As the downtown core marches on towards revitalization and strives to get people to its stores and streets, the independently-owned restaurant is making a comeback in a big way according to local business owners.
Erica Pyska is the owner and driving force behind local fine dining establishment, Plum. Located on historic 6 St. downtown, Pyska has seen how beneficial it can be to open the doors of an independent restaurant in Lethbridge.
“I love having the ability to make decisions to grow the business in a way that actually involves the community. “
Pyska also mentions that by getting to know her neighbours, it can be a great relief to know that other local business owners are having similar struggles.
“Seeing them on the street and going are we crazy? Laughing and saying, do you have a pension, because I don’t!” laughs Pyska.
The mother of three purchased Plum in June of 2014 and since then has seen growth and change that has captured a whole new clientele. Regular live music and a new monthly menu have all attributed to how Pyska has increased Plum’s visibility in the city.
The young entrepreneur attributes Plum’s success to her team, a good portion of which come from the culinary program at Lethbridge College. Sitting on the culinary advisory board at the college has helped Pyska and culinary program chair, chef Doug Overes, develop a great relationship which has enabled students to walk through the doors of Plum and make a name for themselves within the industry.
“All of my kitchen team comes from the college or are about to enter the college’s culinary program. I have five people that work in my kitchen and that’s it. There’s benefits, there’s fixed salaries that are involved and I actually pay for one of my apprentice’s tuition and pay for her schooling every year. So when you’re part of Plum and one of the five that gets to be in my kitchen, you’re really part of our family.”
Giving back to the community is also something that is valued by Angel Harper, co-owner and operations manager of Mocha Cabana.
“When people think of Mocha Cabana, we want them to think of community because that’s what’s important to us. We do that by supporting our local economy through buying from local farmers and producers. We also support the Lethbridge College culinary program and we are part of the aquaponics research program, utilizing some of the produce that’s grown through that project and giving feedback on the quality. We have local artists work on our walls and local musicians playing on weekends along with a couple of fundraisers that we do every year as well.”
According to the National Trust of Canada, since the late 70’s, there has been a concerted effort by the Heritage Canada Foundation to stop the destruction and decay of traditional main streets in Canadian towns. This mandate has resulted in the flourish of not-for-profit organizations like the Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) across Canada.
One of the Downtown Lethbridge BRZ’s mandates is to bring people and businesses back to the downtown core. They do this by highlighting the positive aspects of the core with initiatives like First Fridays and beautification of the area. Melissa Belter, marketing coordinator, believes that community is key when looking to the future and invigorating the area.
“I think it’s very important to remember that these people who are working in the downtown, that don’t own chain restaurants, they are your neighbours. They are your friends, they share the same soccer teams’ as your kids, so not only are you supporting your local economy, you’re supporting your friends and your family.”
Mocha Cabana chefs Joanna Tonks and Jesse Navratil preparing for the day ahead on Nov. 10.
Plum’s owner Erica Pyska stands behind the wood at the fine dining restaurant.
