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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 320 Railway AVENUE in Granum.
Turnkey Restaurant Opportunity – Granum, Alberta
Step into a magical space - a space that’s ready for a chef who’s looking to make their mark.
This completely redecorated and updated building has incredible touches of both hominess and whimsy. With funky nooks for dining and visiting – exposed brick walls, timber beams and hardwood floors, tin ceilings, and leather benches – it’s designed for the comfort and entertainment of visitors.
There’s even an elevated level for private gatherings that features unique décor and exceptional bench seating. From equipment to dishes, everything you need to open your own restaurant is already here and comes with the building.
To make things even more affordable and convenient – there is a back area currently used as a baking kitchen filled with sunshine … perfect for ice cream sales in the summer. With a bathroom and washer/dryer, this space could be easily doored off as a private suite.
Downstairs has a ton of room for storage and houses the newer furnace and hot water heater.
While the artwork and the clocks are part of the owner’s private collection, everything is negotiable.
Making things even more appealing is an adorable, attached 600 plus square foot two-bedroom, one bath, fully-renovated and furnished suite. It comes with washer dryer, dishwasher, tv, sofa and chair, fridge, stove and microwave. This space is currently rented and generating income.
The original building has been completely re-done. All windows and doors have been replaced, the roof has been insulted to R-40 standards and the roof covering has been replaced.
This is truly a unique, turnkey opportunity to walk in and start cooking. It’s a location that’s waiting for a creative chef, someone with a vision and the ability to market this special place and find out what it could really be. A destination dining experience… in a rural setting, in the hamlet of Granum, Alberta.
Here is a new listing that I am happy to post in Calgary. CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS SALE: Award-Winning Pizza & Pasta Restaurant (Dine-In / Takeout / Delivery)
Take a strong look at this solid opportunity to acquire a well known, award-winning, family friendly pizza concept with a strong reputation for signature pizzas, house made favourite dips, and craveable pasta dishes. This is a business built for today’s market, combining a comfortable dine in experience, efficient takeout, and an in house delivery operation supported by subcontracted drivers, all this creates a balanced operation supported by loyal local customers and consistent repeat business.
The menu is engineered for broad appeal and strong guest cheque averages, featuring classic and specialty pizzas (including rotating features), wings, boneless ribs, calzones, salads, and a signature pasta lineup, all designed to travel well and support repeat ordering. The business benefits from established ordering through third-party platforms and strong community engagement through local partnerships, group orders, school programs, and special occasions.
More than just a restaurant, this concept has developed a recognizable local presence and a dependable customer base through consistent branding, quality, and guest experience. Systems and workflows are in place to support smooth daily operations, making this a true turnkey opportunity. Ideal for an owner/operator looking for a proven concept with immediate cash flow, or a multi-unit group looking to expand their footprint. Significant upside exists through expanded catering, enhanced marketing, additional limited time offers, and optimizing delivery and takeout throughput with the added opportunity to implement direct online ordering (e.g., Clover) if desired.
Confidentiality agreement required prior to release of name, financials, and location details.  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. |
