SOULEIO FOODS INC.
Cassandra Kyle, The StarPhoenix
Published: Thursday, July 10,
2008
McLean Building, 20th Street and Third Avenue
A collaboration between two local sustenance suppliers will see the sun rise on a European-style market in downtown Saskatoon, a place the owner describes as a resource to find quality regional products and international goods in the same aisle.
And don't forget the prepared dishes created by one of the city's most talented chefs.
Souleio (pronounced soul-eh-oh), says Melanie Boldt, is a partnership between Calories Restaurant, owned and operated by Remi and Janis Cousyn on Broadway Avenue, and Pine View Farms, owned and operated by Boldt and husband Kevin in Osler, north of Saskatoon. The new venture, to be housed in the McLean building in downtown Saskatoon, is intended to bridge the gap between farm and fork.
"Imagine a European-style food market where we will offer the best food created from scratch from as many local ingredients as possible -- organic where we can -- and also fine imports from around the world," explained Boldt in a recent interview.
Both of the businesses in the venture sell Souleio products, such as all-natural gourmet sausages, handmade chocolates and signature soups, a bit of a preview of what will be available when the new store opens. Calories and Pine View Farms will remain their own separate businesses when Souleio opens, said Boldt, adding customers shouldn't worry the opening of the new venture means the other two are closing.
The "farm to fork" focus has been added to all parts of Souleio's business plan, she said.
"We're the farmers who grow the food and they're the food creators who craft raw ingredients into wonderful food for people to eat, so we're really trying to take that to Saskatoon right from start to finish. That's the heart and soul of Souleio -- the connection with local food," Boldt said.
The owners, she said, believe the city is ready for the options Souleio will provide the region.
"I think there's enough people out there who have had exposure to a broad variety of foods and cultures and they're ready to embrace that here in their daily menus and that's what we want to provide," Boldt said.
Due to construction, an opening date has yet to be established for Souleio, but the group is working to get the project up and running as quickly as possible.
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© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008
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Souleio is soon to be a reality. I spoke with who I assumed to be the owners early this morning and they are hoping to open in a couple of days.
My photo's were taken over the weekend and they have made much progress since then.
A great addition to Saskatoon and a big plus for us urban dwellers.

Shots were made through the windows, please excuse the quality.