All posts by Angela Romano

Feature: Superior Vision Care


By
October 21, 2021

I recently had a chance to catch up with the friendly and personable office manager of Superior Vision Care Tammy Culina, who also happens to be the wife of the equally friendly and personable optometrist there, Dr. Tom Culina, or Tom as he prefers to be called by his patients. 

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Uncle Gino’s Cafe & Ristorante


By
October 1, 2021

Mmmmm … panzarotti!

Since 1985, Uncle Gino’s Café on Second Line West has been serving up some great Italian food and fan favourites like their famous and monster size delicious panzarotti.  

It opened in 1985 with Maria and Gino Calvano as the hands on and hard working owners.  

…[read more]

FBFM and the Street Party


By
August 27, 2021

Sault Business Matters is pleased to share some news relative to the upcoming Downtown Street Party via the team at Fit Bodies. Fit Minds.
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SK Group online platform


By
July 26, 2021

Since 1992, the multi-faceted SK Group Inc. has been serving the Sault and area offering top notch customer service.

It started out primarily as an embroidery business but then securing a larger space in 1996 allowed for expanded production facilities, more equipment and thus more capabilities. 

…[read more]

Mmmmm … Agawa Fish & Chips


By
July 5, 2021

There is nothing better than a fish fry using fresh locally caught fish.  Am I right? Lucky for us in the Algoma region, we have access to some pretty amazing fresh local fish courtesy of a family run operation, Agawa Fishery.

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Transit bus advertising options


By
June 22, 2021

I recently had a chance to catch up with Blaine Smith, who is the managing director of Northern Transit & Arena Advertising Agency (NTAAA), and received some updates from him. As a refresher, NTAAA provides promotion services for businesses and organizations in Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, and Sudbury.

…[read more]

Stellar service at Tamar’s


By
June 16, 2021

For businesses like Tamar’s Trends who rely a lot on things like weddings, large social events and gatherings, it is an understatement to say that COVID-19 has significantly affected the bottom line of the downtown flower shop.

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Camera Craft is back open!


By
June 15, 2021

Owner James Wishon has advised Sault Business Matters that his Camera Craft store has reopened for business as part of phase one of the provincial government plan.

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Vintage Games set to reopen


By
June 10, 2021

We have some great news to share with you regarding one of this community’s most beloved downtown gems, Vintage Games N’ Junque.

They are happy to say that they can’t wait to see your smiling faces when they re-open to the public on Friday of this week (June 11) with the recent announcement of the Ontario government to enter Step 1 of its roadmap to reopen. 

…[read more]

On the grill at Stackburger


By
May 31, 2021

Now that’s a burger!

Anyone who knows Kevin Syrette can vouch for his love of a good burger going back to his childhood and many years of traveling as part of the musical group Bear Creek where he would try burgers wherever he went. 

Thus, it is very fortunate for the people of the Sault that in 2015, Kevin decided to take a leap of faith and open his very own burger joint — and voila, the now very popular Stackburger was born.

…[read more]

Feature: Steel City Delivery


By
May 25, 2021

For over 20 years, Steel City Delivery has quietly been serving the Sault and area and building a loyal following primarily because of their friendly, efficient and reliable services.

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Sleep Inn: Home away from home


By
May 10, 2021

Sleep Inn, located on Bay Street just off East Street, in the Sault’s downtown

It was a recent Saturday evening that I was invited to experience the stellar hospitality of the well appointed Sleep Inn for myself as a way of research for this story, a little ‘staycation’ if you will!

It soon became apparent why they are recent winners of the prestigious Gold Award for Choice Hotels! 

From the moment I arrived, I was greeted warmly by staff and immediately felt like a member of the Sleep Inn family, which explains why they have so many repeat guests.   

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‘Your comfort, our promise’


By
April 26, 2021

Sault Business Matters had a chance to recently connect with the personable Derek Jackson, who is the chief information and marketing officer for Wardlaw Heating & Cooling.

And when asked the secret to the company being in business for 40 years, Derek responded with the fact that Wardlaw Heating & Cooling has worked hard to stay ahead of the curve and has always adapted with the changing industry.

