Tag Archives: Toronto Business

Top Ten Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving During COVID-19

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Obviously, this year’s Thanksgiving is going to look a little different from last. Family get-togethers will be much smaller—if they happen at all.  But that doesn’t mean you and your loved ones can’t have as much fun this Thanksgiving weekend. Here’s a list of ideas and events that are happening around the GTA.

1. Take a hike and enjoy nature:
Take the opportunity to get out and stretch your legs while the weather’s still warm! The Scarborough Bluffs has 11 parks featuring trails, gardens, and beaches along the shore of Lake Ontario. Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area in Milton has an amazing view of autumnal colours as the trees change with the season. The Elora Gorge Trail is also a favourite, as it showcases a 20m waterfall and 10km of scenery.

2. Fishing at Glen Haffy:
If recreational fishing is what you crave, Glen Haffy supplies rainbow trout from a hatchery, and visitors may fish from two ponds. The conservation area also offers a variety of nature trails that are ideal for bird watching.

3. Apple Picking:
Apples are in season! Carl Laidlaw Orchards, located in Brampton, are open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays for September and October. Chudleigh’s is also open for apple picking and has an animal farm and hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Tickets must be purchased in advance. They are busy, so plan to go early to avoid lineups!

4. Take a drive in the country
It’s the perfect time of year to take a relaxing road trip out of town—go and pick up a pumpkin or some corn from your local farmer and enjoy the fall colours along the way. Take a trip up to the Apple Factory to get your fill of specialty products, or drive up to Collingwood to get a view of Blue Mountain.

5. St. Jacob’s Market:
Drive out to St. Jacob’s Market near Waterloo for a variety of different specialty vendors that include baked goods, books and toys, handmade crafts, and meat and seafood. You also have the option of purchasing a Market Meal Kit for 2 for $35, which includes cheese, dinner buns, a mini peach pie, and more. The market is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

6. Picard’s Peanuts:
There is tons to do at Niagara-on-The-Lake!  Wineries, lunch on a patio, if the weather permits, and don’t forget to hit up  Picard’s Peanuts for some freshly roasted peanuts and unique snacks, such as potato chip covered peanuts, chocolate covered marshmallow and sponge toffee and chocolate-covered peanuts.

7. Support a local restaurant:
Take a well-deserved break and have a night out. Order in from your favourite local restaurant or dine out to help support local businesses. There’s no need to stress yourself out over cooking a Thanksgiving feast!

8. Have a picnic:
Organize an outdoor picnic or BBQ at a local park. There are a number of parks around Toronto that have firepits and BBQs available, or you have the option of bringing in your own grill. High Park, Centennial Park, and Earl Bales Park all allow visitors to bring their own grill.

9. Virtual Oktoberfest:
The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has moved its event entirely online. On October 9th and 10th, tune into their stream to enjoy both live and pre-recorded events, including cowbells and yodelling, keg tapping, and Oktoberfest trivia.

10. Stay active:
Before the weather gets too cold, now’s the perfect time to get out and go for a bike ride or a jog. Enjoy the fresh air as you take a walk down to the beaches. ActiveTO has extended major road closures into October to encourage more space for cycling and walking. Road closures change from weekend to weekend, so check their website for updates.

Happy Thanksgiving! Be well and stay safe.

 

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In Need of a Party Planner?

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As everyone knows, I often try to promote small and neighbourhood businesses on my blog. In my particular neighbourhood, Cathy Siegel owns the go-to store in midtown Toronto for anything and everything you would need for a party.

The store is called Party Rock and is located on Avenue Road between Lawrence Avenue and Wilson Avenue. Party Rock is a party supply and rental shop that has everything that you would need for a party – from balloons, to loot bag goodies.  If you’re looking for a themed party, she’s got everything from Star Wars themed balloons, napkins, plates, and cutlery to whatever craze is hot at the moment.  A lot of her party items are unique, so you won’t be able to find them in many other places.

