DBIA Featured Post: Fontaine Source For Sports

The name Terry Bovair is synonymous with Peterborough sports. Bovair moved to the city in 1977 as a teenager to play for the Peterborough Petes and accomplished something few people ever will: winning a Memorial Cup Championship in 1979. After his playing career came to an end, he took on the position as assistant coach with the same great Petes team he once played for.

Having decided to stay in town, it was here that he met his wife to be. This turned out to be a great decision because in 1984 he made a decision that will forever shape the sports business scene in our town, as he purchased what is now known as Fontaine Source for Sports.

Fontaines has been in business in town since 1954, operating originally at the corner of Water and Hunter St, and has been at its current location at 384 Queen St since 1974. This makes it one of the oldest running locally owned businesses in the city’s downtown core.

Fontaine Source for Sports is a specialty shop through and through. With a working motto of “We know our stuff”, Fontaine’s focuses its energy on a few specific areas, being cycling and hockey.

Operating partly as a full-fledged bike shop, the store offers numerous makes and models such as Norco, Rocky Mountain and Haro in mountain bike, BMX, high performance, and comfort bikes from kids to adult size. With such a large selection, Fontaine's also offers repairs and tune ups to all makes and models even if they don’t carry them in the shop.

The other side of the business is hockey where they cater to every level of player. They offer such brands as CCM, Reebok, Easton, and warrior in every form of equipment necessary, and also offer customizable skate sharpening.

As a member of Source for Sports, Terry and his shop are a part of a National buying group that allows them access to top flight products to compete with giant box stores. Offering friendly, knowledgeable, and quick services combined with top flight products have allowed them to succeed in a time of huge competition.

Terry and his staff are happy to be a part of such a great downtown in Peterborough and love the location they’re in. Being there for almost 40 years is a testament to that. With such a great cycling community in town and with such vast trail systems, they are happy to support riding groups who try to leave their cars at home as much as possible.

If you’re looking for hockey or cycling gear in a smaller setting where customer service and expertise is at the forefront, we suggest you give them a visit.

For more on Fontaine's (384 Queen St.), go to:
Website: Fontainesourceforsports.net
Twitter:  @FontaineSFS
Phone: 705.742.0511
Facebook page: FontaineSourceForSports

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

DBIA Featured Post: Level A

When it comes to finding the right people at the right time, no one does it better in Peterborough than Level A. Located at 277 George St., Suite 212, Level A has been in the business of helping local businesses find quality staff to fill specialized positions for over 20 years now.

Locally owned and operated by Rebecca Artymko and Steve Daynes, and with branches in both Cobourg and Barrie, Level A works with the motto THE BEST IN PEOPLE. To help saves businesses the time and effort of finding already qualified staff, Level A puts the hard work in for them to help give employees a seamless transition into the culture of the business.

Level A focuses on quality recruitment, using behavioral profiling, skill validation testing and résumé critiques to find the right employees ready to be called on to fill specific positions at any time. They have a large roster of employees skilled in many fields such as administration, engineering, customer service, finance, accounting and marketing. All of these employees are available for temporary placements, internships, part time fill-ins or whatever a business needs.

Level A is thrilled to be in its current location close to the corner of King St and George St. This positioning allows them to be easily accessible and a great place to connect with future and current employees. Within a few blocks of their locations are the best in restaurants and cafes for their clients to meet at and enjoy at leisure. Being downtown gives the staff an opportunity to interact with the vibrant community all around them.

Level A is proud to be active in the community and has taken part in many endeavours around town including United Way activities, the YWCA Walk A Mile In Her Shoes event, and has been involved with Peterborough MusicFest in the past.

If your company is looking for HR help at any point and don’t know where to turn, we suggest you look into letting Level A help you out. They are a leading personnel source in our community and probably already have what you are looking for.

For more on Level A (277 George St, Suite 212), go to:
Website: LevelA.net

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

DBIA Featured Post: Shish-Kabob Hut

Don Vassiliadis is a community minded man through and through. As the 2nd generation owner of the Shish-Kabob Hut, located at 220 King St. in downtown Peterborough, he realizes that in order for his business to continuously be successful he has to know the needs of the community and customers he is surrounded by daily.

