Ice Sculptures Coming to Ross Street Patio

The DBA is delighted to announce the return of ice sculptures to the downtown as part of the winter Ross Street Patio.  Next week, as it is scheduled to warm-up, you will see an installation start to take shape – if you are interested in watching the installation, please bring your family down to the Ross Street Patio and join us on the afternoon of January 10th or at 3:30PM -4:30PM during the Grand Reveal where we will be giving away free hot chocolate and lighting the fire tables to keep you warm while you take in the winter creativity!

This years installation will be created by Frozen Memories Inc.

The Ross Street Patio is the hub of downtown entertainment, and the DBA is proud to be programming it for the winter season – you will see more activities as the winter progresses, including art installations, live music and family fun.  Follow us on Facebook to keep updated on what’s going on when.  If you are a community group or an event organizer wishing to bring some activity to Ross Street Patio either now or in the summer, please direct message or call the DBA to find out about the support, including financial support, that we can provide to help your event or activity come to life.

Facebook:  Downtown Red Deer 

Instagram: Downtown Business Association 

 

This event proudly supported by:

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Business Spotlight: Sacks Thrift Ave

This week’s Business Spotlight shines on Sacks Thrift Ave! This charity thrift store is located at #101 4805 48 Street. We spoke with Vincent to learn more about sustainable fashion and the Vinyl Record renaissance!

What is your business?

We’re a vintage store that specializes in vinyl predominantly, but also clothing. But, it’s probably best to start with the history of how this all started! I’m actually part of the ownership group of the building [Mid City Plaza]. Like a lot of Downtown buildings, we had a lot of vacancy. My past is in real estate, so I actually put together the group to invest in this building—but it hadn’t been going well. When we lost Sagit Aries Costumes when she retired, the place was vacant for a while, and I decided to open a charitable thrift store here—because we do have Charities in the building—to support them and create a tenant for ourselves! We started off as a thrift store, with some mixed results. But, from the old Sound House that used to be located Downtown we got a whole bunch of left-over records, so we had this vinyl wall and we kind of found that was a big chunk of our sales. When we closed down for four months at the start of the pandemic, I went and sourced a whole bunch of records. And immediately, when we reopened, sales jumped up! People started coming in for curated records. That became a big push for the business and now that’s our biggest seller here. We have the best, largest selection of Vinyl in Central Alberta. As we continued to succeed, we now support Central Alberta Brain Injury society as well as Canadian Mental Health, but we’re hoping we can support more charities as we grow.

   

When did your business open?

It will be two years in October.

What makes your business unique?

Well, another thing I should bring up is, hopefully, in the next few weeks we will be opening our rage room! I think we have that all ironed out and should be opening that up shortly. When we were a thrift store, we got all this stuff donated that we never sold. You go ask any thrift store—they’ve got tons of stuff that they’ll never sell. It’s a pity that exists, but we’re finding a purpose for it!

What are some products/services that you offer?

We still have some of the typical thrift up front, but in January we made the switch to a curated thrift and vintage. It’s a big draw, especially to our younger clientele. They just recognize that this is more environmentally friendly. The clothing industry is the #2 polluter in the world and clothes are made so cheaply now that they just fall apart—versus the old stuff that is forty years old that stands the test of time. Young people just love this stuff because they know it’s going to last.

So, there’s band merch, patches, we do bring in some new band merch as well. And the records. There’s so much investment in nostalgic things going on, like Pokémon cards. People want to invest in things they love, and you can’t get that with MP3’s and on-demand music apps. People aren’t actively listening, whereas, with a record you are purposefully listening and experiencing an album. I’ve been doing my research and there is so much that gets lost from the music when it’s on an MP3 or an app. Specifically, when they take a song and make it into an MP3 they are removing some of background music in order to make the file smaller.  Studies have shown that when listening to records there is a bigger dopamine release than when listening to MP3’s. That’s why people keep coming back to records; to hear the music how it was meant to be—it’s such a massive dopamine hit!

 

Why did you choose Downtown Red Deer as the location for your business?

Well, I already owned in Downtown, but the truth is what we need is more people living Downtown, more business Downtown—it has to be a destination. The city, of course, has to encourage it to be a destination and then we all prosper. So basically, someone’s got to do it!

