Heard On The Street

Many of you know the Burger King, 72 University Avenue West in downtown Windsor (at Goyeau Street), has been closed since January 10 of this year. Yet, 10 months later, there might be some action on this vacant building! Rumour has it there could be a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen opening up there in the future. However, at press time (midSeptember), this was the first the Chair of the

Downtown Windsor Business Improvement

Association (DWBIA; DowntownWindsor.ca) had heard about it. “I know that there were a few companies vying for this high demand spot, but Popeyes would be a very welcome addition to the downtown area,” says Brian Yeomans, who is also the Regional Director of Sales at FHC Hotels and Resorts (Farhi Holdings Corporation) and currently on leave from the DWBIA while he runs for Windsor City Council in Ward 3. Popeyes is an American multinational chain of fried chicken fast food restaurants. In Windsor, restaurant outlets can be found at 2854 Howard Avenue, 1375 Huron Church Road, and one being developed in east Windsor in the old Country Time Café property (Buckingham Drive and Tecumseh Road East). Find out more about this restaurant chain on: PopeyesChicken.ca.

The east end of the city will soon see some changes in the hospitality scene. First up, Thai Palace Restaurant, 1140 Lauzon Road is planning a move in the near future, but they won’t be moving very far. “We still can’t reveal the address yet, but we will be opening up in the same area out of convenience to our customers,” says Renu Anderson, Co-Owner and Chef of Thai Palace Restaurant. “The reason we will make the move is because the property was sold last year and we need to find a new home.” For 15 years, Thai Palace has offered flavourful dishes and exceptional service in an amazing atmosphere. While the exact closing date was not disclosed, Anderson invites everyone to join them soon in the final days at the Lauzon Road location. A second restaurant — Thai Time, 3395 Howard Avenue — is ready to serve customers with indoor dining once the Lauzon restaurant closes. “We would like to thank all of our loyal customers, family and friends who have supported us,” says Anderson. “We hope you continue to support us in the new location too.” For more information go to both their websites: Thai-Time.ca and: Thai-Palace.ca, and for updates on the new location refer to: Facebook.com/thaipalacewindsor.

As well, Thai Palace’s neighbour, Average Joes Sports Bar, is also anticipating an upcoming move. A huge sign in the parking lot indicates a new commercial plaza is coming soon with a MultiFood Supermarket and 3,000 to 20,000 sq. feet for lease (LauzonPlaza.com). “It’s no secret that the property at 1286 Lauzon Road has been sold,” reports Colleen Kelly, Owner and Operator of Average Joes Sports Bar. “We can assure you that we have no plans to leave the east Windsor area and are super excited to see what the future holds. In the meantime, continue to stay happy, healthy and hungry and always support local.” Average Joes has become a staple in the Riverside community and in the local food and beverage industry as well. It has always been a favourite spot for those to go before and after a Windsor Spitfires game. “We are your neighbourhood friendly restaurant and bar offering live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night,” adds Kelly. “Our fast and friendly staff are eager and excited to serve our clientele every day! With 13 televisions — you will never miss a game; and if you’re not into sports we have pool tables, dart boards and some billiard time for you to enjoy as well.” Operating for almost 13 years, their menu contains a multitude of scrumptious options for every type of diner. “Wings are one of our most popular features and we offer a wing special on both Thursdays and Sundays,” Kelly mentions. “We also have hand-packed fresh burgers that are a great option and are one of the popular ones as well. Our chicken quesadilla and steak sandwiches are some of the best in the city; pizza and appetizers, wraps and salads will all provide you with both positive and tasty experiences here at Joes.” Stop by and check them out soon, by either dining in or picking up some take-out. For more information and to keep up to date on where and when the business will move visit: AverageJoesWindsor.com.

The non-profit organization COOK-UP, which specializes in supporting food entrepreneurs to launch and grow their business, has moved from 875 Ouellette Avenue to 1 Maiden Lane West, the previous home of The Squirrel Cage. “When we were considering options for COOK-UP’s new location, we were looking for a space that allows for opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive,” say Delna Buhariwalla and Trishauna Linton, Co-Founders of COOK-UP. “At our new location, we offer shared, licensed kitchen space for entrepreneurs to create products, opportunities to participate in market and retail operations, and build community with fellow entrepreneurs and community members.” COOK-UP is a food business incubator working with early-stage food entrepreneurs, primarily those from marginalized communities. “We provide access to licensed kitchen space, entrepreneurship and business coaching,” say Buhariwalla and Linton. “We also offer connections to industry professionals and mentors, and market opportunities for entrepreneurs to build their business.” As well, in other exciting news, COOK-UP will be launching a retail store featuring products from their clients and other local entrepreneurs. For further details on this organization log on to: CookUpInc.com.