…[read more]

City Meat Market supports local


By
April 14, 2021

Speaking to Lori Nowitski, daughter of John and Rosina Bruni, owners of City Meat Market, it doesn’t take long to see how passionate she is about a few things — supporting local business, excellence in customer service, and a genuine desire to see the downtown thrive. 

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Catching up with Pina and Tony


By
April 12, 2021

Tony and Pina Bennardo, of Bennardo Jewellers

To say that COVID-19 has proved a challenge to a small local business like Bennardo Jewellers would be an understatement.

But in speaking to Pina Bennardo, it is truly heartwarming to appreciate their resilience.   

…[read more]

Camera Craft stands test of time


By
March 27, 2021

Camera Craft, in the Sault’s downtown

Camera Craft has been a fixture in downtown Sault Ste. Marie for over six decades, which is an incredible achievement in the small business world.  Longevity in operating a highly specialized service is certainly something to be proud of and a testament to the stellar customer service experience one can expect from the team at Camera Craft.  Camera Craft has always been a family operated business from its previous owners and to the current ownership.

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New at Fit Bodies, Fit Minds


By
March 17, 2021

Sault Business Matters recently caught up with the newly hired director of athletics for Fit Bodies. Fit Minds, Daniel Roy to go over some of its new and revised programming.

Daniel and the rest of the team couldn’t be happier to be able to offer more in person programming but also continue with virtual options for those that prefer that option given these times.

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What’s new at Yes! It Fits


By
March 15, 2021

It is no secret that 2020 was a challenging year for small businesses and that 2021 has also been off to a rocky start.

But the resiliency of a small business owner such as Jodie McNabb of Yes! It Fits is nothing short of inspiring. 

Being able to adapt and make the best of situations has been a big part of why Jodie continues to be successful in a business category that by all intents and purposes would not be expected to do so well in this COVID-19 environment — but succeed she has!

…[read more]

Pond Hockey Apparel


By
February 8, 2021

It was back in November when I was the lucky winner of a pretty nice looking shirt via ‘Movember’ promotion and the fine folks at Broers Jansen in the Sault’s downtown.  I am one of the first people to try to support local philanthropic initiatives. In this case, it was for every purchase of Broers Jansen mulled wine, (you really had to twist my arm for this one), you received an entry into a draw for a shirt and they would donate some money to the ‘Movember’ campaign.  When I received the shirt — which was super soft and comfy by the way — I noticed the words Pond Hockey Apparel on the sleeve.

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RIP, Carlos Arruda


By
January 24, 2021

This is a big loss.

It is a story of a great loss to our business community, a story of heartbreaking loss for our community in general, and a story of personal loss.

…[read more]

New to Marcel’s Automotive


By
January 19, 2021

Sault Business Matters has received a special equipment update from Marcel’s Automotive, which is located on Queen Street, just past Tancred, in the Sault’s downtown area.

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Feature: Odd Job Jacks


By
December 29, 2020

Odd Job Jacks owner Kurtis McDermid may not be aware of this but being a pretty actively involved member of our community who volunteers for local causes a fair amount, I have actually been a fan of what he and his business are all about for quite a few years.

You see, a couple of years ago, I took part in the Downtown Association’s annual ‘Spring Clean’ event where volunteers take part in tidying up downtown.

And at the time, a generous company had donated its time, resources and labour to help with this big task — and that company was Odd Job Jacks.

…[read more]

Feature: KC Security Services


By
December 1, 2020

Daniel Laprade of KC Security Services

I had a chance to connect with the on-the-go owner of KC Security Services, Daniel Laprade, via telephone recently.

And like the owner himself, our conversation was reassuring and friendly, having known each other for years through our other roles in the community and by often seeing him working at many community events. 

For someone so young, Daniel has quickly become a much respected and leader in the local security services scene. 

…[read more]

Feature: The Whisky Barrel


By
November 24, 2020

The bar at the Whisky Barrel

A recent Friday the 13th seemed like a good day as any to stop by The Whisky Barrel to have a chat with one half of the duo that owns this welcome addition to downtown Sault Ste. Marie.   

