The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread - Page 486

Wolkenkratzerliebhab · #**9701** Posted **Jan 7, 2012, 3:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Well, there you have it.

From now on my posts will be prefaced by "It was reported in the T&T today that....."

The news will still get out but accuracy may suffer and there will be fewer photographs. A sad day.

$19.95/mo is way too high. Nobody will subscribe. (This isn't the NY Times or Wall Street Journal). I don't think this will last....

I agree, there's NO WAY I'd pay that much for a six-month period, let alone a single month. I think they'll end up regretting this.

MonctonRad · #**9702** Posted **Jan 7, 2012, 4:01 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steelcowboy

I dropped by the UPS store on Mapleton yesterday and while I was waiting for my papers to be printed, I got talking to one of the guys and asked him what's UPS's plans for this area and he told me that UPS is building a warehouse here in Moncton (I don't know where) and they want to be in full swing by May, their own trucks and airplanes. Has anyone heard anymore about this? I also stopped by the old airport terminal and noticed that the SHELL office has moved from the hangar were Prince Edward Air was to the old terminal...is that building vacant now? is that maybe where UPS might move to? interesting developments anyhow

Interesting tidbits of information Steelcowboy

It would be great to see UPS moving into Moncton in a big way. It would make sense for them to fly into GMIA and have a distribution centre here. Both of their main competitors (FedEx and Purolator) already have terminals at the GMIA. Also, UPS already has a significant presence in the city with their call centre at Heritage Court employing hundreds of people.

UPS and Moncton are a natural fit!!

JHikka · #**9703** Posted **Jan 7, 2012, 4:40 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norshorer

With the recent paywall activity on Canada East's website, I started looking around for alternatives. While CBC.ca/NB has the occasional news story about Moncton, a better choice would be Rogers News 91.9's website at news919.com

I've used the 88.9 website for Saint John from time to time but I find their website to be a bit behind on updating. Moncton's 91.9 might be better at updating, i'm not sure.

I used CBC/Twitter/CHSJ news blog more than Canada East's online sites, but as MonctonRad has said it was really convenient to link to newspaper articles online if you had read them earlier in the day. It's a shame that Brunswick News has gone for the paywall, but there are alternatives for New Brunswick news.

MonctonRad · #**9704** Posted **Jan 7, 2012, 4:44 PM**

This post is derived from information obtained from an unnamed local newspaper based in southeastern NB, currently hidden behind a hard pay wall.

Metro Jobs Picture Bright

Total employment in the Moncton CMA in December 2011 was up by 3,400 year-to-year when compared to December 2010.

At the same time, job growth in the rest of the province was flat or actually negative (depending on the region).

There was a 4.8% growth rate in employment in greater Moncton over the last year, which places Moncton as the 7th best amongst all CMA's in the entire country.. It was also the strongest employment growth amongst any city in Atlantic Canada.

The unemployment rate in Moncton is currently 7.5%, compared to 8.1% the previous year.

To have the unemployment rate fall at a time of strong population growth and in-migration to the community shows the strength of the current job market.

Norshorer · #**9705** Posted **Jan 7, 2012, 8:46 PM**

Just wondering if anyone's heard any inside-news regarding tenants at the Trinity Power Centre, sorry... Trinity Fashion Centre (or whatever the heck they're calling it now)

We know that Cleve's/Golf Town are coming but what about The Brick, Best Buy & Bed Bath & Beyond (formerly Linens n' Things)? Are those tenants still confirmed or do we have to win them back? I'm starting to fear we won't see Best Buy since they appear to have pulled out of building a store in Fredericton's Corbett Centre once RioCan took over, so I'm starting to think NB will have to wait a while before seeing a Best Buy appear. The only reason I'd like a "blue & yellow FutureShop" to pop up around here is due to their exclusive Blu-Rays/DVDs, plus they sometimes offer cheaper pricing on occasion.

I used to nickname the Centre the "Epic Fail Pit" back when I thought the project was doomed, but now that activity has picked back up, I'm hoping US retailers will come back. Since I deal with single serve coffee a lot, I also wouldn't mind a Bed Bath & Beyond or even a Home Outfitters to open up in Moncton or Dieppe since those 2 retailers have been filled by some less than stellar alternatives.

