Family-Owned Downtown Restaurant "Rare" Is Up For Sale

After three years of owning Rare, owners Kassy and Tyler Scott have put the business up for sale announced on their social media on Tuesday.

Two couple rebranded the restaurant to “Rare” in less than one year after purchasing the business. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The husband and wife are selling the business since taking over from previous owner Brad Watt — who owns Publican House Brewery — in the summer of 2019. Tyler was hired as a sous chef by Watt in 2013 at the previously named “Rare Grill House” before becoming the executive chef.

Two couple rebranded the restaurant to “Rare” in January 2020.

They are selling Rare to spend more family time with their two daughters and take care of their mental health. The pandemic was an influence on the decision but ‘not in ways most people would think’ according to the couple. It gave them time to reflect and meditate to recognize what means the most to them.

The two work tirelessly in the restaurant. Kassy works social media, marketing and in-house duties for the restaurant. Tyler worked roughly 80-hour weeks in a six-day span which barely affords him any time to see his children.

“Being able to have evenings, for now, to be able to spend with them as they grow is going to be really refreshing and really important,” said Tyler.

"Our kids are so involved in what we do here," said Kassy. "We look around this space and there's a memory that somebody can't see. Our kids have never known a relationship with their dad outside of their dad being a chef and working super hard in this industry doing super cool things."

The couple wanted to shift their professional focus and rekindle their love for nature in their new “outdoor guided culinary experience” venture called Rare Escape.

They started this endeavour to help tell stories of local food systems including how nature plays a role in getting what you eat to a table.

"A restaurant is a great place to experience each other and experience company and intimacy," said Tyler. "It's a bit of a different setting where you can go and experience your own thoughts and own connections to nature. It's about experiencing nothing else but your own feelings."

The two have stressed that they are not leaving the community since the restaurant’s mandate and philosophy is to support local as much as possible. Their new venture gives them a new outlet to support the surrounding area while leaving behind an outlet for someone to continue that motto.

"We are engraved in this community,” said Kassy. ‘We are going to continue supporting local and to find special ways to implement our community and in our next step and adventures.”

The couple has received inquiries about the business’s sale however they will provide updates on if and when it gets sold.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat Featuring Rare Grill, The Urban Space

PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Adam Levesque and Tracey Cousineau recently launched their new business in Campbellford, 52 North Pub and Grill. Located at 52 Front Street, Adam and Tracey did extensive renovations to what was a Chinese Food restaurant for over 40 years. The menu offers family friendly pub fair, including buttermilk fried chicken, beef brisket, salads, wraps, craft beer and more. With this waterfront location, they also hope to add a patio next year. Drop in, or get more information by going to 52 North Pub and Grill’s Facebook page.

Peterborough Hypnosis RTT is Julie Houlihan’s new business. Julie is a certified Rapid Transformation Therapist and helps to uncover the meaning and interpretation of events, which leads to permanent and powerful change. Weight control habits, smoking cessation, sleep issues, depression and anxiety, confidence, fear of heights, public speaking, flying, needles or the dentist and more, Julie helps normal people overcome normal problems. Go to peterboroughhypnosis.com for more info.

Julie Houlihan

The Urban Spa is a boutique spa that opened in 2013 at 388 Rogers Street in East City. Owners Jean-Guy and Kerri Holley-Francoeur have been building the Urban brand and recently introduced Urban Space, a cafe and wine bar at 552 Armour Road; Urban Events and Gifts, an event & retail business; and Escape Route Travel, a travel agency. Working with their new Experience Coordinators, you can book yourself a pedicure, coordinate your next cruise, and reserve an event for your upcoming wedding or retirement party. It’s all explained at poweredbyurban.com.

Tyler and Kassy Scott recently took over ownership of the Rare Grill House on Brock Street. Tyler was born and raised in Peterborough, graduated from the Fleming College Culinary program and didn’t have far to travel as he is the Executive Chef at Rare. The Rare Grill House opened in 2007 and former owners Brad and Katie Watt have built a solid brand over the years. Known for a passionate commitment to good food, you can expect the same from the new owners. Check out Rare Grill House on Facebook.

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Ribfest Is Coming Up This Weekend!

Rare Grill House will be competing in the 8th Annual Ribfest this weekend (July 9 to July 11) at Millennium Park, which marks the first time a local restaurant will compete against the other ribbers setting up shop.

Organizers say that they can squeeze in about 8,000 people to the park to enjoy the music, food, beer tent, and other entertainment. Sass Jordan will headline this year's Ribfest on Friday (July 9) starting at 9 p.m, with The Kings set to switch into glide Saturday (July 10) starting at 9 p.m.

Admission is FREE, and Ribfest hours are as follows: Friday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

 
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