FRONTLINES
Three Musketeers Join Forces To Re-Open Essex Eatery
Three friends pooled their resources late last year to buy Wood Craft Pizza & Bar (established November 2017) — 47 Talbot Street North in downtown Essex — where they have quickly established a local following. Kyle Ringler, who managed Bubi’s Awesome Eats in Windsor for 22 years; Tara Davidson, who has previous experience in the hospitality industry as well as being a dental hygienist, and Adam Baker, Owner of a pest control company, took over the restaurant at the end of October 2019. Since then, they’ve added a fresh coat of paint, tweaked the menu, added live entertainment, increased the variety of beverage offerings on their taps and doubled the number of employees. All three say that owning their own bar and restaurant plus becoming their own boss, rather than working for someone else, has long been a dream. “For me, it was time to put my money where my mouth is,” says Ringler, laughing. “I’ve run someone else’s place for years and now I can help run this one and we can make
changes wherever and whenever they are needed.” Baker is the common denominator who helped bring them together. “I’ve been friends with Tara’s husband since I was eight years old and Bubi’s was one of my business clients, which was where I met Kyle,” he explains. “When we heard this place was for sale, we decided it was the perfect fit for that we wanted to do.” With seven children between them, balancing home and work life can be a challenge, but with Ringler handling the day-to-day operations and both Davidson and Baker working part-time, the trio of entrepreneurs believe they can make it work. Davidson handles the bar’s social media presence and books the weekly entertainment. “We’re trying to support local businesses as much as we can with our beer selection and, once summer arrives, we’ll be featuring as much local produce as we possibly can,” says Davidson. And even though it offers late-night hours
and entertainment, all three owners want their restaurant to be a family place where people feel comfortable bringing their children for a meal The menu features salads, prime rib poutine, wings, nachos, perch tacos, stuffed wontons and — as mentioned in the business name — an eclectic variety of wood-fired pizzas. The draft taps include 10 craft beers, three ciders, as well as Old Vienna, which Baker jokingly refers to as “Essex champagne.” To view a complete menu and the hours of operation refer to: WoodCraftPizza.ca.
Is Art Your Life? Then Read This!
The Morris and Beverly Baker Foundation Youth Grant valued at $2,000 is presented to a high school student seeking post secondary education in the arts. The Eric Jackman Youth Grant, valued at $1,000, provides funding and related work experience to a third or fourth-year high school student who wishes to pursue a career in the arts. An online application/nomination platform can be found on: WEA-Arts.com (be sure to read the eligibility criteria and the list of documents required). The Windsor Mayor’s Arts Awards celebrate the individuals and organizations that develop and promote the “Soul of our City” by recognizing those who support locally developed arts — providing exciting, surprising and meaningful opportunities to strengthen our creative community. Nominees for the Windsor Mayor’s Arts Awards may be self-nominated or nominated by a peer. All details, including the downloadable application, are available at: CityWindsor.ca. Hard copy applications/ submissions are required. “Art changes lives,” says Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. “I am pleased to partner with WEA once again to present the Mayor’s Arts Awards alongside the WEAs. These programs provide an opportunity to
support, encourage and recognize our local artists by showing how much we appreciate, value, respect, and need them to help our community continue to thrive.” Mayor Dilkens will present three awards of merit in 2020 as noted below. Mayor’s Arts Award “Artist” is presented to an individual artist engaged in a broad spectrum of activities having to do with creating, practicing or demonstrating art. (Art is broadly conceived to include all genres within the following disciplines: performance, visual, literary, media/new media, and design). Mayor’s Arts Award “Arts Organization” is presented to an arts organization that demonstrates a clear commitment to creating, practicing and demonstrating art within the community. Mayor’s Arts Award “Volunteer” is presented to an individual who supports the arts by providing their own time and services without receiving payment for their work. The deadline to submit is midnight on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 for all award nominations and grant applications. The 2020 WEA awards and grants, along with the Windsor Mayor’s Arts Awards, will be presented Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at the Capitol Theatre — in honour of the theatre’s 100th anniversary. Ticket information will be available in the coming months.
The Windsor Endowment for the Arts (WEA) and the City of Windsor are working together once again to present community arts awards and grants in 2020. “Since its launch in 2010, the WEA Awards and Grants program has honoured and funded creative projects from a diverse range of homegrown talent from Windsor Essex,” says WEA President Stephanie Barnhard. “We are proud to be able to continue the program into this new decade and beyond.” WEA will distribute 11 cash grants and present four honorary awards supporting arts and culture in Windsor Essex. The WEA Award Nominations and Grant Applications are as follows. The Art Leadership Awards are presented to individuals and organizations that have enriched our community through significant and innovative contributions. Emerging Artist Grants valued at $3,000 support professional advancement. Arts Infrastructure Grants valued at $3,000 encourage the development of local art. The Elizabeth Havelock Grant valued at $2,000 is for a mid-career artist.
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B I Z X M A G A Z IN E • F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
Co-owners Kyle Ringler, left, Tara Davidson and Adam Baker are behind the bar at Wood Craft Pizza & Bar, a restaurant they purchased at the end of October 2019. It re-opened in mid-November 2019 following some minor renovations and features live music on weekends. Photo by Dave Hall.
