[Saint John] Retail Thread

[Ire Narissis]

We were at Swiss Chalet on the weekend and I took the opportunity to ask our server about the move (they have posters on the front windows now promoting the new location and showing what it'll look like; unfortunately I didn't think at the time to take photos).

Right now the expectation is they'll move seamlessly from the current location to the new, with the new one opening Nov. 15.

The timeline has clearly been pushed a few months (the original building permit for conversion of the building they're vacating was issued for August).

[darkharbour]

Originally Posted by Ire Narissis

We were at Swiss Chalet on the weekend and I took the opportunity to ask our server about the move (they have posters on the front windows now promoting the new location and showing what it'll look like; unfortunately I didn't think at the time to take photos).

Right now the expectation is they'll move seamlessly from the current location to the new, with the new one opening Nov. 15.

The timeline has clearly been pushed a few months (the original building permit for conversion of the building they're vacating was issued for August).

November seems optimistic since the frame of the new restaurant isn't even there yet, but I guess maybe they can throw the whole thing up and get the kitchen ready in 3-4 months if it's a simple build.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by darkharbour

November seems optimistic since the frame of the new restaurant isn't even there yet, but I guess maybe they can throw the whole thing up and get the kitchen ready in 3-4 months if it's a simple build.

Yeah, I drove up past the site a week or two ago, and there was virtually nothing achieved. All the permits and inspections required for a food establishment, I can't see it happening in 4 months.

I would love to see a picture of the render if someone visits in the near future.

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

I’ve lived in 4 other cities with Swiss Chalet and I think I’ve gone a grand total of one time, back in high school, and it was never a very popular restaurant in Western Canada, despite the epic early 2000’s TV commercials.

It seems Swiss Chalet is quite popular here in NB, but it also seems that it used to be much, much better than its more contemporary iterations.

What I think we really need next in SJ (and that Canada needs in general) is a Canadian answer to In-N-Out, Shake Shack, and Five Guys, because A&W just ain’t it.

In-N-Out remains the undisputed best burger place when it comes to value, and if a Canadian restaurant could emulate something in between an the value of In-N-Out and the quality of Five Guys, it could become a successful nation wide chain.

[Pugsley]

Originally Posted by EnvisionSaintJohn

I’ve lived in 4 other cities with Swiss Chalet and I think I’ve gone a grand total of one time, back in high school, and it was never a very popular restaurant in Western Canada, despite the epic early 2000’s TV commercials.

Yes, but it is a mainstay for Ontarians moving back, or here to retire. You'd be surprised how much they love it.

As for burger joints, don't expect an In-n-Out in NB anytime soon - especially before they get one on the east coast of the US. Family-owned, non-franchise. Slow growth and expansion model. They don't open anywhere unless they are 100% certain it will be a success.

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Originally Posted by Pugsley

Yes, but it is a mainstay for Ontarians moving back, or here to retire. You'd be surprised how much they love it.

As for burger joints, don't expect an In-n-Out in NB anytime soon - especially before they get one on the east coast of the US. Family-owned, non-franchise. Slow growth and expansion model. They don't open anywhere unless they are 100% certain it will be a success.

Yeah, I don’t think even Montreal and Toronto will ever see In-N-Outs… Vancouver will probably get one eventually tho.

Im surprised there’s not a single Five Guys in NB, when they’re an East Coast chain. I guess I’d rather get a Shake Shack, since it’s a little more affordable, but Five Guys seems to give smaller markets a chance than Shake Shack won’t, and the Double Bacon Cheeseburger with extra, extra, extra, extra, extra bacon is actually kind of a great deal. Five Guys was my go to takeout in university, and I’d stock up on peanuts every time lol

So while I’d love to see SJ get a Five Guys, I’d even more like to see the next great Canadian burger chain open shop here in SJ, especially if it was store #001!

[DyAm00394]

Flameo will be opening at Parkway Mall, (212 McAllister Drive). (Looks like inside the former Cosmo Prof spot next to Domino’s). Currently seeking a franchise owner. https://www.itsflameo.com/

[bingun]

Originally Posted by DyAm00394

Flameo will be opening at Parkway Mall, (212 McAllister Drive). (Looks like inside the former Cosmo Prof spot next to Domino’s). Currently seeking a franchise owner. https://www.itsflameo.com/

Is it worth a visit? I have driven past them before, but I've never dined at one.

[DyAm00394]

Originally Posted by bingun

Is it worth a visit? I have driven past them before, but I've never dined at one.

I’ve heard they are pretty good and worth a try.

[DyAm00394]

Status update photo and rendering of the new Swiss Chalet at East Point Shopping Centre.



(Photos are from the Retail Talk New Brunswick FB page).