As for Starbucks, I was speaking with one of the clerks at the Champlain Place location to find out why they were offering hot breakfast sandwiches, pay via iPhone option, etc. while their Chapters location didn't offer any of that. They told me that their mall kiosk is a stand-alone Starbucks location while the Chapters location is a franchise. Apparently franchise stores are governed by the parent company they're located within. Guess Chapters didn't want to bother getting with the times?

Would love if we got a full-fledged stand-alone Starbucks shop at Trinity Centre much like what's available at Dartmouth Crossing. Maybe then we'd start getting the same menu items as the American Starbucks?

riverviewer · #**9706** Posted **Jan 7, 2012, 9:05 PM**

I'm betting T&T set the price high so the "discount" they can offer looks like a steal.

Having had telemarketers calling to peddle the paper-based T&T, I'm dreading Brunswick News now bugging me to take an amazing 70% off discount to their website.

mylesmalley · #**9707** Posted **Jan 7, 2012, 11:26 PM**

I find it pretty surprising that Starbucks has been so slow on the uptake here. I know Tims has a pretty ridiculous strangle hold on the Moncton market, but that hasn't stopped Second Cup, Timothy's and others from filling in the gaps left by Tim Hortons. Compared to just about every other part of the city, the North end has very few Tim's locations. Now would be an opportune time to swoop in up there.

As for why Chapters wouldn't be so keen to have sandwiches and other foods... I can only guess that it would take up too much space to add in the extra prep space, it would require a lot more cleanup labour on the part of staff, and it'd make it even easier for people to live in there like some do already.

Welcome to the forum, by the way!

MonctonRad · #**9708** Posted **Jan 8, 2012, 1:36 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norshorer

Just wondering if anyone's heard any inside-news regarding tenants at the Trinity Power Centre, sorry... Trinity Fashion Centre (or whatever the heck they're calling it now)

We know that Cleve's/Golf Town are coming but what about The Brick, Best Buy & Bed Bath & Beyond (formerly Linens n' Things)? Are those tenants still confirmed or do we have to win them back? I'm starting to fear we won't see Best Buy since they appear to have pulled out of building a store in Fredericton's Corbett Centre once RioCan took over, so I'm starting to think NB will have to wait a while before seeing a Best Buy appear. The only reason I'd like a "blue & yellow FutureShop" to pop up around here is due to their exclusive Blu-Rays/DVDs, plus they sometimes offer cheaper pricing on occasion.

I used to nickname the Centre the "Epic Fail Pit" back when I thought the project was doomed, but now that activity has picked back up, I'm hoping US retailers will come back. Since I deal with single serve coffee a lot, I also wouldn't mind a Bed Bath & Beyond or even a Home Outfitters to open up in Moncton or Dieppe since those 2 retailers have been filled by some less than stellar alternatives.

As for Starbucks, I was speaking with one of the clerks at the Champlain Place location to find out why they were offering hot breakfast sandwiches, pay via iPhone option, etc. while their Chapters location didn't offer any of that. They told me that their mall kiosk is a stand-alone Starbucks location while the Chapters location is a franchise. Apparently franchise stores are governed by the parent company they're located within. Guess Chapters didn't want to bother getting with the times?

Would love if we got a full-fledged stand-alone Starbucks shop at Trinity Centre much like what's available at Dartmouth Crossing. Maybe then we'd start getting the same menu items as the American Starbucks?

Greetings and welcome to the forum BTW

Regarding the Mapleton Fashion Centre, mmmatt a couple of months ago found this updated site plan for the development while doing some investigating on the internet:

The numbers (1-6) refer to specific stores that are supposed to be built:
1- Golf Town
2- Cleve's Source for Sport
3- Best Buy
4- Bed Bath & Beyond
5- Pet Smart
6- "restaurant"

The Cleve's/Golf Town building is currently under construction. Presumably there was great pressure to get started on this building as Bouclair is in a great hurry to move into Cleve's current location at Trinity.

You can see that there is a large building planned for the very eastern end of the development (where the large pile of dirt next to Wheeler Blvd used to be). This is the bit of land that was the subject of a rezoning request at a city council meeting this fall, so I'm pretty sure that this building is also a definite "go" for construction. No indication as to who this will be, but The Brick was supposed to be one of the stores in the original iteration of this development. This therefore is a possibility.