Since it was a vacation day for me from my “day” job, I even got to treat myself to a drink while we chatted, a rye and coke in case you are wondering.   

When I arrived, the exuberant and personable Dunbar Thompson, co-owner of the Whisky Barrel, was working alone and chatting with a first time visitor. And while I sat at the bar waiting to chat, I was able to witness why people quickly become fans of the vibe offered at the Whisky Barrel. 

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Feature: Marc Capancioni


By
November 18, 2020

It was during a break in the morning that I spoke to the easy going Marc Capancioni, mortgage agent at the local Centum Mortgage Brokers office here in Sault Ste. Marie. 

Our chat began with a bit of a catch up about his recent new status as a first time Dad to a sweet little girl named Emmie who just turned 10 weeks old. 

Marc said he and his wife are really enjoying being first time parents and have been blessed with a good sleeper who is super cute from the photos I’ve seen.

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Feature: Arturo Ristorante


By
November 13, 2020

For the past 35 years, the Comegna family has been bringing incredible Italian cuisine to Sault Ste. Marie — first at their location on Gore Street and since 2002, at their current spot, 515 Queen Street East. 

The founder of Arturo Ristorante, Arturo Comegna, well known in the local food scene, laid a strong foundation for success for his two sons, Thomas and Chris, who took ownership in April of 2011.

Both Thomas and Chris, despite their relative youth, have been involved in the business for the past twenty years, having learned at a young age, from their dad.

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Feature: Void Vinyl


By
November 10, 2020

I don’t know about you, but I can tell you that at 18 years old, I was no where near being ready to own my own vinyl records/café/street wear clothing shop — or any business for that matter.

But for Nathan Wilding, his love of vinyl and the opportunity to open a pretty cool spot in the Sault’s downtown was something he felt driven to do. 

Thus, Void Vinyl came into being.

…[read more]

Bennardo open on Saturdays


By
November 9, 2020

Sault Business Matters has received a notice from Bennardo Jewellers relative to extended business hours and the Christmas shopping season.

…[read more]

Feature: Marcel’s Automotive


By
October 30, 2020

Marcel, at work

It was a Friday evening when I spoke to the no nonsense, honest, and friendly Marcel Lamoureux via telephone. 

In the background I could hear the sound of a child laughing and after what had been an emotionally challenging week hearing about the loss of a close friend’s son as a result of a car accident, the sound of laughter was a welcome one. 

Advertising sales can be tough at times so it was a nice surprise when I stopped in to Marcel’s Automotive to speak to them about possibly advertising on Sault Business Matters knowing that they were relatively new to their current location at 61 Queen Street East, formerly occupied by Advance Transmission. 

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FBFM wellness bags giveaway


By
October 23, 2020

Fit Bodies Fit Minds has put together wellness bags which include a number of health and wellness items valued up to $175.00!

Included in the bags are items and discounts from various local businesses in Sault Ste. Marie. 

Each bag is a little a different (and a surprise!) but includes items that will compliment your home workouts, contribute to your overall health and well being, and also might add to your wardrobe! 

Fit Bodies Fit Minds wants to help our community during these trying times and give away 3 bags!!! 3 bags = 3 winners! To enter the giveaway: 

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Feature: Big Lake Cabin


By
October 19, 2020

It is fair to say that the personable and happy go lucky Jon Young is in many ways a big part of why Big Lake Cabin in just over a year has quickly become a Sault favourite in the local dining scene. 

The friendly, funny, kind, caring and generous Jon is often the face you see welcoming you to what is sure to be a pleasant dining experience. 

Big Lake Cabin opened in August of 2019 and has truly brought a fresh new vibe to the Sault’s downtown dining experience with an innovative and creative menu that is changed up frequently to take advantage of what is in season but also what is seasonally appropriate. 

…[read more]

Feature: Laura DeLuca


By
September 25, 2020

I recently met up with Laura DeLuca at a local downtown restaurant to chat about her work as a real estate sales representative for locally owned and operated brokerage EXIT Realty Lake Superior. 

