Starting a business is challenging to begin with, but to open one during a pandemic adds all sorts of additional challenges! Read on to learn more about these two unique businesses that opened during the pandemic in Belleville.
You guessed it – another COVID reminder! Keep washing those hands, physically distancing and wearing your mask while you travel around the region. I’m proud of you, you’re all doing great. For the latest updates, please visit the Hastings-Prince Edward Public Health website.
Obi’s Kitchen
199 Front St. Suite #102, Belleville
Add some spice to your life! Obi’s Kitchen is located in Century Place, in the Belleville Downtown District core behind the Quinte Corner café. If you’re looking for gift ideas for that person that has some strong taste buds, go check them out now.
What’s your business?
Obi’s Kitchen is all about enriching your home-cooked meals. We have curated an amazing collection of gourmet sauces, dry rubs, BBQ, spices, hot sauce and so much more from across Canada. Most of them are small-batch, artisan companies and it brings a flavour profile to home cooking that can not be matched anywhere else.
Why did you choose Downtown Belleville?
We are located at Century Place; like most downtown areas, ours is a destination for a unique one-of-a-kind shopping and dining experience. It is exciting to be a part of what is quickly becoming Belleville’s trendy hot spot.
How have you adapted to COVID?
There may never be a perfect time to open a business, but to open during a pandemic has had its challenges. We have focused more on the silver lining and not the negative effects it has had on businesses. In many cases, it has created extra time for home cooking, raised awareness to buy Canadian and the ability to spend additional time around the dinner table with close friends and family.
What are some goals/plans you have for your business in the future?
We have numerous milestones we would like to reach over the next few years as we grow with our customers. There are some amazing product offerings that we will introduce as our budget allows, a monthly secret ingredient club, more prizes and will continue to work on our social media and website platforms to enhance peoples experience with us. We do have an end goal in mind for Obi’s Kitchen that we hope we can transform into as we continue to grow and expand.
“PS – Obi’s Kitchen name came from my 4-year-old son. His name is Owen Benjamin Whan (Whan is pronounced ‘Juan’) It gives him the initials of O.B. Whan! He is a Jedi-in-training, so I guess you could say he is a padaWHAN. We added the “i” to OB as it just reads a little nicer, hence Obi’s Kitchen.
My parents named their first store after their sons, A.J.’s Family Footwear in Bancroft — still there today after 30-plus years. They named it after my brother and I, Adam and Jamie, so it seemed appropriate to name our first store after our kiddo as well.” – Adam Whan, CEO Obi’s Kitchen
Bazaar Artisan Market
318 Front St, Belleville, ON K8N 2Z8
Support independent local artists at Bazaar Artisan Market. Get inspired and check out the talented artists and creators of our community and purchase artwork and unique products for your home or for a special gift.
What’s your business?
Bazaar Artisan Market is designed to create a clear and meaningful path for artists to sell at the price point they want, in an engaging shop. Artisans receive a dedicated sales area of 3-4 feet and 100% of sales revenue on their one of a kind products.
Why did you choose downtown Belleville?
I value downtowns as they are a city’s core. They reflect the culture, history and inclusivity of each town and I love the diversity in the approach that comes with the territory. Artists thrive off of communication and networking, as a Belleville-born entrepreneur I cannot imagine being anywhere but our town’s heart.
How have you adapted to COVID?
I actually opened during COVID. I feel we have all had to adapt, and within my business I really make a point that life is all about adaptation. I live with the knowledge of challenges and change being a positive thing, COVID or not.
What are some goals/plans you have for your business in the future?
Workshops! I am elated to give artists a place to share and grow.
– Kaya Pereira, Owner and Operator of Bazaar Artisan Market
If you want to stay connected with these new businesses or reach out to them for information or just to say hello, follow them on social media:
Obi’s Kitchen Facebook
Obi’s Kitchen Instagram
Bazaar Artisan Market Facebook
Bazaar Artisan Market Instagram
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