With construction on the city's new sewage treatment plant nearing an end in downtown St. John's, many business owners hope to see shoppers return to help them recoup their losses.
While some have been fortunate enough to do OK despite all the tear-up, others say it will take a while to get back on track.
The Keg on Harbour Drive is one of the success stories. Owner/operator Rob Moore admits he worried his business would suffer when the city began ripping up the street in front of his restaurant.
During the first 10 days of July, business dipped 10 per cent.
"I said, 'uh-oh, here it comes,'" Moore recalled, but to his surprise The Keg finished the month up by three per cent.
"We picked that up and went into August and had our best month since we've been in business for five years, so it didn't affect us at all, and there were times where you almost needed a hard hat and map to get around to find our front door."
Moore said The Keg just came through its best fiscal year-end yet, with business up almost nine per cent over last year and up 15 per cent from two years ago. Nationally, The Keg in St. John's had the highest sales growth in the chain, he said.
The restaurant is open seven days a week, and Moore said it's always full, serving between 450 and 650 people a night. He said while the recession has hit many restaurants hard, across Canada, Keg outlets are only down about four per cent.
As for why his restaurant is doing so well, Moore figures it's a combination of the local economy doing well and the restaurant benefiting from conventions and the tourist trade this summer.
"I can't go by without giving credit to the management team and employees, who work very hard to create a great atmosphere and product up to Keg standards and run a very good show," Moore said. "To put 500-600 people through every night is a pretty big task."
John McCarthy, chairman of the St. John's Downtown Development Commission and owner of Benjamin's, a men's clothing store on Water Street, said he's been hearing mixed views about the impact of downtown construction.
McCarthy said Saturday was his worst day of the week during the summer, but he isn't sure it was because of the construction or the weather. He said there also seemed to be fewer tourists in the downtown this year.
Despite all that, he said Benjamin's business overall wasn't hurt in 2009, but there's no doubt businesses which had construction taking place right in front of their doors were affected.
McCarthy said he's glad the construction is coming to an end and, while it was hard to live with, the positive thing is that the city will no longer dump raw sewage into the harbour, which should benefit the downtown in the long term.
Sojourn in the Murray Premises and Details and Designs on Water Street are among the businesses that have felt the fallout from the construction.
Sharon Lush, owner of Sojourn - which sells women's handbags, shoes, boots, jewelry, shawls and accessories, as well as briefcases and carry-on bags - said her problems began in the spring and just got worse.
"I think August, September and October were almost devastating, and then, as soon as they opened up Harbour Drive - even before it was paved - people started to come back down again," Lush said.
At one point, she said, three roads were closed - Harbour Drive, Bishop's Cove and Beck's Cove - and the perception seemed to be that nobody was open or else people just didn't want to deal with construction and parking issues.
"It was awful," Lush said. "I think it will take me a couple of years to make up for it. I was, at some points, down over 50 per cent. It was devastating."
Lush said she's now seeing regular customers coming back to do Christmas shopping and her December sales are on par with last year. "But I've got a lot of making up to do," she said.
The sewage treatment project is probably worth it, she said, "but it has come at a high cost" to some business owners.
"Thank God it's over, is all I can say," Lush added.
Mary Andrews, owner of Details and Designs on Water Street, said she's not sure if she'll ever be able to make up for the losses.
The construction tearup has been going on for three years, and she's dubious about whether it's actually going to end.
"If you have felt the results of something for three years, you're almost conditioned to expect it unless there's something said to make you feel different," Andrews said.
Her business sells gift baskets, women's clothing, accessories and bath products.
She said before work began near her store, parking meters were covered up, and often signs weren't taken away once the job was finished. That kind of inconsistency and uncertainty has made her lose faith in city hall staff, she said.
There are still problems downtown, Andrews said, with some construction still not completed and ongoing parking problems.
She said at the beginning of the project, the city put a lot of money into a marketing program, distributing colour brochures explaining and justifying the project. But for the next 2-1/2 years, there was no update nor an acknowledgment that the work could be affecting businesses.
If the work is nearing an end, Andrews said, there should be some kind of public relations program to inform people.
dss@thetelegram.com
On the road again?