Looking for everyday gifts?  Party Rock carries it all – from funky, fun socks to games the whole family can enjoy.   Sending the kids to overnight camp? Cathy’s selection of fun pillows, stationery and bunk decorations can’t be beat.  There are countless aisles of decorations, toys, and stuffers for any holiday that you can think of.  In more recent times, because everyone seems to be focused on puzzles, she’s started stocking a lot of different varieties, in all sizes and all levels of difficulty.

Cathy will also supply seasonal items, such as pool toys and swimming gear, and special occasion items, such as sombreros and piñatas for Cinco de Mayo. In addition, she’s able to do a variety of different balloons displays that include arches, names and numbers.  

Cathy and her staff also make for wonderful party consultants. People are known to use her for bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs, where she’s able to tie the party theme together with matching invitations and decorations.  She’s also more than willing to source out items for you – just because she doesn’t have it in-store, doesn’t mean she won’t be able to get her hands on it.  Whether you’re having a kids birthday party, celebrating a special occasion, or if it’s a large-scale event like a bar mitzvah or engagement party, Cathy will be able to handle all of your party needs.

Once you’re inside Party Rock, you will be like a kid in a candy store!  And for the record, she has the candy too!

Party Rock
1919 Avenue Road
647-966-0019
CathyPartyRock@gmail.com

 

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Designs of a True Business

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For this blog, I’d like to talk about one of the first suppliers that I used when I was starting up my second business, Minus H2O.

As many of you know Minus H2O manufactures super-concentrated cleaning products. The company began as a passion product with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and plastic solutions, while simultaneously saving consumers and businesses a significant amount of money on their cleaning supplies

In the early days of Minus H2O, one of the many items on my to-do list was to create labels for our various products.  At the time, we had already designed a company logo, but as I was learning more about this new industry, I realized that labels for bottles were a whole separate area of design.  Since I’ve always felt that it is better to use somebody who has prior experience with specific projects, off I went in search of someone who has designed labels for consumer packaged goods.

Through another one of my colleagues, I was introduced to a gentleman by the name of Oneil Lewis, who worked as a freelancer graphic artist….specializing in consumer packaged goods.  Oneil manages his own company, Simple Representations, and I’ve been using his services, from time to time, over the past three years.

Amazingly, Oneil and I have never met in person.  The first time, we connected was on the phone and he simply asked me for some information about the company, the text for the label (he even suggested I include such item as ingredients, descriptions, and instructions), and lastly that I sent him to send him the company logo.  A few days later, and the first version of the label arrives, and he’s nailed it….capturing 90 percent of what I needed, leaving only a few minor modifications to be done.

In more recent times, I faced a challenge where somebody had asked me for a prototype of a package that we presently don’t have.  Since the package also requires a label, I called up Oneil and told him that I needed some help in mocking something up.  Since he knew that I really didn’t have much of a budget, he simply asked me to pay him if and once I was successful in getting the contract.

Rather than just a supplier, Oneil is the definition of a true partner.  He looks out for my well-being and tries his best to help me put my best foot forward,. because he knows that if I succeed, he succeeds.  It’s always great to work with someone in a business who is enthusiastic, talented, and a pleasure to deal with.  Thanks for everything, Oneil.


Simple Representations
Oneil Lewis
416-509-0299

 

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Slam Dunk Customer Service

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Toronto Raptors Official NBA Basketball Team Logo "We The North" Poster - Trends 2021

In my more recent blogs, aside from highlighting local businesses, I have attempted to feature companies from other parts of Canada or from around the world.  While this particular business does have a showroom in Toronto, the majority of the business they do is online, and most of their products are shipped to international destinations.