Also, the building adjacent to the main entrance into the development (at the Frampton Lane intersection) is also clearly a restaurant. Again, no idea who this will be but I will give you my top three hunches as to the possible candidates for the (two) restaurant pads in the development:
1- Ola (Ela) Greek Taverna
2- P. F. Chang's
3- Jack Astor's
The first two of these are included because these chains are on record for having expressed interest in the Moncton market. Jack Astor's has also (intermittently) shown some interest in Moncton and since their main "big box restaurant" competitors (Boston Pizza, East Side Mario's & Montana's) are already here, I think this is a solid hunch.

Finally, as for Starbuck's, the T&T has reported (as a rumour) that Starbuck's is planning for three new standalone locations in Moncton (to complement the existing two locations in Dieppe). If you look carefully at the site plan, one of the properties backing on Mapleton road clearly has a drive-thru. I am betting that this building will be one of the new standalone Starbucks.

Norshorer · #**9709** Posted **Jan 8, 2012, 2:59 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Also, the building adjacent to the main entrance into the development (at the Frampton Lane intersection) is also clearly a restaurant. Again, no idea who this will be but I will give you my top three hunches as to the possible candidates for the (two) restaurant pads in the development:
1- Ola (Ela) Greek Taverna
2- P. F. Chang's
3- Jack Astor's
The first two of these are included because these chains are on record for having expressed interest in the Moncton market. Jack Astor's has also (intermittently) shown some interest in Moncton and since their main "big box restaurant" competitors (Boston Pizza, East Side Mario's & Montana's) are already here, I think this is a solid hunch.

Thanks MonctonRad (and Myles) for the welcome.

As for your restaurant suggestions above, I'd LOVE if a P.F. Chang's or even a Wok Box would open up around here since frankly, Manchu Wok in the mall's food court leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to fast food Chinese meals. (I can't even recall the last time they updated their website/menu)

Something else which may (or may not, depending on your point of view) do well around here would be a Red Lobster, however, when I floated the idea on T&T's comments section last year, the locals all but revolted claiming that resto had no business even thinking of coming here. *Sigh* Yes, I know how to cook lobster myself at home, but do I want to bother taking the time/hassle to do it? No, not always. Plus while we're on the topic of places that think sodium should be used as a "sauce" on all menu items, I'm sure folks who are tired of East Side Mario's wouldn't mind if Olive Garden decided to setup shop as well.

So many American chain restos we don't have this side of Canada. To be honest I wouldn't mind the added variety. You can only go for so long before you get sick of sub shops, burger barns & pizza joints which seem to be the predominant norm in the GMA anytime "new" restos open up. Thankfully we've got Blue Olive, Red Pepper Mongolian & Asian Garden as ethnic alternatives with awesome tasting food.

Speaking of burgers, the one place I haven't tired of yet is Relish Burger on Main St. Other than the annoying fact that there's no parking spots & that prices are a bit high, they've got some of the best burgers & possibly the best poutine in town. With all the never-ending delays and the owner's flip-flopping between building the resto on St. George or Main St, I thought that place would NEVER open!

NBNYer · #**9710** Posted **Jan 8, 2012, 3:28 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norshorer

Thanks MonctonRad (and Myles) for the welcome.

As for your restaurant suggestions above, I'd LOVE if a P.F. Chang's or even a Wok Box would open up around here since frankly, Manchu Wok in the mall's food court leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to fast food Chinese meals. (I can't even recall the last time they updated their website/menu)

Something else which may (or may not, depending on your point of view) do well around here would be a Red Lobster, however, when I floated the idea on T&T's comments section last year, the locals all but revolted claiming that resto had no business even thinking of coming here. *Sigh* Yes, I know how to cook lobster myself at home, but do I want to bother taking the time/hassle to do it? No, not always. Plus while we're on the topic of places that think sodium should be used as a "sauce" on all menu items, I'm sure folks who are tired of East Side Mario's wouldn't mind if Olive Garden decided to setup shop as well.

So many American chain restos we don't have this side of Canada. To be honest I wouldn't mind the added variety. You can only go for so long before you get sick of sub shops, burger barns & pizza joints which seem to be the predominant norm in the GMA anytime "new" restos open up. Thankfully we've got Blue Olive, Red Pepper Mongolian & Asian Garden as ethnic alternatives with awesome tasting food.

Speaking of burgers, the one place I haven't tired of yet is Relish Burger on Main St. Other than the annoying fact that there's no parking spots & that prices are a bit high, they've got some of the best burgers & possibly the best poutine in town. With all the never-ending delays and the owner's flip-flopping between building the resto on St. George or Main St, I thought that place would NEVER open!