The restaurant, which originally opened in 1976, has been in its current location since 1994. Its 19 year anniversary is being celebrated this month (August) and he is very proud of being in business this long. Unless you’re a city historian, you probably wouldn’t guess that the current location he's in was originally a car garage when first built.

Serving Greek food at its finest, the menu touches on many traditional favourites from various Souvlaki dishes to Shish-Kabob and Pita Bread platters covering a massive array of meat options. To cover a vegetarian customer base as well, they offer great soups and salads and many out-of-this-world cheese influenced choices. Dishes that are a can’t-miss are the Tigania (a spicy stir-fry masterpiece) and the Hot Peppers and Feta, which is requested more than most of the restaurants options.

Don and his excellent staff know that great food is only one part of the entire experience and they try to create an unforgettable experience from beginning to end. The atmosphere inside is very vibrant and will keep you on the edge of your seat as soon as you get seated!

The Shish-Kabob Hut has been involved in many community events such as the Taste of Downtown and more recently Rib Fest. Don and his crew brought a local flavour to the event, which was well received by lovers of local business. The restaurant was even featured on You Gotta Eat Here in an episode that is still in heavy rotation on Food Network Canada.

Out of the original restaurant business has spawned two other ventures: a catering company and a party rental business as well. In 2010, for example, the business was responsible for catering the Dragon Boat Festival Gala and it also catered the Chiefs of Police Dinner when it was hosted in Peterborough earlier this year.

Always wanting to learn more about his community has kept Don very busy outside of its operating hours. He has been involved with the DBIA Marketing Committee, was the Chair of the United Way, and has also worked with Showplace and Crime Stoppers in various capacities.

One of Don’s favourite activities outside of the restaurant are the cooking classes he has offered to those who might never get the experience of one, as well as working with the YWCA’s Nourish Peterborough.

Don is truly entrenched in downtown Peterborough and wants to see success in every facet. His personality is unmatched and his dedication shines through in his restaurant. If you haven’t been inside its walls, we suggest you experience it as soon as possible!

For more on Shisk-Kabob Hut (220 King St.), go to:
Website: Skhpeterborough.com
Twitter: @skhptbo
FB: Shish-Kabob Facebook page

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

DBIA Featured Post: The Speak Easy Cafe

Known for having the fastest breakfast in town, The Speak Easy Cafe is downtown Peterborough’s go-to all day breakfast restaurant. Located at 362 George St N on the always busy corner of Simcoe St and George St, the cafe offers a little bit of something for everybody.

Featuring an all-day breakfast, but not limited to that, Speak Easy offers a large selection of customer pleasing dishes. From burgers, wraps and soups, to salads, specialty omelettes and their famous toasted western sandwich, The Speak Easy has been bringing back loyal customers now for more than three years.

Locally owned and operated by Vickie Karikas and Roger Sargent, the cafe has an atmosphere like no other in the city, featuring a 1930s feel loaded with gangster imagery. Their wonderful staff help add to a restaurant that feels just like home from the moment you walk in the door.

Offering fresh and truly homemade food, Speak Easy has options for everyone— featuring many vegetarian options. Sourcing as many local ingredients as they can, the cafe always has specials running, proudly drawing in different crowds. Their student special has always been a hit, especially with Trent and Fleming students who live in the downtown area.

Based on its prime location at one of Peterborough’s busiest intersections, the cafe is able to always help advertise downtown events. Vickie and Roger realize that helping spread the word on local events is not only good for business but for downtown as a whole. They always happily help fundraise as well.

They wouldn’t want to be located in any other area in the city because they love the vibrancy that their area has to offer with so many great locally operated restaurants and shops in every direction.

Open 7 days a week, and offering all meals from breakfast to dinner, The Speak Easy Cafe has become an integral part of our downtown. If you’re looking for a break from your everyday meal selection, we suggest you walk in and give them a try. You could very well become one of their newest loyal customers.

For more on Speak Easy (362 George St. N), go to:

Phone: 705.749.9589 
Facebook: Speak Easy

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

DBIA Featured Post: John Roberts Clothiers

John and Gail Martin, owners of John Roberts Clothiers, live by the motto that “a sale is never really made until the customer comes back again.” Locally owned and operated by the couple, and in its current location since July 1992, John Roberts has been a forever evolving staple in the downtown fashion community.