The Sports Poster Warehouse is owned by a gentleman who I’ve personally known for many years, Neil Flagg.  Given Neil’s passion for sports, when he finished school he set up his own company which as the name would suggest, specializes in sports-themed posters.  Neil sells anything from older, hard-to-get, vintage posters, to posters of today’s most popular players and teams.  In fact, his products are so up to date that usually within a few hours of a championship trophy being awarded (i.e. Superbowl, World Series, etc.) Neil will have posters in stock.

In addition. Neil also offers a number of health-related posters that are not strictly sports-related, but athletic in nature. His tens of thousands of posters are easily grouped into categories on his website and range from as little as five dollars to as much as $20.00, and all sorts of points in between.

The website is easy to navigate, and you can place your orders 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Depending on where you live, you could get your posters delivered in as little as 24 hours or a bit longer.

There’s always someone available to answer questions on the phone, and Neil specifically is knowledgeable—not with just his business, but sports and sports trivia as well.

While a lot of his business comes from individuals who just want to put a poster up in their room, he also sells to businesses like sports bars, gyms, and offices.

Many years ago, I remember having posters of my favourite teams and athletes up in my room, and despite technology, it seems that this is still something that many people like to do.  Check out his website and throw him a sports trivia question while you’re at it.

The Sports Poster Warehouse
416-696-8353
sportsposterwarehouse.com/

 

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Salbro Bottles…A Package Deal

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As some of you know, not too long ago,  my business partner and I started a second business called Minus H2O, where we manufacture ultra-concentrated cleaning products. The company began as a passion project with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and plastic pollution, while also saving consumers and businesses a lot of money.

In the early stages of developing the product, we knew that we would need bottles, and one of my colleagues recommended I contact a local company, known as Salbro Bottles.

I first reached out to them a couple of years ago and ever since, they’ve been amazing to deal with.  I had originally explained that we were a startup, and were unfamiliar with consumer packaged goods. One of the owners and his colleagues walked us through the process of recommending bottles, sending samples, and assisting us in making the best choice possible for our initiative.

Since that time, Minus H2O has grown and Salbro has also been very good to us when we’ve had special requests or need special orders. They also took the time to help me with a presentation, where I needed 500 empty bottles to show a retailer how much plastic pollution they’ve been emitting.

Aside from their willingness to help, it’s great to be dealing with a company that’s looking ahead long-term. While many businesses these days would rather make money on the first sale, this company is determined to build a lasting, long-term business relationship.

Salbro Bottles has recently been purchased by TricorBraun, another packaging company, but the Toronto staff remains the same.  What’s even more important is that the company vision has remained consistent and they’ve been true to their word.  They’re just as helpful today as when I first met them.

If you’re ever in need of different bottles and packaging material in bulk, I highly suggest you give them a try!

Salbro Bottle
http://www.salbrobottle.com/
905-850-1190

 

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Unparalleled Experience

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Several months ago, I heard about a popular Middle Eastern restaurant that had opened up in Toronto called Parallel. The restaurant is owned by the Ozery Brothers, of Ozery Bakery fame, and the creators behind the popular pitas that are available across the country and in some select locations in the United States. The Ozery Bakery has been around for more than 20 years and has grown from a small family owned bakery to a staple for alternative bread products. The Ozery Brothers’ new restaurant is sure to become a staple for Middle Eastern cuisine due to the great food, wonderful ambiance, and the overall unique experience that it has to offer.

Where the Ozery Bakery was the creation of just Alon and Guy; Parallel is a collaboration between Alon, Guy and their brother, Aharon. The addition of Aharon is apparent in how the space, location, and ambiance of the restaurant differs from that of Ozery Bakery. By having the three brothers all collaborate together, putting their individual skills and tastes into the restaurant, they have created a restaurant that is bursting with flavour and style.

Parallel itself is a small, open-concept space that seats about 75 people. An interesting aspect of the restaurant is that it backs onto the kitchen, allowing diners to see what is happening behind the scenes. The decoration is minimal, though the art pieces that are on the walls, are statement pieces and draw the eye. The high ceilings and the trains that can be seen through the window, give the restaurant a chic, yet warm, the ambiance that is reminiscent of a working, living warehouse.