What do you think makes Downtown vibrant?

I’m finally seeing progress! The mural campaign [Meet the Street] was great, we hoped to be a part of that, maybe next year. But seeing the Ross Street Patio, seeing the scooters, it just kind of encourages things. I’m not sure what exactly makes it vibrant right now—but it’s starting. We couldn’t have the festivals this year, there’s so much we couldn’t do and yet this is the first time in a long time I feel like we’re turning a corner. There’s so much more that can be done. It’s just tough under these circumstances to say what makes it vibrant, any one specific thing. There’s some really good things, and there appears to be good things coming.

I love Downtown Red Deer because… 

Well, I love it because it is turning the corner, at long last. Ross Street Patio, Little Gaetz—we’ve got these streets that are becoming that charming little thing that every Downtown needs, and now it’s about expanding on it and making more spaces in the Downtown worth checking out and then having the programs, like live music, in other corners of the Downtown. That will come with time, and we hope to do some of that here once this is all done!

 

Check out Sacks Thrift Ave for band merch and great records! Follow them for updates:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacks_thriftaverd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sacksthriftaverd/

 

Check back next week for another business spotlight! If you would like to see your Downtown business spotlighted, please contact us at 403-340-8696 or info@downtownreddeer.com.

 

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Business Spotlight: Pizza 73

This week’s Business Spotlight shines on Pizza 73! This Downtown restaurant is located at 4912 43 street.

What is your business?

Pizza 73.

When did your business open?

Pizza 73 Downtown opened over 30 years ago at the beginning of 1990. 

What makes your business unique?

Our customer service sets us apart from others. We know how important it is to provide a safe and clean environment, especially now, and great customer service for the incredible people of Red Deer. We want to ensure the most reliable and safe delivery of our quality pizza and more!  

What are some products/services that you offer?

We’re most famous for our pizza and wings which have innovative flavours, and are high quality products made with the utmost safety and care. In addition we have great sides like our curly fries, or for those with a sweet tooth; check out our funnel cake sticks. We are also proud to offer an array of products for those with dietary restrictions including Gluten Free and Vegan.  

Why did you choose Downtown Red Deer as the location for your business?

When we joined the downtown in 1990, we wanted to be centrally located to make it easy for delivery to the people of Red Deer, but also in the center where we could connect with the fantastic businesses of downtown. 

What do you think makes Downtown vibrant?

Through this hard time, the innovations, the energy and the engagement of the local community and businesses have kept the Downtown vibrant this past year. It’s been incredible to see how everyone has pulled together and worked hard to support local businesses. 

I love Downtown Red Deer because… 

In addition to having the best pizza place in town, it’s the local business owners whose resilience is inspiring and the phenomenal people that support the community and the local businesses Downtown. 

Call Pizza 73 for your next pizza night! Follow them for updates:

Website: Pizza 73

Instagram: Pizza 73 (@pizza_73)

Facebook: Pizza 73 | Facebook

Twitter: Pizza 73 (@pizza73) / Twitter

Check back next week for another business spotlight! If you would like to see your Downtown business spotlighted, please contact us at 403-340-8696 or info@downtownreddeer.com.

 

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Featured Vendor of the Week: Caroline Meats

This week’s featured vendor is Caroline Meats

We caught up with them at last week’s market to learn a bit more about their business!

Caroline Meats

How did you start your business?

We took over the business about three and a half years ago and had to start from scratch.

What kind of products do you sell? 

All kinds of meat and sausages. Smoked pork chops, smokies, pepperoni, salami, jerky, steaks, roasts, ribs, etc. As well as Dog food and Dog Bones.

What is your “best selling” product?

Pepperoni, pork chops, jerky and breakfast sausages.

What makes you a unique vendor? 

Everything we have is home-made in our store. We buy local beef and pigs only.

Where are you located and/or can you find your products at other locations? 

We are located in Caroline, AB and own a second location in Innisfail at Henday Mall.

How long have you been a part of the Downtown Red Deer Market? 

Three Years!

What is your favourite thing about the Downtown Red Deer Market? 

Good location and well organized.

