All posts by Angela Romano
Feature: 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.
…[read more]Feature: Marc Capancioni
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.
…[read more]Feature: Arturo Ristorante
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.
…[read more]Feature: Void Vinyl
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
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
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.
…[read more]FBFM wellness bags giveaway
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:
…[read more]Feature: Big Lake Cabin
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
…[read more]Feature: Northern Superior
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
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
(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.)
…[read more]Feature: Makwa Wise
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.
…[read more]Feature: Willson Greco Law
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
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
Sault Business Matters has some exciting news to share regarding Yes! It Fits! relative to a new online store that has just been launched.
…[read more]Sault smiles with Neeta
For this edition of Sault smiles, Sault Business Matters features splendid Indian-style food cook Neeta Marwah of Rasoi!
…[read more]Feature: IDA Pharmacy
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]Homespun home shopping
Homespun Treasures of the Sault is offering its loyal and new customers the opportunity to shop its fabulous selection of home decor from the comfort of your home.
…[read more]Let’s show national pride
Tamar Ford, owner of Tamar’s Trends flower shop, located in the Sault’s downtown, would like fellow business owners and friends to display the Canadian flag as we fight COVID-19.
…[read more]From Amanda’s Reading Corner
Are you bored? Well, Sault Business Matters has this message from Amanda’s Reading Corner that may serve as a boredom buster.
…[read more]I.D.A. pharmacy delivers
The team at I.D.A. pharmacy in the Sault recognizes that many people are striving to do their part and limiting their local travel as encouraged by all the leading health organizations during this challenging time of the Coronavirus.
…[read more]Rasoi is NOT closing for good
Neeta Marwah, who is the owner of Rasoi The Indian Kitchen, has told Sault Business Matters that, contrary to a story posted by Soo Today, she is not closing her restaurant for good.
…[read more]Feature: Homespun Treasures
For all intents and purposes, Homespun Treasures, the rustic, homey, country, quaint store located in the Sault’s downtown, was never really supposed to happen in its current format.
…[read more]Sault smiles at the Rad Zone
(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.)
…[read more]Spring fling at Homespun
Homespun Treasures, located at 762 Queen Street E. in the Sault’s downtown, is holding a spring fling event on Tuesday from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m.
…[read more]Feature: Kendall Barban, lawyer
On the day I met with local lawyer Kendall Barban of O’Neill DeLorenzi Nanne Barristers & Solicitors, I was immediately struck by how personable and friendly she is, much like her law clerk, Sandy Holmberg, who had reached out to me regarding advertising here on Sault Business Matters.
…[read more]Feature: The Croatian Corner
Anyone who follows me on social media knows that this Italian girl loves her food. But I also love to let everyone else know about all of the Sault’s amazing places to eat and shop at.
…[read more]New hours at Rasoi
Located in the Sault’s downtown, Rasoi, The Indian Kitchen has advised Sault Business Matters of new hours until further notice.
…[read more]Feature: Amanda’s Reading Corner
It was just the other day that I finally met the founder of Amanda’s Reading Corner, Amanda Holmberg, in person after corresponding with her for the last few months, coincidentally on something completely different, a Facebook page she had created when seeing the need for it, called ‘Things to do in the Soo’.
…[read more]Feature: Stackburger
Here’s a fact you may be surprised to learn about the owner of Stackburger, which is located on Spring St., in the Sault’s downtown.
…[read more]Wellness workshop at FBFM
Fit Bodies Fit Minds, which is located in the Sault’s downtown, will be hosting a wellness workshop on Thursday, February 27 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
…[read more]Feature: Yes! It Fits
The other day, I shared a post on my Facebook page regarding new tankini arrivals at Yes! It Fits — and the comments under my post ranged from “excellent products and lovely service” to “superb service and excellent quality.”
…[read more]Feature: Tamar’s Trends
One thing that will immediately strike you about flower shop owner Tamar Ford is just how very easy it is to have a conversation with her. You quickly feel at ease, comfortable, and know that you are in for an easy, uncomplicated, and enjoyable shopping experience.
…[read more]Sault smiles at Deb’s Spa
(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.)
…[read more]Feature: MVMT Yoga
Tucked away in the basement of the Healing Arts Centre on Bruce St., you will find one of the Sault’s newest yoga studios. But rest assured, this is not your typical run of the mill studio! MVMT Yoga opened in November of 2018 and its name is inspired by owner Cara Russon’s firm belief that movement is medicine — and it truly is.
…[read more]Healing Loft wellness retreat
The Healing Loft, which is located at 719 Queen St. E. in the Sault’s downtown, will be offering a two-day wellness retreat, Sault Business Matters has learned.
…[read more]Feature: Creative Nest Studio
It was approximately five years ago that Diana Petainen took a leap of faith and followed her heart to pursue a very different career path.
…[read more]All about the bridge bus
You can always hop on the bus. Looking to head across the International Bridge from Sault, Ontario to the Michigan Sault — or vice versa — for an excursion but either don’t have access to a car or don’t want to take your car?
…[read more]Feature: Fit Bodies. Fit Minds
The goal of Fit Bodies. Fit Minds is what appears on the surface to be a simple one — to inspire you to move! However, as we all know, the motivation to get started and commit to movement in any form can be intimidating, nerve wracking, even anxiety producing for some.
…[read more]Advertise with us
Attention local business owners: Are you interested in joining the growing list of advertisers that appear here on Sault Business Matters?
…[read more]Free parking downtown
The City of Sault Ste. Marie, via its parking division, has advised that there will be free parking downtown during the holiday season.
…[read more]Feature: City Meat Market
It is rare to come across a business located in downtown that can boast of being a landmark for over 100 years. But such is the case with one of downtown Sault Ste. Marie’s finest examples of top-notch customer service, City Meat Market.
…[read more]