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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, Calgary. **LOCATION WITHHELD AT SELLER’S REQUEST**
Well Established, Profitable Inner City Italian Restaurant
Here is the perfect opportunity to acquire a long running, profitable inner city restaurant with a loyal following. This Italian style neighbourhood restaurant has been owned and operated by the same chef/owner for many years, earning a great reputation for casual evening dining or a special event destination and is regularly recommended by local dining guides.
Why this is a strong buy
* Consistent years of profitable operations
* Proven profitability and straightforward operations: small footprint, modest staffing needs, and systems in place that suit an owner operator or investor looking for low overhead.
* Solid reputation for classic, “made from scratch” Italian dishes (pasta, veal parm, calamari and house sauces are frequently singled out by diners).
* It’s longstanding local presence is trusted by repeat patrons and positioned near high foot traffic inner city attractions (making it a dependable choice for both residents and visitors)
* Very attractive lease terms relative to comparable inner city spaces (details available upon request).
* Flexible format: Can be open for full dinner and lunch service, private event capability (small banquets/cocktails), established catering relationships.
What guests say (market sentiment)
* Frequently praised for authentic flavours, attentive service, and a warm, family run atmosphere.
Key selling points are;
* Turnkey kitchen and dining room with proven menus and supplier relationships.
* Compact staff roster and straightforward operations make this an ideal purchase for an owner/operator or small management team.
* Strong local awareness and regular weekend dinner bookings provide a solid base to continue to grow revenue with modest marketing or extended hours.
Included with sale
* Fixtures, fittings and kitchen equipment (list available on request)
* Transferable vendor contacts and catering relationships
* Financial summaries and rent/lease abstracts available to qualified buyers
A full due diligence packet will be provided once a confidentiality agreement is in place, call to start the next steps! 
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. Rare opportunity to acquire an established quick-service restaurant operating from a high-traffic shopping centre food court. This compact and efficient 413 sq. ft. operation serves fresh, made-to-order food and benefits from the steady customer traffic, convenient parking and extensive common-area seating that come with a major retail environment.
The business has a proven sales history, reporting good annual gross sales. The operation is currently staffed with three full-time hourly employees and two part-time employees, providing an established structure for a new owner to step into.
The restaurant is designed around a streamlined food court service model, with meals prepared fresh in front of the customer. Its small footprint helps maximize the productivity of the space while the surrounding shopping centre provides significant customer seating and ample parking without the operator having to maintain a separate dining room.
The current lease has approximately three years remaining with an additional five-year option available, providing a purchaser with the opportunity for longer-term occupancy.
This is a strong opportunity for an owner/operator or experienced food-service buyer looking for an established business with solid historical sales, manageable staffing requirements and the built-in traffic of a busy retail setting.
Confidentiality is required. Please do not approach or speak with staff or ownership directly. Additional information will be provided to qualified purchasers through the listing agent. |