Be sure to check them out at this week’s market and stay tuned for next week’s featured vendor!
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Business Spotlight: Paris Aesthetic

 This week’s Business Spotlight shines on Paris Aesthetic! This unique spa is located at #2, 4820 Gaetz Ave. We spoke with Nathalie and Charley to learn more!

   

What is your business?

Nathalie: My business [Paris Aesthetic] is a spa and I am a beautician.

 

When did your business open?

Nathalie: September 1st, 2020.

What makes your business unique?

Nathalie: We are a quiet, intimate and discreet space open to women but also to men. We actually see more men than women!

Charley: We should also add that Nathalie took all her training in France. That is something very unique about her!

What are some products/services that you offer?

Nathalie: Waxing, body-scrub, pedicure and massage therapy.

Charley: I am a fully registered massage therapist. I do lots of fire-cupping, and my disciplines are mostly deep-tissue massage and therapeutic, but I do relaxation and even Lomi Lomi, which is a Hawaiian relaxation massage. I direct bill for absolutely everybody I can find, and the price is the same for relaxation or therapeutic. Everything is included – if you want stones, if you want cups – and we’re open every weekend till 9!

 

Why did you choose Downtown Red Deer as the location for your business?

Nathalie: The busy road attracts more customers.

What do you think makes Downtown vibrant?

Nathalie: The old, historic buildings, the decoration and the Patio on Ross Street.

Charley: Christmas time when they have everything out, the extra lights and street lights they put up, they’re so pretty.

Finish this sentence: I love Downtown because…

Nathalie: …of the cafe’s and night-life.

Visit Paris Aesthetic for you next spa day! Follow them for updates:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parisaestheticreddeer

Website: https://parisaesthetic.net/

 

Check back next week for another business spotlight! If you would like to see your Downtown business spotlighted, please contact us at 403-340-8696 or info@downtownreddeer.com.

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Business Spotlight Opportunity

Calling all Downtown Businesses in the BIA!

The Business Spotlight Project is your opportunity to put your products and services on center stage!

Interview with our staff, promote your business and support your business community by letting us know what you love about Downtown!

Contact events@downtownreddeer.com to learn more.

 

Business Spotlights are shared on DBA social media, Todayville.com and downtownreddeer.com. Links below!
For more information on the BIA (Business Improvement Area) visit:
To view previous Business Spotlights visit:
Or follow us on Social Media:

Check back every Monday for another business spotlight!

If you would like to see your Downtown business spotlighted, please contact us at 403-340-8696 or events@downtownreddeer.com.

 

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Featured Vendor of the Week: Klein Farms

This week’s featured vendor is Klein Farms

We caught up with them at last week’s market to learn a bit more about their business!

Klein Farms

How did you start your business?

A growing demand for humanely raised free-ranged poultry for our local community.

What kind of products do you sell?    

Humanely raised free-range poultry, locally grown berries from our orchard.

What is your “best selling” product?

Klein Farms makes seven different kinds of delicious chicken sausage.

What makes you a unique vendor?

Klein Farms is family owned and operated.

Where are you located and/or can you find your products at other locations?

Klein Farm is located 40 minutes East of Red Deer on 19th street on Highway 595. Find us online at Klein Farms | From our family farm to your family table

How long have you been a part of the Downtown Red Deer Market?

As long as I can remember Klein Farms has been part of the Downtown Market.

What is your favourite thing about the Downtown Red Deer Market?

Klein Farms loves the cheerful atmosphere and vendor camaraderie.

Be sure to check them out at this week’s market and stay tuned for next week’s featured vendor!
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Featured Vendor of the Week: Innisfail Growers

This week’s featured vendor is Innisfail Growers

We caught up with them at last week’s market to learn a bit more about their business!

Innisfail Growers

How did you start your business?

Innisfail Growers is a co-operative of 5 local farms established in 1993.

What kind of products do you sell?

We sell central Alberta’s freshest, best local produce.

What is your “best selling” product?

So many! Beck Farms Carrots, Edgar Farms Peas, Upper Green Farms Potatoes, Jungle Farm Strawberries and Hillside Greenhouses Tomatoes.

What makes you a unique vendor?

We grow fabulous fresh produce right here in Central Alberta.

Where are you located and/or can you find your products at other locations?

