There’s nothing as satisfying as a room full of people enjoying your food, says Sarnia chef Mike Barnes. His career has focused on catering rather than restaurants because Barnes likes the feeling he gets from a happy event organizer or smiling bride. “At a wedding, I’ll approach the bride and groom to see how they… Read more »
Sarnia’s Floriano Persichetti believes in jumping at a good business opportunity. Ten years ago, he started AutoWerks Collision Experts where he has four employees. In April, he opened TradeWerks Plumbing and Mechanical. By summer, he’ll also own and operate a new Italian takeout and delivery restaurant. “It’s really about good employees giving me the opportunity… Read more »
Mike and Mary Jorgenson are introducing a new approach to massage therapy to Sarnia. They are franchise owners of Massage Addict, a membership-based massage provider with 15 locations in Ontario. The Jorgensons, each with 15 years of retail experience, have rights to the Southwestern Region. They opened their first Massage Addict on April 1 at… Read more »
John DeGroot is one of those rare individuals who doesn’t mind fundraising. While others might dislike asking for donations for their favourite cause, DeGroot says he chooses projects that bring “good stuff” to the community and surrounds himself with people he considers strong. That makes it possible for his ideas like the Awesome Foundation to… Read more »
You’re familiar with sweet and sour, salty and bitter. But do you know the taste of umami? Greg Laviolette says umami is his specialty. “It’s the fifth flavour,” explains the chef at Greens Organic Café on the corner of Lochiel and Christina streets. “Umami translates from Japanese and means deliciousness. When you’re cooking and it… Read more »
Score one for Sarnia’s research park A Sarnia-based tech developer is teaming up with Canada’s largest mushroom producer to build a facility in Ontario using a process developed at the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park on Modeland Road. The $1.4 million project will convert waste from mushroom farms into a liquid mineral fertilizer, said Mohammad Rahbari,… Read more »
She’s a problem solver, a single mom, an entrepreneur and a bit of a chemist. Sarnia’s Jen Smith, 34, has spent the last year in her kitchen developing her own line of body care products. She makes everything from “Wondermama Bum Cream” to “Boo Boo Balm” on her stovetop, and pours each all-natural product into… Read more »
Three local realtors say their commitment to keeping their staff long-term will create a successful new Century 21 franchise in Sarnia. Cris LaPointe, 36, Sean Ryan, 30, and Jeff McLaughlin, 29, spent the week unpacking chairs and setting up new offices at 201 Front St. North. They are equal partners in Century 21 Bluewater Realty… Read more »
Lucky regulars at Sideways Classic Grill sometimes get to share complimentary samplers when chef Brian Hall experiments. Conjuring up new sauces and food combinations, then seeing how the patrons like them, is how Hall develops his menu. Creating new flavours for traditional pub food has become an ongoing project for Hall since he conceived Sideway’s… Read more »
BAKE ME A CAKE EXPANSION Local cupcake queen Amy Bourgon has moved her Bake me a Cake operation to Mitton Village so her customers can have a small café to enjoy a sweet treat. There’s even a cupcake-themed play area for the kids. “We’ve got seating for seven, better parking and a lot more… Read more »
