4 minute read
Open now
It’s been said that there is no perfect time to start a business.
It may not seem like a good idea to open a new company during a pandemic, but we spoke to the owners of three diverse
Airdrie businesses who are finding success while starting up during this difficult time.
WE’RE OPEN!
Airdrie businesses that started up during COVID thankful for community support
STORY BY STACIE GAETZ | PHOTOS BY KRISTY REIMER
WHERE TO MEAT
Nathan Bennett, owner and operator of The Meatery, took over ownership of the butcher shop on March 17 in the thick of the pandemic.
“It was exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time. I was looking forward to a new beginning and following my dreams,” Bennett says.
He adds that he received the keys to the building two days before the lockdown was imposed.
“I had to re-evaluate how I wanted to open the shop while staying within the restrictions of the lockdown,” Bennett says.
Because of the unusual circumstances, Bennett started by taking pre-orders for his products through Facebook beginning in April. The store opened its doors to the public at the end of May.
Bennett says the added challenge of trying to find an affordable and dependable supply of beef with many plants being affected by COVID was an additional stress factor.
The Meatery offers a wide variety of beef, poultry and pork products as well as a selection of smoked products including jerkies, smoked rings, sausage, cheeses and select gluten-free products.
He says despite the setbacks and obstacles, Airdrie residents have accepted The Meatery with open arms.
“The response has been extraordinary and overwhelmingly positive. I have heard on many occasions that Airdrie is happy to have a butcher back,” he says, adding that he has 16 years’ experience in the industry and is thrilled to build his dream of his own shop in Airdrie.
MASH IT UP
The Mash is a new pizza place that makes their crust with the spent grain from Cochrane’s Half Hitch Brewing Company.
According to Lisa Thibodeau, manager of The Mash, the restaurant opened on Main Street at the end of May.
“The concept of the restaurant is simple good food and great craft beer,” says Thibodeau.
The restaurant has seven employees between the two Airdrie and Calgary locations.
Thibodeau admits that she was nervous to open during the pandemic, as she wasn’t sure how people would accept the new restaurant and concept, but she adds she has been pleasantly surprised with the positive response.
“Opening during COVID was stressful, but the communities have been very amazing. We are so happy to be here in Airdrie and in Kensington,” she says.
She says that the company is family owned and working hard to keep staff and customers safe while they enjoy a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
When Half Hitch brews their award-winning Papa Bear Prairie Ale, the malt liquid extract (also called wort) is fermented and they are left with roughly two tons of what is called “spent grain.”
The owners of Half Hitch came to realize that the grain is not “spent” at all and that it is actually low in sugar and full of protein and fibre.
After months of test recipes, they found a way to repurpose the grain to create nutritious, fragrant and flavourful pizza dough that is now served at The Mash’s two locations.
“It’s a very unique process and one we are very proud of,” says Thibodeau.
PETAL POWER
Funky Petals Flower Shop opened on June 19 and owner Patricia Duggan took possession of the building the shop is located in the week before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
“We decided to continue with our renovations as our contractors are a small company and were willing to continue,” she says.
The 1,000-square-foot shop is located in a heritage house in downtown Airdrie.
The last two occupants were restaurants, but Duggan and her husband Patrick have renovated for the flower shop.
They carry giftware made by local talent, but their focus is uniquely designed fresh flowers. The shop employs Duggan and three part-time employees.
She says other than some supply issues, COVID has not presented many difficulties for her shop and adds because they were not in operation before the pandemic hit, they have nothing else to compare it to.
“We have had some flowers that are not available, and we are following the COVID protocols, but this is our normal,” she adds.
She says business has been great and she is happy with the community’s response to Funky Petals.
“I am thrilled with every new customer we have had,” she says.
“Most of our sales are walk-ins; it is a great location for us. We want to thank the Airdrie community for such wonderful support.” life FALL 2020 | airdrielife.com 65