I have known Laura for a long time and even though it had been a while since we saw each other in person, it was as though no time had passed at all.

This type of easy and comfortable conversation is what anyone who contacts Laura for their real estate needs can expect.  It doesn’t take long to realize that she has found the perfect fit for her personality and strengths and anyone looking to buy or sell their home is in good hands with Laura. 

…[read more]

Steel City NerdCon is coming


By
September 11, 2020

Steel City NerdCon is a go!

Sault Business Matters has learned that Vintage Games N’ Junque has decided to go ahead with its popular event at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.

It will have up to 40 exhibitors from across the province carefully spread out to allow for social distancing.

Details are as follows.

…[read more]

Feature: Parlow/Ensurco


By
September 8, 2020

It is always a nice change to chat with an old friend for the purposes of a “work” story and such was the case when I chatted with Mike Parlow for this article. 

You see, Mike and I go way back.  How far back?  How about some thirty plus years since we went to elementary school together at a great west end learning institution, St. Mary’s.

Michael is still the funny, personable, social, dependable, easy going guy that I remember from my childhood and those very character traits are what has made him so successful in his role with Ensurco Insurance Group as a broker/partner and risk manager. 

…[read more]

Feature: Norpro Security


By
September 1, 2020

For the past forty years, Norpro has been an industry leader in security, health and safety, and IT solutions.

And in speaking with the associate vice president of customer experience Allan Watson, it quickly became clear that the key attributes that Norpro prides itself on being synonymous with are responsiveness, approachability, and knowledgeability in all the sectors that it serves.

Norpro is an industry leader with a heart – and makes it its duty to maintain close ties to the communities in which it services.

…[read more]

I.D.A. walk-in clinic is open


By
August 26, 2020

A new walk-in clinic is open at the I.D.A. Drug Mart location in Wellington Square Mall in the Sault’s east end.

“We have opened this clinic to assist with wait times at the Sault Area Hospital, especially for non-urgent ailments,” part owner Joe Greco relayed to Sault Business Matters.

…[read more]

Feature: NTAAA advertising


By
August 4, 2020

Effective and affordable advertising during these challenging times can be very hard to achieve.

Having said that, Northern Transit & Arena Advertising Agency (NTAAA) feels it offers one of the best options to assist area businesses — including Sault Ste. Marie — with branding and increased sales.

One of the company’s key objectives is to match their client’s interests with outdoor and indoor advertising products and services that will offer a direct link to the client’s consumer interests as well as their locations.

…[read more]

Feature: Jasmine Ladies Fashions


By
July 21, 2020

For thirty-seven years, Jasmine Ladies Fashions has been a fixture in women’s clothing at first from its location for many years in the Cambrian Mall and now in its current location in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. 

Owner Linda Caputo tells Sault Business Matters that she began her journey in the retail world as a buyer for the Shoe Corporation of America but always had an interest and love for women’s fashion.

Right from the start, she developed a loyal clientele and she, along with her long-time and friendly staff of Nancy, the store manager, and other long-time staff members Chris, Mary, and Ida, all enjoy helping women find the perfect outfit for occasions of all kinds.

…[read more]

Feature: Sault Tree Experts


By
July 13, 2020

Working as a writer for Sault Business Matters, you can certainly learn all about the different facets involved in various industries.

And in this case it was some lessons in the art of working with trees! 

You see, for over thirty-five years, Glen Chiblow, who is the owner of Sault Tree Experts, has expertly guided his business to become one of the best arborist companies in the region which takes great pride in the service they provide.

…[read more]

Feature: Healthgear Medical


By
July 3, 2020

It has been a locally owned and operated business for almost 30 years.

Since September of 1992, Healthgear Medical & Safety Inc. has been proudly serving the Algoma District providing reliable, knowledgeable service in home health care.  

From the very beginning, owner Jim (James) Mills has aimed to offer the best prices compared to the competitors in what is arguably a competitive market. 