Located at the corner of Charlotte and George St (371 George St N.), the store has been the source of specialty fashion that ranges from high end to every day casual wear that the owners and employees are proud to sell.

The staff at John Roberts aims to make customer service their No. 1 priority. Their goal is to build a trusting relationship with clients to keep them coming back. They aren’t in the business simply looking for quick one-and-done sales.

In 2007, the store underwent quite a large renovation to add space which provided an opportunity to bring in more upscale lines. They currently carry such trusted brands as Hugo Boss, Alberto Pants, Robert Graham, Michael Kors and Jag Jeans. Much of what they offer is exclusive to them in our great city.

People are often very surprised to see a store like theirs in the community with as much selection as they have to offer. With the added space, they are able to carry everything from men's suits, polos, shorts and casual pants to women's wear such as dresses, blouses, pants, and even accessories to finish off a look just right.

The beauty of locally owned and operated stores like John Roberts is that you get to meet owners such as John and Gail inside the actual store. John Roberts is their life and passion, and they do everything from buying the products behind the scenes, to working on the floor assisting customers, to even cleaning up after hours. Along with their trusted staff, including Jayne and Rob, they want you to feel right when you leave the store and never second guess yourself.

John and Gail love downtown Peterborough and wouldn’t want to be located anywhere else. They love the curb side appeal and creative minds that they see every day running shops everywhere in the area.

Both Gail and John are heavily involved in the community with John being on the current DBIA events committee, while they both are involved in the local lacrosse and figure skating scenes. They have happily been involved with many local charities such as Easter Seals and believe that giving back to the community that they work in is what helps it thrive.

For more on John Roberts (371 George St N.), go to:

Website: Johnroberts.ca
Twitter: @JohnRobertsPTBO
Phone: (705) 748-5212

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

DBIA Featured Post: Chasing The Cheese

The beauty of locally owned businesses in downtown Peterborough is that upon entering them, you can literally sense the passion. At Chasing The Cheese, located at 372 Water Street, you can actually taste it!  Locally owned and operated by Julie Austin, Chasing The Cheese has been tempting taste buds since October 1st, 2010 in its current location.

Julie has always had a passion for cheese and has acquired a background in business through both education and work. Realizing it was difficult to find a variety of good cheese in Peterborough, she saw an opportunity and went for it.  She decided to attend the Cheese Education Guild (yes, that really does exist) to enrol in Cheese Appreciation courses; with this newfound knowledge, she began her business.

Chasing The Cheese is a cheese lover’s paradise. The store, which began with a modest selection of 50 different cheeses, has grown to hold over 300, including some of the tastiest cheeses this world has ever known. Here you can find gooey triple creams, sharp and crumbly aged cheddars, pungent stinkers and beautiful blues. 

While Julie carries many of the notable and familiar European offerings, her main goal is to introduce your palette to some of the lesser-known Canadian and local gems, which include cheeses from local dairies such as Crosswind Farms in Keene and Mariposa in Lindsay.

Aside from the plentiful variety of available cheeses, Julie also boasts a wide selection of crackers, bread, oils, vinegars, pasta, and even artisanal bacon from Seed to Sausage of Sharbot Lake.

Julie is proud of what the shop has to offer, and employs a staff which shares her passion. Noella, Judy, and Nicole are eager to tailor the shopping experience to each customer’s needs. Julie has a “taste before you buy” motto, and will happily cater to any budget. The aim is to make the customer’s experiences as uncomplicated as possible, as choosing a cheese can be a daunting task when faced with so much variety!

Julie is thrilled to be a part of downtown Peterborough because of the friendly atmosphere, and the supportive relationships that exist between shop owners.  Chasing The Cheese is a proud supplier to downtown restaurants Le Petit Bar, Brio Gusto and St. Veronus.

Prearranged private or group tastings, custom gift baskets by request, gift cards, and pre-orders for future events and occasions are all available. To top it all off, the shop also sells local art. With such a vast selection, Chasing the Cheese has something for every taste. Julie and her staff extend a warm welcome to you. Stop in and give them a try. There truly is no other experience like it in the Peterborough area!