I'm confident that PF Chang would be a real hit in Moncton. But I really have to disagree with you about Red Lobster. I don't know if you've been there recently, but it really is just is a glorified fast food restaurant. Except for a few menus items, it's basically thawed out, battered, deep fried junk you could get at any grocery store frozen food section. How's "catch 22" on Main doing so far? any good?

Other potential hits would be Chipotle mexican grill (they are expanding into Canada). A Moxie's like at Dartmouth crossing would also be cool.

MonctonRad · #**9711** Posted **Jan 8, 2012, 3:45 PM**

I personally like Red Lobster, (especially their cheese biscuits), but I don't see them ever coming to the Maritimes. They have only settled in larger communities in central and western Canada. They did have a restaurant in Quebec City but it has closed and they have also shuttered their restaurants in Bangor and Portland. I believe their thinking is that they really can't compete anywhere where fresh fish is readily available from the wharf, therefore they don't include northern New England and the Maritimes in their territory.

Olive Garden would be very nice but at present this franchise can only be found in western Canada. They might eventually make it here, but I can't see it for another 15-20 years and it probably would go to Halifax first.

Moxie's I think is a definite possibility, as is also Baton Rouge (especially since it is owned by Imvescor, based in Moncton). Baton Rouge would be a nice addition to the Mapleton Centre, but would be fierce competition for Maverick's Restaurant at the Future Inn down the road....

Norshorer · #**9712** Posted **Jan 8, 2012, 3:52 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by NBNYer

I'm confident that PF Chang would be a real hit in Moncton. But I really have to disagree with you about Red Lobster. I don't know if you've been there recently, but it really is just is a glorified fast food restaurant. Except for a few menus items, it's basically thawed out, battered, deep fried junk you could get at any grocery store frozen food section. How's "catch 22" on Main doing so far? any good?

Other potential hits would be Chipotle mexican grill (they are expanding into Canada). A Moxie's like at Dartmouth crossing would also be cool.

I was not aware Red Lobster had gone so far downhill since the last time I went to one (Ottawa, a few years ago). Maybe they aren't as great as the TV commercials make them out to be after all.

As for Chipotle, that would indeed be yet another great addition. Don't know about Moxie's though... aren't they just a glorified froo-froo version of Montana's (i.e. Similar to The Keg). I haven't had the chance to check out the one in Dartmouth Crossing, so I'm just going based on what I see on their website.

I find it BEYOND annoying that we've got Imvescor's head office right here in Moncton yet if we want a Baton Rouge resto, we have to travel to Halifax.

Might be a bit high-end as well, but I've been told the food there is unreal.

You'd think by now that we'd have one in the GMA. Oh well, maybe in due time.

NBNYer · #**9713** Posted **Jan 8, 2012, 4:10 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norshorer

I was not aware Red Lobster had gone so far downhill since the last time I went to one (Ottawa, a few years ago). Maybe they aren't as great as the TV commercials make them out to be after all.

Well I haven't been to a canadian Red Lobster location for a very long time. So maybe the canadian Red Lobsters are a whole lot better than the american ones.

Otherwise, I may have to call false advertisement on them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norshorer

I find it BEYOND annoying that we've got Imvescor's head office right here in Moncton yet if we want a Baton Rouge resto, we have to travel to Halifax.

Might be a bit high-end as well, but I've been told the food there is unreal.
You'd think by now that we'd have one in the GMA. Oh well, maybe in due time.

Agreed! I use to go to Baton Rouge all the time when I lived in Quebec, it isn't that high end (still is a chain) but I find it to be a really nice casual steakhouse with a great atmosphere and awesome food.

I find it a bit of a mystery that there isn't one in Moncton already, or that we haven't at least heard of any expansion rumors into the city.

MonctonRad · #**9714** Posted **Jan 8, 2012, 4:17 PM**

Regarding PF Chang's, this is from the Canadian Restaurant News website.
http://can-restaurantnews.com/content/publish/national/P_F_Chang_s_in_Canada.shtml

East meets North
By Leslie Wu

SCOTTSDALE, AZ—Asian-American chain P.F. Chang’s is moving into Canada, from Manitoba eastwards.

The chain signed a long-term licensing agreement with Interaction Asian Restaurants, a newly created entity for sole purpose of operating P.F. Chang’s in Canada, said Interaction Restaurants Group president Michael Aronovici to ORN last week. The deal allows for the development and operation of P.F. Chang’s across Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. Aronovici said that the expansion strategy does not include moving west at this time.

