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Not sure if this has been posted elsewhere but I noticed yesterday that the student apartment on the corner of University and Lester that had aesthetically different mid use section that sat empty for a couple of years is filling up.
The mixed use section is being branded as "Linden Square " .


http://thelindensquare.com/business-directory/
I've been wanting to check it out for some time now. Though, it's a bit of a far walk from my workplace. I've glanced through the windows, and seen how, yes, it sure is a food court.
I don't know how long it has been available but I tried my first KW Craft Cider this afternoon at the Apollo and I found it very enjoyable.  It's dry, fairly tart but with a reasonably light apple taste that makes it a terrific option for a summer beverage, imho.   Nice addition to the local options (someone will now tell me its been around for years and I just didn't know!).  It's available at a variety of local spots:

Kitchener-Waterloo
•Princess Cafe
•DVLB
•Gilt Restaurant
•Adventurer’s Guild Cafe
•Borealis Grille & Bar
•Apollo Cinema
•TWH Social
•The Bent Elbow
•Ethel’s Lounge
•Beertown Waterloo
•Fork and Cork Grill

Cambridge
•KIWI Gastropub
•The Wired Up Pugs Cafe and Bistro

http://kwcraftcider.com/
Sadly I do not see the LCBO on that list.
King Crab on Victoria is officially closed now. The rent went up astronomically. It is actually higher for that space than for King St. Trio downtown Waterloo.
They are focusing on Trio and Rival's Edge Chef night. Obviously a bummer. No one is losing their jobs, to my knowledge. Some found other employment, and the others are being absorbed into Trio.
(07-28-2015, 10:26 AM)CTGal1011 Wrote: [ -> ]The rent went up astronomically.  It is actually higher for that space than for King St. Trio downtown Waterloo.

Sorry to harp on this, but it pains me to see entrepreneurs being squeezed by landlords like this. Never sign a lease that does not have automatic renewal conditions under some reasonable scheme (usually CPI+3%).

Those are the terms given to savvy corporations such as Starbucks, Coffee Culture, Loblaws, etc. Demand no less.
(07-28-2015, 10:26 AM)CTGal1011 Wrote: [ -> ]King Crab on Victoria is officially closed now.  The rent went up astronomically.  It is actually higher for that space than for King St. Trio downtown Waterloo.
They are focusing on Trio and Rival's Edge Chef night. Obviously a bummer.  No one is losing their jobs, to my knowledge. Some found other employment, and the others are being absorbed into Trio.

That is really un fortunate.  One of my favourite places to go for dinner.  I wish Brian and everyone all the best.
(07-28-2015, 10:37 AM)BuildingScout Wrote: [ -> ]it pains me to see entrepreneurs being squeezed by landlords like this.
Sometimes landlords jack up rents because they want to clear the premises for other purposes. Could that be the reason here?

Quote:Never sign a lease that does not have automatic renewal conditions under some reasonable scheme (usually CPI+3%).

Those are the terms given to savvy corporations such as Starbucks, Coffee Culture, Loblaws, etc. Demand no less.
Good advice. However those chains have much more bargaining power than an independent restaurant. By all means ask--even demand--but be prepared to compromise or look elsewhere if the landlord doesn't agree.
It could be the reason.  The headaches it was causing Brian and the team was really unfortunate.
They've been in the space a very long time. Just time to move on, I suppose.

Brian has a great thing going with Trio, however. Really awesome to watch their crew "in action".
Karl really does put on a show on Thursday nights.
(07-28-2015, 10:49 AM)ookpik Wrote: [ -> ]
(07-28-2015, 10:37 AM)BuildingScout Wrote: [ -> ]it pains me to see entrepreneurs being squeezed by landlords like this. Never sign a lease that does not have automatic renewal conditions under some reasonable scheme (usually CPI+3%).

Good advice. However those chains have much more bargaining power than an independent restaurant. By all means ask--even demand--but be prepared to compromise or look elsewhere if the landlord doesn't agree.

Indeed.  I have never been able to negotiate fixed prices for the lease options terms.  However, at the minimum the options should be defined to be at market rent level, which is in fact reasonable easy to agree on.
Checked out the Fork and Cork http://www.forkandcorkgrill.com/

It was a pleasant surprise. Okay décor, 4/5 entrees ordered were good to very good, only one was overcooked by 2 minutes. Good selection of local brews on tap.

Ambitious local menu, kudos to them for that.

With the Bent Elbow and Martini's next door, it makes an interesting block of dining options. (along with Island Grill, as well!)
Fork and Cork Grill is now open for lunch as well as dinner.
(07-31-2015, 07:39 AM)numberguy Wrote: [ -> ]Checked out the Fork and Cork http://www.forkandcorkgrill.com/

It was a pleasant surprise.   Okay décor, 4/5 entrees ordered were good to very good, only one was overcooked by 2 minutes.    Good selection of local brews on tap.  

Ambitious local menu, kudos to them for that.

With the Bent Elbow and Martini's next door, it makes an interesting block of dining options.   (along with Island Grill, as well!)

Thanks for the review.

I've heard positive things too, particularly about their wine list.  Anxious to check it out.
From 570 News:

THEMUSEUM in Downtown Kitchener has announced their new food and drink partner.

The Cambridge Hotel & Conference Centre (which operates The Bruce Restaurant & Lounge and Bruce Caboose Food Truck and mobile catering) will fill the vacant storefront on King Street.

It was announced in March that Imbibe would be closing up shop, and later that they would be moving to a new location. After that, a total of ten applicants applied to fill the space.

In a release, THEMUSEUM says that they are “committed to selecting a business that would operate
successfully featuring the creativity of craft beers and great, affordable food.”

Dave Marskell of THEMUSEUM says that they also hope to create a gathering place in a fun and welcoming atomosphere.

The name for the new space has not yet been announced, but will open this coming fall.
Sounds promising, but let's wait and see.

I still hope Imbibe will be reborn somewhere else downtown as well.