For more on Chasing The Cheese (372 Water Street), go to:

Website: Chasingthecheese.com 
Twitter: @CheeseNymphs
Facebook: Chase The Cheese

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter @Ptbo_Canada or Like us on Facebook.

DBIA Featured Post: The Black Horse Pub

Peterborough is well known as a city that has a pub for just about everyone. So opening new in the downtown core can be a chore when looking to carve out a niche. When Ray Kapoor opened The Black Horse Pub in August 2005, he knew exactly what he was aiming for. He wanted to see a British style establishment that has a specialized curry flare to capture his background.

That idea worked right away and has made the Black Horse a go-to destination for pub lovers in our community since then.

While the pub is geared towards a middle aged and up crowd, it caters to everyone with its extensive menu and music. With a great music stage set up towards the front of the spacious setting, the pub offers live local music 7 days a week, making it an entertainment hot spot!

Celebrating its anniversary on August 25th with a big party planned, the Black Horse plans to mark both its history and the loyal customers that have become like family.

Located at 452 George St N., the pub is a little out of the way from the rest of many establishments in downtown, but Ray enjoys that. He knows that when people come, it's not because they've stumbled upon it but because they're looking for it.

With its large menu of locally sourced food that is all made in house and its unlimited drink menu, the Black Horse has become a bit of a magnet. Known for its curry dishes and house favorite Steak and Kidney Pie, people don't just come for a drink but for a feast as well.

The Pub is open 364 days a year and opens at 11 a.m. daily. It proudly celebrates St Patrick's Day and Canada Day, with special events and music keeping locals always in mind.

Ray and his staff are happy to support local business and charities, while also showing off an extensive art collection. The famous Roy Studio Collection is featured on many of its walls while well known local artist George Elliott (note: the father of the author of this post) also has his work displayed.

If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, or a good old fashioned night on the town with entertainment and food all in one establishment, then the Black Horse Pub is what you're looking for!

For more on The Black Horse Pub (452 George St. N.), go to:

Website: Blackhorsepub.ca
Phone: 705.742.0633

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott

Tip us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Follow us on Twitter @Ptbo_Canada or Like us on Facebook.

DBIA Featured Post: Art School Of Peterborough

Tucked away in Charlotte Mews in our downtown is the ever popular Art School of Peterborough (178A Charlotte St.). This not-for-profit organization is run by Director Jenni Johnston and has been in operation for 19 years now, opening in Lakefield and moving to its current location shortly after.

Upon entering and discovering its multi-level facility, you realize how much happens inside its bustling walls. From oil painting and water colour to photography, pottery and fused-glass making, this school has something for everyone with a creative spirit. If you’re a fan of the movie Ghost, you'll be happy to know that they offer Pottery Date Nights which are very popular!

Fun at art campThe school operates year round, and offers everything from 1 and 2 day short courses to 8 week classes. One of its biggest hits throughout the year is the offering of camps for children aged 6 to 12.

These camps are week long experiences with a variety of themes geared towards opening the eyes of youngsters to the world of art. Spaces are limited so registering early is recommended.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Art School is having an "Art Market in the Mews" on June 15th. This birthday celebration is being held with kid’s crafts, face painting, popcorn, and a birthday cake to celebrate with! This happens on the same day as the Taste of Downtown Celebration. On June 8th, the School is having its “Stories” art auction from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., which is another great event.

The school gladly offers bursaries, and has annual fundraisers—in November with its Art Auction, and in February with its Art-a-Thon. Being a not-for-profit, it is always looking for volunteers to assist in its classes and has found this to be popular amongst high school aged students looking to complete their volunteer hours.

If you haven’t discovered the Art School of Peterborough, now is the time! They continue to add to their class options and have something for everyone!

For more on the Art School of Peterborough (178A Charlotte St.), go to:

Call: 705-742-3221
Website: Artschoolptbo.org
Twitter: @artschoolofPtbo
Facebook page

For more on Downtown Peterborough and the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), click here.

—By Aaron Elliott