The first location is scheduled to open in Spring 2012 in the Greater Toronto Area, with a second unit to follow in the summer of 2012. Aronovici said he can “easily envision locations in Halifax and St. John’s, and perhaps Moncton and St. John on second wave.”

Aronovici also pointed to Ottawa, Hamilton, London and Windsor as potential markets for new locations.

The site selection process for the GTA and Montreal locations is currently underway, and will be finalized in May. The average square footage of the locations will follow the model in the U.S., with 7000 square feet and the capacity to seat 220 in the interior and 70 in exterior patio seating.

P.F. Chang’s also controls the Pei Wei Asian Diner concept, although there are no current plans to bring Pei Wei to Canada, Mike Welborn, president of global brand development for P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Inc. told ORN.

In terms of changes to the U.S. model to adapt it to the Canadian market, both Aronovici and Welborn said that it would be on an “as needed” basis. “In our international locations, modifications to the menu have been surprisingly few, apart from religious and cultural concessions,” said Welborn. “We’ll certainly adapt to local tastes, but we suspect that the modifications would be relatively minor.”

The U.S. locations offer food from five major regions of China: Canton, Szechwan, Shanghai, Hunan and Mongolia, and feature items such as Dan Dan noodles, Oolong tea marinated sea bass and vegetable chow fun.

Aronovici said that there is flexibility in regards to Canadian wines on the menu, and “if Canadians want Canadian wines, they’ll have Canadian wines.”

Although the Canadian locations will follow a similar aesthetic feel to its American counterparts, all locations are individually designed, said Welborn. Common themes will be included, however, such as the branding elements like a 10-foot Ming Horse (a symbol of the original Forbidden City in China), hand-painted panoramic murals depicting Chinese life, and terra cotta warriors.

icetea93 · #**9715** Posted **Jan 9, 2012, 12:01 AM**

Another American restaurant that is planning for a rapid Canadian expansion is Buffalo Wild Wings, so I could definitely see them in Atlantic Canada soon. (Halifax, Moncton, St. John's, etc.)

They plan to open 50 new Canadian locations between 2010-2015.
New Brunswick is not mentioned in this article but I doubt they will stick to that idea if the restaurants are successful.

http://www.torontosun.com/money/2010/08/18/15062946.html

BTW, Olive Garden is now offering franchising opportunities in Canada, so I think we'll slowly start to see more and more of them in Canada.

KnoxfordGuy · #**9716** Posted **Jan 9, 2012, 1:51 PM**

Pro American eh guys?

Nashe · #**9717** Posted **Jan 9, 2012, 3:59 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norshorer

Speaking of burgers, the one place I haven't tired of yet is Relish Burger on Main St. Other than the annoying fact that there's no parking spots & that prices are a bit high, they've got some of the best burgers & possibly the best poutine in town. With all the never-ending delays and the owner's flip-flopping between building the resto on St. George or Main St, I thought that place would NEVER open!

I've been to Relish twice. The first time the wait was a bit long (don't ARRIVE between 12:00 noon and 12:30) and it took me 15 mins to order and another 15 to get my burger. The second time was much faster, about 10 minutes for the whole ordeal. That said, the wait was worth it. The burgers (and fries) are FANTASTIC.

mylesmalley · #**9718** Posted **Jan 9, 2012, 6:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnoxfordGuy

Pro American eh guys?

Pro food

haligonia · #**9719** Posted **Jan 9, 2012, 7:43 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnoxfordGuy

Pro American eh guys?

Exactly what I was thinking. I don't really care when a new chain store comes to town, because I can get the same experience in most other cities. What excites me is new, independent retailers and restaurants that offer something unique. In my opinion, that is something that Moncton is lacking. You have many chains in town, but there aren't many independents. I know that there are a few, but IMO, the city could use more.

cormiermax · #**9720** Posted **Jan 9, 2012, 10:28 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by haligonia

Exactly what I was thinking. I don't really care when a new chain store comes to town, because I can get the same experience in most other cities. What excites me is new, independent retailers and restaurants that offer something unique. In my opinion, that is something that Moncton is lacking. You have many chains in town, but there aren't many independents. I know that there are a few, but IMO, the city could use more.

+1

Last thing Moncton really needs is more strip malls filled with U.S. chains.