Developers seek feedback as Swiss Chalet proposed for Amherstburg

Tenants also confirmed for new addition next to Sobeys

By Ron Giofu

Could a Swiss Chalet set up shop in Amherstburg?

Local developers are trying to see how the community feels about it, noting they have been approached by a potential franchisee.

Joe Mikhail of Mikhail Holdings said they have a client that is showing interest but wants to ensure the community wants it.

“We have a franchisee that is considering coming to Amherstburg,” said Mikhail.

Mikhail said the client is still looking at the demographics of the community and whether or not the residents of Amherstburg would accept it. If the feedback is positive enough, Mikhail said they could move forward with the development.

“It’s not 100 per cent but if support is strong enough, they would start leaning towards Amherstburg than the other community they are looking at,” said Mikhail.

If it were to go forward, Mikhail added it would probably be at the Sobeys site at 83 Sandwich St. S.

“We can have it ready within a year or so and have it open if (feedback) is positive enough,” he said.

According to Mikhail, Swiss Chalet franchises range from 4,000 to 6,000 square feet with a town the size of Amherstburg likely sized around 4,000 to 5,000 square feet. He said that would seat approximately 80-100 people.

“It would be good for the community,” said Mikhail. “They are looking to see if the community would accept it.”

As for the new build constructed on the north side of the Sobeys building, Mikhail said there are three tenants that are going to move in with two smaller units still available. Firehouse Subs, Quesada and a breakfast chain are confirmed to be coming with two smaller spots still open. Quesada could be open within a few months with interior construction for the Firehouse Subs to begin May 1 and last for about 90 days.

Mikhail added they are also looking at building another building for commercial use, as they are considering a new build at the Walmart plaza at 400 Sandwich St. S. There are no tenants proposed for that building yet, but Mikhail said that new build would go up in the parking lot near Walmart, be about 6,000 square feet in size and allow for two to three retail locations.

Motorcycle Ride for Dad scheduled to return May 28, two stops in Amherstburg planned

prostate cancer in early stages rather than when it is too late.

Motorcycle Ride for Dad is active in cities all across Canada. Miles and her husband have been organizing the ride in the Windsor-Essex region for around 13 years. They share a love for riding, and they loved using this organization to show their children all the good that can come out of community work to help others.

“There is a lot of hard work that goes into preparing for a large event like this one. There is a struggle each year planning for Motorcycle Ride for Dad, but every time is well worth it,” says Cori Miles.

Cori describes the environment of the event as extremely joyful, expressing that she can feel the respect the riders give to each other, and also herself.

By Hailey Zimmerman

The Motorcycle Ride for Dad will be passing through Windsor and Amherstburg once again May 28.

The motorcycle ride will start at 10 a.m. at Thunder Road Harley Davidson, stopping at Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 in Amherstburg, Colchester Bar and Grill, and finally ending back in Amherstburg at the Wolfhead Distillery. From there, there will be festivities at the Wolfhead Distillery that include food, poker runs, prizes and live entertainment.

On average, event co-organizer Cori Miles stated there have been around 400-800 riders coming out to support the cause. The ride is for raising money for prostate research. She said it is also to spread the news and promote awareness for men to get a prostate check. It is now easy to check for prostate cancer, and the organization wants to encourage people to spread awareness, especially since it is better not to wait but to catch

“The community is so strong and lively, it’s a really good feeling,” Cori finished.

Thunder Road Harley Davidson is located at 2100 Ambassador Dr. in Windsor. Ride day registration is from 7-9:50 a.m. with the ride starting shortly thereafter.

Everyone who collects $200 in pledges is eligible for a chance to win a new BMW R 18-8 motorcycle valued at $23,995.

For more information on the local Motorcycle Ride for Dad, please visit www.ridefordad.ca/windsor.