[Moncton] Downtown Developments - Page 287

David_99 · #**5721** Posted **Aug 18, 2021, 3:31 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Bernard Chocolates is planning on opening a chocolate factory and retail outlet in downtown Moncton.

https://tj.news/times-and-transcript/101639731 (paywall)

Previously they have operated a popular booth in the Dieppe farmers market.

Online sources indicate the new location will be somewhere on the continually gentrifying Saint George Street. Apparently a name change for the brand is also planned.

There is a job listing on Indeed.com for a manager for Adorable Chocolat Ltd, so I would imagine this will be the name for the new branding and retail outlet.

https://ca.indeed.com/jobs?q=Retail&l=Moncton%2C%20NB&sort=date&start=40&vjk=b7f653606f0ec335

Adorable Chocolat is the name of the chocolatier in Shediac. Unless they are partnering up, it'll likely be a different name.

MonctonRad · #**5722** Posted **Aug 18, 2021, 3:34 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by David_99

Adorable Chocolat is the name of the chocolatier in Shediac. Unless they are partnering up, it'll likely be a different name.

OK. I was just assuming. Bernard is changing their name though. I guess it remains a mystery.

MonctonRad · #**5723** Posted **Aug 19, 2021, 12:03 PM**

Avante Garde Construction has posted on their FB page that they are renovating a storefront on Main Street for a new restaurant.

Apparently this is the old Personnel Search office, located immediately adjacent to the Subway Block, across from Atlantic Lotto.

Chatter online suggests that this will be a relocation of the Vien Dong Vietnamese restaurant. Apparently this will be an upgraded location.

If so, this is either a brave (or foolhardy) decision on the restaurant owners part. While the new location is in a fine building, relocating immediately adjacent to the troubled Subway Block could be an ill advised move. The Subway Block is vacant, boarded up, and unlikely to be rehabilitated. I would be concerned regarding ongoing vagrancy, fire, building collapse or demolition of the adjacent block. I wish them well, but I am concerned about their decision.

MonctonRad · #**5724** Posted **Aug 21, 2021, 2:12 PM**

The construction hoarding has been partially removed from the Loyal Orange Lodge Building on St. George Street.

My photo from this morning

I must admit that they are doing a bang up job on the restoration of this building. The new facade looks fresh and inviting and the new windows along the street front make a huge difference in the appearances of the building. The LOL Building will complement Dolma Foods next door extremely well. This block on St. George is now complete, and, in addition to the nearby "Arches" block, really shows the future of what St. George Street could be.

drewber · #**5725** Posted **Aug 24, 2021, 2:56 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Avante Garde Construction has posted on their FB page that they are renovating a storefront on Main Street for a new restaurant.

Apparently this is the old Personnel Search office, located immediately adjacent to the Subway Block, across from Atlantic Lotto.

Chatter online suggests that this will be a relocation of the Vien Dong Vietnamese restaurant. Apparently this will be an upgraded location.

If so, this is either a brave (or foolhardy) decision on the restaurant owners part. While the new location is in a fine building, relocating immediately adjacent to the troubled Subway Block could be an ill advised move. The Subway Block is vacant, boarded up, and unlikely to be rehabilitated. I would be concerned regarding ongoing vagrancy, fire, building collapse or demolition of the adjacent block. I wish them well, but I am concerned about their decision.

https://www.facebook.com/722970504514234/posts/2403726443105290/?sfnsn=mo

MonctonJunkie · #**5726** Posted **Aug 25, 2021, 6:45 PM**

Just drove on Main Street, and it appears that all the windows of the former Freshii are covered up. The ''for lease'' sign is gone, and there was a construction guy on site. Does anyone knows anything about this?

MonctonRad · #**5727** Posted **Aug 26, 2021, 12:58 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonJunkie

Just drove on Main Street, and it appears that all the windows of the former Freshii are covered up. The ''for lease'' sign is gone, and there was a construction guy on site. Does anyone knows anything about this?

No, but I took a wander on by earlier this evening to have a look.

They might just be doing an interior demolition to get the space ready for leasing, but it is intriguing that the "for lease" sign is gone, and that the plywood they've used to cover the windows is painted a festive lime green. I find this peculiar, and it makes me wonder that they might actually be doing a fit-up for a new tenant. The owners of the Higgins Block have had lots of warning that Freshii was moving out, so they might already have found a replacement tenant.

This is a high profile location in a recently renovated building. I should be a popular location for a business to set up.

MonctonJunkie · #**5728** Posted **Aug 26, 2021, 11:42 AM**

I would not be suprised if it was already leased since they knew they were moving since last november. This is one of the busiest corner in Downtown Moncton, I can't wait to see what business will move in!

MonctonRad · #**5729** Posted **Aug 26, 2021, 11:52 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonJunkie

I would not be suprised if it was already leased since they knew they were moving since last november. This is one of the busiest corner in Downtown Moncton, I can't wait to see what business will move in!

Also, Freshii moved out prior to their new space in Tannery Place South being prepared. This leads me to suspect they were asked to vacate to make room for a new tenant.

jonny golden · #**5730** Posted **Aug 26, 2021, 3:05 PM**

I haven't been on Main Street for a while, is the MacGillivray Law building still under construction? I don't know if Covid would affect this project but it seems to be taking forever.

MonctonRad · #**5731** Posted **Aug 27, 2021, 12:06 AM**

We now know what is happening with the former Freshii space in the Higgins Block.

There is now signage printed on those bright lime green panels covering the windows on the storefront. Harvest, a Farm-to-Table Eatery will soon be opening.

This is a Halifax based chain with several locations in HRM, and in Wolfville, looking to expand across Atlantic Canada. It appears we will be the first NB location.

They specialize in "great tasting salads, power bowls, smoothies and sandwiches", and are essentially a Freshii clone, so regular Freshii customers in the downtown core may not notice too much of a difference.

Menu:

MonctonRad · #**5732** Posted **Aug 27, 2021, 12:09 AM**

Also, interior renovations for Smoke's Poutinerie are complete and the store appears ready to open at any time.

Retail Talk & Share photo

Downtown is starting to come back to life after the pandemic!

MonctonRad · #**5733** Posted **Aug 28, 2021, 5:22 PM**

Smoke's Poutinerie is now open. The "open" sign was lit when I drove by earlier this afternoon. They have a small patio on the street front, and people were at outdoor tables eating their wares.

PEI highway guy · #**5734** Posted **Aug 28, 2021, 5:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Smoke's Poutinerie is now open. The "open" sign was lit when I drove by earlier this afternoon. They have a small patio on the street front, and people were at outdoor tables eating their wares.

Is this place licensed?