Speaking with Mills recently, I learned that at first because his father was in the restaurant business, having owned five restaurants, he in a way felt he should try and follow in his footsteps.

…[read more]

Feature: Rivercity Motorsports


By
June 24, 2020

It was a recent Saturday that I stopped in to speak with general manager Jason Goodine of Rivercity Motorsports & Trailers about what can only be described as a real playground for the outdoor enthusiast.

While I waited for Jason to open the door at Rivercity Motorsports & Trailers I had a chance to look at some of the “toys” on display outside and wow, what a wide variety of fun looking machines! 

Goodine tells Sault Business Matters that he has served as GM for the last three years and absolutely loves being able to make people’s dreams come true in helping them get their dream powersport machine, be it an ATV, UTV, XTV, snowmobile, motorcycle, dirt bike, personal watercraft, pontoon boat, boat, tractor, trailer, and other power equipment.

…[read more]

Bennardo extends hours


By
June 23, 2020

Sault Business Matters has confirmed that Bennardo Jewellers, which is located on Great Northern Road in the Sault, has expanded their hours.

…[read more]

Feature: Vintage Games


By
June 17, 2020

I recently met with Mike Turcotte, one half of the dynamic duo, who along with his wife Beth Davison, owns and operates a real treasure in downtown Sault Ste. Marie affectionately titled Vintage Games N Junque.

One of the first things you will notice about Mike is his quick wit and a real gift for friendly conversation which is sure to make your shopping experience a fun one. 

The store itself is a virtual treasure trove of interesting finds and collectibles, which lends itself completely to a lengthy visit and you can be sure that you won’t feel pressured to buy something — but in all likelihood you will find something that tickles your fancy. 

…[read more]

Feature: Bennardo Jewellers


By
June 8, 2020

If there is one story that I am proud to write, this one would definitely rank near the top.  You see, I have known the Bennardo family pretty much most of my life — for many years they lived across the street from me.

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Feature: Northern Superior


By
May 25, 2020

Who doesn’t like an ice cold beer especially as we start to see temperatures start to heat up in Sault Ste. Marie? 

(It’s no secret that I have been known to enjoy a cold beer or two, especially in the summer months.) 

Well, the Sault is fortunate to have two breweries in operation and without question, Northern Superior Brewing Company as its predecessor Northern Brewery, has a storied history here and has been quenching the thirst of residents for many, many years. 

…[read more]

City Meat Market re-opening


By
May 22, 2020

We have some good news relative to the family owned and operated — and very popular — City Meat Market, which is located in the Sault’s downtown.

…[read more]

Sault smiles at Bennardo


By
May 18, 2020

(EDITOR’S NOTE: A regular feature in which we share many of the smiles that help make the Sault a friendly place to do business.)

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Feature: Makwa Wise


By
May 12, 2020

Sometimes things happen suddenly and unexpectedly. And the story of how Makwa Wise came to be an advertiser on Sault Business Matters is an example of this. 

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Feature: Willson Greco Law


By
May 6, 2020

Situated at 494 Albert Street East in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, you will come across a beautiful, rustic looking building that is home to the law offices of Willson Greco Barristers & Solicitors

…[read more]

Online vendor event


By
April 30, 2020

Sault Business Matters is pleased to announce that local entrepreneur Amanda Holmberg of Amanda’s Reading Corner — she is also a local “gelmoment” vendor — has organized a local online vendor shopping event for this weekend.

…[read more]

Shop on line at Yes It Fits


By
April 28, 2020

Sault Business Matters has some exciting news to share regarding Yes! It Fits! relative to a new online store that has just been launched.

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Sault smiles with Neeta


By
April 24, 2020

For this edition of Sault smiles, Sault Business Matters features splendid Indian-style food cook Neeta Marwah of Rasoi!

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Feature: IDA Pharmacy


By
April 14, 2020

One of Sault Ste. Marie’s longest serving examples of excellence in customer service can be found in the IDA Pharmacy family of stores. As a long time customer myself, this writer can attest to the “go the extra mile” level of service you can expect at the IDA locations.

…[read more]