Downtown developments bring sense of renewal

The emergence of a new restaurant model is another active project that is expected to be completed within the next few months. The transition of a downtown landmark into an incubator kitchen began early February and is nearing completion.

The former Nibbler’s Restaurant on Young Street no longer bares the broken sign to which many have become accustom, and will continue to transform into to The Motley Kitchen.

As the first incubator kitchen in Northern Ontario, the space will be available to rent by community members and those interested in starting a food/catering business.

The Motley Kitchen’s certified and inspected commercial kitchen will be available for rent on off days for those needing a space to work. The space will also be a permanent location to purchase some of the favourites from the Dee-lish food truck, as Nathalie Lefebvre will be serving up some of her specials for lunch on weekdays, providing a great bistro lunch.

Two new businesses have recently opened their doors in downtown Sudbury. Fervency held a soft opening on March 24. It's a men’s and women’s clothing store that carries brand-name clothing and accessories, at a discount price. The shop has a great location at 109 Durham St., situated between Speakeasy and All About Massage.

Also new downtown is, Barnwood Design and Decor, which reopened in the Rainbow Centre, across from the Bentley Store. Barnwood Design and Decor is no stranger to the city’s core, as the business was located in the Rainbow Centre for eight years. The home decor store specializes in pieces made from old, weather-worn wood that comes from buildings such as barns.

Downtown has become a hub for all things art and culture. To continue with that theme, a new creative agency, Studio123, will be moving into the area. Studio123 is a new creative agency founded by Nico Taus, Christian Pelletier and Rob Roy. The partners have chosen to open their design and marketing studio in the downtown core. After attending a theatre production in the same location a few months prior, they fell in love with the character and charm of the building at 73 Elm St. and knew it was the right choice. The exposed brick, arched windows and reclaimed century-old floors fit Studio123's aesthetic perfectly. They believe downtown fosters creativity and are excited to be involved in the area's ongoing revitalization.

Downtown Sudbury continues to be a destination for hospitality and entertainment within The City of Greater Sudbury. The reopening of Sapporo Ichibang in the Joe Lesar Men’s Wear location on Cedar, as well the opening of Oscar’s Grill on Durham are just two openings to look forward to in the next few months.

With free parking weekdays after 6 p.m. and all day on weekends at all municipal lots and meters, it’s easy to visit downtown Sudbury and discover all that’s new in the city’s core. Our Downtown is changing, be a part of it.