Now, don’t be fooled by the location or the modern ambiance. The food is steeped in tradition, and the dining experience is based in the community. The menu is all about shareable items and diners can share beer and food with the table. This adds to the overall experience and charm of the restaurant and makes Parallel a great place for a friendly get together, a date, or a relaxing night out.

The menu offers dishes that suit all likes and dietary lifestyles. Parallel offers gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, while also offering a selection of dairy, gluten and meat dishes. The menu is not overly extensive, but there is enough variety that diners feel like that they can sample a wide variety of flavourful food and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

The acquaintance who told me about the new restaurant raved about how great it was and told me that they had already decided to go back. They were very excited, but there was a problem; it was so busy, they had to make a reservation a couple of weeks in advance and they didn’t know if they would be able to wait that long. Now I don’t know about you, but when there is a waitlist that long, I know that I have to go and see for myself what the craze is about.

So that’s exactly what I did… two weeks after I had made my own reservation.

When I arrived, my guest and I were immediately greeted and escorted to a table that had already been set. The server was great; they were personable, friendly, and full of suggestions. There was a great variety of food and beverages available, and the atmosphere was lively. The Parallel salad was tasty, and the fried cauliflower was amazing! The mushroom dish was unique and delicious. The flavours of each dish were mouth-watering and memorable. They were plated attractively and were a decent portion size; though I will admit that I found the restaurant to be a little bit on the expensive side, the food and the experience was well worth the money. I can’t wait to go back again and explore more of their menu, because if the food is as flavourful as the cauliflower or the salad, I know that I am in for an exciting treat.

Living in Toronto means that there are tens of thousands of restaurants that are available to choose from; and it has become increasingly difficult to find a unique, fun, and delicious restaurant that stands out. That being said, Parallel is one of those restaurants that is unique, memorable, and different, and in my humble opinion, everyone should try it and see for themselves how great it is.

Parallel is closed Monday and Tuesday, but it is open every other day of the week, offering both brunch and dinner. So, whether you are looking to try a new type of cuisine, impress a dinner date, or have a fun, relaxing brunch with friends or family, Parallel is unparalleled in providing great food and a great atmosphere, and you should definitely stop by to check it out.

Parallel
(416) 516-7765
www.parallelbrothers.com

 

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Customer Service That is Well-Done

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Easy Philly Cheesesteak Recipe (Ultimate Guide) - Momsdish

A few weeks ago, my neighbour came running outside, jumped into his car and drove off. When he returned, I had to ask what had happened. He told me that he and his wife didn’t have any dinner made, so they had decided to order food from the Grill Gate. Despite living in the area for ten years, I was not familiar with this restaurant. My neighbour told me that I had to try the Philly cheese sandwich.

Now I have been to Philidelphia and have tried an original and authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. My family decided to try Grill Gate on my neighbour’s suggestion.

The resturant has a small menu, they focus on cheese steaks, cheese burgers and eggplant parm cheese burger.

The restaurant itself is quite small, it can hold up to about 25 people. It is an authentic mom and pop shop. It is owned and operated by a husband and wife team. They originally ran a food truck and it became so popular that they opened up their own place.

They also have BIG orders of fries. They get their burger buns specially made by a local bakery.

My daughter had a sandwich and it was so big that she saved the rest for lunch for the next day. It is now her fun spot, where she takes friends.

When I was there, the server asked me “how are the first few bites tasting?” I liked that as I thought that was quite personal, instead of the generic “how is everything?”

The food is reasonably priced and it is a great place with great food.

I am not a big fan of uber eats, but the restaurant does have an account with it. Use this if you can’t make it in for a dine-in meal.

It is a great place for a quick bite to eat or for take out.

I thank my neighbour for his suggestion.


(416) 631-1167
www.grillgate.ca

 

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