Businesslife

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Bubbles 60 | Plants 64 | Smart 66 worklife

MEET THE MOVERS, SHAKERS AND BUSINESS MAKERS

WORKLIFE | COLUMN

businesslife

WITH JESSICA WILLIAMSON

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

in downtown Airdrie

WHILE THE PANDEMIC CONTINUED THROUGH THE FIRST HALF OF 2021, ALL WAS NOT QUIET IN AIRDRIE’S DOWNTOWN.

Visitors and residents frequenting the area may have noticed a number of new businesses while longtime favourites proved their resiliency during these uncertain times.

In early 2021, Shell Canada completed a significant rebuild on Centre Avenue. The investment includes a new touchless car wash, expanded and reorientated convenience store and an increased number of fuel pumps. Kamal and Jiwan, who operate this location, would be pleased to serve you next time you are in the downtown.

Business partners Jess and Katie also made an early 2021 addition to downtown Airdrie with a full-service, luxury hair salon. Mane & Layne, in pursuit of being a ‘different kind of salon,’ brings a unique business model to Airdrie. Their chair rentals allow stylists to dictate their own hours and clientele; luxurious retail offerings are also available. Their beautiful new salon is located between Centre and First Avenue on Main Street.

Just in time for the final stage of Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan, What’s Pop’n Pop Shop held a lively grand opening in mid-July. Owner Barbara was inspired to open the storefront after visiting a friend’s shop in Cardston – she couldn’t stop thinking about how awesome it was! Located on Main Street, this fun new hot spot is offering specialty fizzy drinks and treats. Pick your favourite pop and add some delicious flavours and creamers, or test out their popcorn, soft-serve ice cream, hot chocolate, Pop’n Dogs or sugar cookies. Make this shop a pit stop on your family’s next trip into downtown.

One of the more recent new businesses to invest in the downtown is Oodle Noodle. The franchise plans to open an authentic Asian noodle restaurant at the corner of First Avenue and Main Street, its first location outside the Edmonton area. This Alberta-based, homegrown business prides itself on providing quality fresh-made food, produced by founder Sonny. Once open, you’ll want to stop in to try one of their signature dishes like the Tokyo Glaze.

Several longtime Main Street businesses took advantage of the City’s temporary patio and retail space program, allowing avid community supporters to continue their patronage through COVID restrictions. Main Street Beer & BBQ opened a beautiful temporary patio to offer their famous Texas-style barbecue and plentiful beer selection, while Paros on Main activated their patio for the first time, serving up exceptional Greek cuisine packed full of authentic, homemade flavour.

Whether you’re a downtown regular or just passing through, you won’t be disappointed with the unique offerings and small-town feel in the area. Our business community encourages you to bring your friends and family and reacquaint yourself.

The revitalization of Airdrie’s downtown is one of City council’s strategic priorities. Earlier this year, a draft Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan was presented to council and the community for feedback. The final Downtown Plan will be presented to council in late 2021. Learn more at airdrie.ca/downtown life