The 5 Innisfail Growers Farms are located in the Innisfail Area. We do attend several other markets in the Central Alberta area: https://www.innisfailgrowers.com/markets

How long have you been a part of the Downtown Red Deer Market?

We’re proud to say we’ve been part of the Downtown Red Deer Market right from the very beginning! We sat on the committee that planned the first market and developed the guidelines for the market.

What is your favourite thing about the Downtown Red Deer Market?

Everything! The outdoor ambiance and atmosphere. We love our loyal customers at this market and the vendor mix is great. The Red Deer Downtown Market is one of our favourites!

Be sure to check them out at this week’s market and stay tuned for next week’s featured vendor!
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Business Spotlight: Black Label Coffee House

This week’s Business Spotlight shines on Black Label Coffee House! This specialty coffee shop is located at 4942 46 Street and brings a little taste of Utah to Downtown Red Deer. We spoke with Kim & Kyle to learn more about their unique menu!

What is your business?

We are a specialty coffee shop, and we like to support the local community. Everything coffee! We have a lot of options, non-coffee options, sugar-free options and dairy-free options as well. It’s a lot of variety that we offer, and I don’t feel like anyone around here has a menu like we do, which is nice. It’s pretty versatile!

 

When did your business open?

We’ve had this location for about six months, but there was a lot of red tape to go through, especially with Covid restrictions. But we officially opened yesterday [August 16th].

What makes your business unique?

My parents own a successful coffee franchise down in southern Utah. They have won Best of State three years in a row and Best of Southern Utah for the past 10 years. With their permission, of course, we’ve modeled our menu after theirs. My Dad was here yesterday and he’s really happy—to have his approval is just really comforting. And, like I mentioned, it’s just how versatile our menu is. You won’t find it around here at all. Also, I find when you go to a lot of small businesses their prices are very expensive—and we’re not! I don’t want to gouge people’s pockets. I just want to give quality coffee to people at an accessible price.

What are some products/services that you offer?

Coffee! We have a food menu as well, but we are just doing a soft open right now until our name is out there. We’ve got a really good breakfast and lunch menu with coffee and non-coffee options. We also have our branded tumblers here—when you bring them in for a refill you get a discount on your coffee!

 

Why did you choose Downtown Red Deer as the location for your business?

To meet people. There’s lots of foot-traffic in the summer and it gives us the opportunity to get to know a lot of people. The area is homey.

What do you think makes Downtown vibrant?

I like, especially on Little Gaetz, how vintage it is. I feel like that is definitely what makes it vibrant. It’s not all ostentatious with the lights and stuff. I just like it! It’s mostly local, family-orientated businesses. There’s so much down there, when you take the time to walk down there is lots of stuff that you’re not going to find at, you know, Wal-Mart!

Finish this sentence: I love Downtown because…

I love Downtown Red Deer because it’s vintage-y, and unique, and its supports local, which is huge for us.

 

Check out Black Label Coffee House for your next caffeine fix! Follow them for updates:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blacklabelcoffeehouse/?ref=page_internal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacklabelcoffeehouse/

 

Check back next week for another business spotlight! If you would like to see your Downtown business spotlighted, please contact us at 403-340-8696 or info@downtownreddeer.com.

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Featured Vendor of the Week: Souto Farms

This week’s featured vendor is Souto Farms!

We caught up with them at last week’s market to learn a bit more about their business!

What was the inspiration behind your business? 

It started with my parents back in the 70’s.

What kind of products do you sell?  

We sell everything fruits and veggies. We have a fruit farm in Oliver, BC and a vegetable farm in Airdrie, AB.

   

What is your “must try” product? 

Probably our Peaches and cherries

   

Tell us an interesting, fun fact about your business: 

It’s a family run operation.

Can you find your product anywhere else? Where can we find you online? 

No, just at farmers markets. We do a few different markets [around central Alberta] during the week. Find us online at www.soutofarms.com

(You can find their Market schedule here.)

What is your favourite thing about being in Downtown Red Deer?     

 

Its unique, the people are friendly, we get a nice crowd, they appreciate us and we appreciate them.

 

Be sure to check them out at this week’s market and stay tuned for next week’s featured vendor!
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