Windsor Essex Restaurants Coexisting In Shared Spaces
Launching a restaurant (and keeping it open) is no easy task.
To compile the information for the article you are about to read, Biz X interviewed a few innovative entrepreneurs who are alleviating some of the financial risks associated with operating an independent restaurant, by sharing space with other businesses and organizations.
If you are interesting in starting up your own food operation in 2024, you will appreciate the great advice the biz pros offer. On the other hand, if you love to eat out and are looking for some new spots, we’re sure this feature story will point you in the right direction!
Wolf & Rebel & The Avocado Pit — Ahimsa Sushi, 2748 Seminole Street, Windsor
Wolf & Rebel originally started as a pop-up business in 2018, selling hand-stamped brass key chains.
In 2020, founder Annie Vanrivong, opened a brick and mortar store that now has turned into something way beyond what she imagined.
The vibrant gift store has a range of items including bath products, skincare, clothing, home décor, stationery and books, with displays and stock changing regularly.
“We were very lucky to have such a great space to work with that we were able to evolve and grow within the shop,” she indicates. “When we first started, it was just retail and then we wanted to bring the energy of community where people can come and hang out, so we added sit down areas, then the takeout sushi and our Matcha Bar.”
Retail expert Sam Bielanski, helps Vanrivong in the store and behind the counter, as the matcha barista. The Matcha Bar even has its own retail section with matcha powder and latte mixes, whisks to make the matcha, and merch like hoodies and tote bags.
From being vendors at some of the same markets, Vanrivong met the mother-daughter team from The Avocado Pit — Ahimsa Sushi, Holly Perreault and Rachel Guest.
Guest is the Sushi Chef and takes care of social media and marketing, while Perreault takes care of food prep and the front of the kitchen.
The pair started making vegan sushi in 2019, participating in markets and holding pop-up shops in businesses, such as Bull’s Eye Pizza and Wolf & Rebel. In 2021, The Avocado Pit solely started using Wolf & Rebel as a sushi pick-up spot, and in 2022, started building a permanent space in the gift shop.
“We were in a position where we needed to either find a small space to rent or it was likely we would have to give the business up completely,” Guest reveals. “We all started brainstorming and decided that both businesses could benefit from us building a take-out vegan sushi bar in an unused corner of Wolf & Rebel. We had similar branding, similar marketing styles, and the same customer base.”
Vanrivong comments: “It was such a natural decision to make. We’ve been side-by-side as businesses since we both started and I genuinely love their food. We also offer weekend pop-ups for other small businesses to come in for the day, because that was how we started. I know how important pop-ups can be when you’re a new business without a permanent location.”
Both businesses express that having a previous relationship was a great basis for their partnership and they offer a few words of advice to anyone considering opening up a food business in the near future.
“While the businesses are separate, you’ll be working under the same roof often, if not daily,” says Perreault. “Communication, transparency and knowing each other’s end goals are highly important, so you’re able to plan and envision the future of your business.”
Vanrivong suggests that biz pros: “Have mutual interests in each other’s business, whether you admire them for how they run their business or you love eating their food. You both need to have some understanding and respect for each other and the space.”
To see some of the latest gifts added to Wolf & Rebel, stop by the store in person or check out their online store at: WolfAndRebel.com.
To view The Avocado Pit’s menu and for information on takeout or catering, visit them inside Wolf & Rebel or refer to their facebook page.
Marco’s Original Italian Diner & The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 255, 5645 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor
Chef Marco Malizia, Owner of Marco’s Original Italian Diner was originally a Chef at Armando’s and moved to operating his own 35-seat restaurant on Tecumseh Road East, for several years.
Malizia sold the restaurant due to health reasons and looked for an option to keep his business going. He came upon the opportunity to lease a kitchen in an existing organization.
“It was less pressure because I only had to focus on the food aspect and the hours were much less demanding,” says Malizia who has worked out of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 255 since October 2021.
He continues by stating: “The partnership was a good fit because I could offer the customers at the Legion a good meal at a great price because overhead is low. I can pass that on to the customer, creating a better experience and with an existing customer base as well as the regular patrons at the Legion. We both seem to complement each other.”
Branch 255 President Ken Dault sees many benefits to the leased kitchen with Marco’s, especially since the Legion executive changes each year.
“It’s stability,” comments Dault. “He carries his own staff. He’s a standalone business and it’s 100% positive. Marco offers a good menu and good food at a fair price. That is what the Legion is about . . . a nice outing, inexpensive, in a relaxed setting.”
Marco’s is well-known for its chicken parmesan, wings, and amazing pizza that can be eaten in-house or ordered for takeout. The business also offers a variety of catering options as well, for events including birthdays, retirement parties, and wakes.
The Legion can even host these events, and now that it is open to everyone (of all ages), it’s a perfect place to go for a family meal, join trivia contests, listen to live music, and dance.
“We have a very welcoming atmosphere and we invite the public to come in and see what we are all about,” says Dault.
Malizia’s suggestions for other businesses that are looking for partnerships?
“Study the business to see if it is a good fit for you,” he advises. “It has to work for both parties involved. Always keep an open mind because you are basically going into someone else’s house that is already established.”
Dault adds: “You have to do your homework. You have to interview the people. When it works, it works well.”
The tasty menu for Marco’s Original Italian Diner can be found on their facebook page. To find out more about the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 255 and its special events visit online.
Rico Taco Mexican Street Eats & WindsorEats, 400 Erie Street East, Unit 3, Windsor
WindsorEats started as an online food and drink guide and added a brick and mortar event space in 2022. It is run by the brother and sister team of Adriano and Pina Ciotoli.
Over the years, the business has won many hospitality and tourism awards for their creativity in highlighting local food and providing tours and events with amazing customer experiences.
Their busy Erie Street location acts at the starting point for many food tours, cooking classes, and special events (including private functions), often with live music and food trucks on the bright outdoor patio.
One of those food trucks is Rico Taco Mexican Street Eats.
Armando Armas managed his own restaurant for three years, but wanted to do something different. So he closed the restaurant and when the pandemic hit he used a ghost kitchen and kept working on his dream.
Now, the owner and founder of Windsor’s first Mexican food truck, he keeps the mobile kitchen going, serving Mexican street corn, freshly breaded fish tacos, and popular Birria items like tacos, burgers, pizza, fries, ramen and churros.
The business also utilizes a second Rico Taco trailer to visit other local events (including weddings and corporate events) and, in the busy season, Armas employs up to 12 people.
“We felt our experience needed a place that had the same common goal — to serve our dear customers (who they call Tacoholics)!” says Armas. “At this moment, choosing to be in a partnership was an excellent idea because we could reach more customers and do bigger things. We choose to be here because WindsorEats is one of the most well-known tourism promoters in the Windsor and Essex County area.”
For information on classes and events, or to find great restaurant recommendations, go online.
Rico Taco closes for the winter, but check online for events you may find their mobile trailer until the truck re-opens in the spring at WindsorEats.