professionally finished interior gives a new operator the ability to open much sooner, while still allowing them to introduce their own branding, décor and personality.
Property Highlights
• Prime location in one of Calgary’s best known hospitality districts
• Professionally designed quick service restaurant
• Efficient commercial kitchen
• Separate licensed room for evening service, private events or additional dining
• Two outdoor patios
• Licensed food and beverage operation
• Takeout and delivery systems already in place
• High quality leasehold improvements
• Furniture, fixtures and equipment included
• Additional equipment may be available
• Attractive lease, subject to landlord approval
Building a comparable restaurant today would require a much larger investment, along with the time and uncertainty involved with design, construction, permits and tenant improvements. This opportunity allows a buyer to spend less time building and more time opening, marketing and growing their concept.
The current ownership has decided to realign its hospitality operations and make the space and assets available to a new operator. The existing brands are not included in the sale, allowing the purchaser to bring their own vision to the location.
The business identity, operating information, lease details and additional information will be provided to qualified purchasers. 
Here is a new listing that I am happy to post in Calgary. An excellent opportunity to acquire a locally focused sporting goods business built around affordability, community connection and practical service for families, athletes and recreational sports users. The business offers a strong mix of new and quality used sporting goods, supported by a simple buy, sell and trade model that gives customers a convenient way to turn unused equipment into cash, store credit or upgraded gear.
This concept is well suited to today’s market, where many families are looking for value, sustainability and access to quality equipment without paying full retail pricing. The business serves a broad customer base including parents, young athletes, adult recreational players, teams and individuals looking for affordable equipment across a range of sports and seasons.
In addition to retail sales, the business benefits from value added services that help bring customers back into the store, including equipment related repairs and service offerings. These additional services create another reason for customers to visit, build trust and support repeat business beyond a one time purchase.
The business also has an established online presence, including an ecommerce style product catalogue and community focused content that supports visibility, customer engagement and future growth. A new owner could continue operating the current model or look to expand inventory categories, team partnerships, online sales, local marketing, equipment service programs and community relationships.
This is a practical and approachable business opportunity for an owner operator, family buyer or entrepreneur looking for a retail business with community appeal, multiple revenue streams and room for further growth.
Business name, financial information and exact location will only be released to qualified buyers after a signed confidentiality agreement. |