Rob Moore, owner/operator of The Keg, feared his business would suffer due to the months of roadwork in the area for the new sewage treatment plant. He says he was one of the lucky ones business was actually up for the year. - Photo by Keith Gosse/The Te
-
Published on
December 21, 2009
- Published on July 1, 2010
-
Deana Stokes Sullivan
Downtown businesses eager for end of construction
With construction on the city's new sewage treatment plant nearing an end in downtown St. John's, many business owners hope to see shoppers return to help them recoup their losses.
While some have been fortunate enough to do OK despite all the tear-up, others say it will take a while to get back on track.
- Rate
- Top of the page
Comments
-
- Taxpayer ll
- - July 2, 2010 at 15:05:35
I find it interesting that I make a comment about the dismal restaurant situation here in St. John's, and the regular trolls have to immediately make comments about me. I don't comment on other posters, but reserve my comments(usually) about the topic at hand. Disagree with me...yes...but why always go for the poster, not the topic?
As far as Swiss chalet I completely agree, It's not the best, but if you have kids and don't want to eat pizza where do you go? As far as the Keg I was just offering my opinion that the food there is not as good as other Kegs that I have been to. That is my opinion. I wish there were a few more decent family restaurants in this town, that is my opinion. Why do people wish to attack someone for having an opinion? -
- Taxpayer ll
- - July 2, 2010 at 15:04:44
Just a note to ME, I certainly don't think that mainland canada is ...better... than NL, in any way. I do think that there is a real lack of decent restaurants in this town, and that the Kegs on the mainland are much, much better than the one here.I think all it would take is one decent place to set the standard, and the rest would have to follow.
-
- Saucy Face
- - July 2, 2010 at 15:04:24
Everyone who frequents the downtown is glad it's over, but that's the price of progress. If the construction happened near the Avalaon Mall, the stores in there would have suffered. It is what it it, the luck of the draw, no one's fault.
As for Taxpayer's claim that the service at the Harbour Drive Keg is bad, that's crap. I've eaten at a number of Keg's in Canada while on business travel and I don't see them as being any different than the one on Harbour Drive. -
- Santa
- - July 2, 2010 at 15:01:20
Taxpayer II... our standards in NL are much lower than all other provinces. We lack adequate competition to get good products and services, as such we get montly seconds , and I don't mean in servings. So long as it's as good as deep fried chicken or deep fried fish, NLers are pretty happy. We are not known for our quality of food.
-
- Sharon
- - July 2, 2010 at 15:00:27
With respect to a comment in this article, by me, stating the construction was probably worth it was certainly not what I meant. I think this construction was absolutely necessary and I look forward to a clean harbour and anything that is done to help enrich our fabulous harbour and downtown area.
-
- Dawn
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:58:26
I have to been to the Keg a few times and the food was not that great. I have been to many restaurants in the city and my best experience was Yellowbelly Brewery. The food was great, reasonably priced and their wings are the best in the city . The restoral they did on the building is fabulous and their staff are great and very informative on their menu
-
- wow
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:56:43
Taxpayer ll you are the most negative and pessimistic person I have every read on these blogs...you need a few weeks off. I have never read one thing from you you that is positive, or constructive. Why not make a new years promise to all of us and offer something constructive and helpful.
-
- Eli
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:56:33
A lot of people who patronize the Keg are the same ones who frequest Bianca's. All are on a Government credit card.
-
- Dave
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:55:50
Taxpayer II must be vying for Karl Wells' column.
-
- Townie
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:55:47
I have only eaten at the Keg here in St. John's once and I won't be rushing back... unless it's on someone else's bill. Service was sufficient; not great, but not bad. However, the food was not fit for a labrador dog. It is unfortunate that I had a bad experience the first time, because even if everything else on their menu is top notch, I am not willing to pay the price to try new things that I might like, especially when there are other options in such a close proximity.
As for the construction, it has been going on so long, that most everyone is used to it now. Consequently, any business owner/manager who is attributing their lack of success on such external factors for this long, should consider and evaluate other alternatives to increase their bottom line. -
- Jennifer
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:55:43
I think its funny that Taxpayer II considers Swiss Chalet good family food. I have always had cold greasy meals from there and wouldn't recommend it to anyone therefore I can't see your standards being very high.
-
- Maxine
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:53:19
I don't often go to the Keg for their steak dinners HOWEVER their nachos, ambiance and beer, cannot be beat!
I've always had great service there. -
- Andy
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:50:54
I, too, find The Keg overrated and overpriced. Food and service is OK, but for the price, it should be great. Montana's has a terrific atmosphere, and so does Don Cherry's, but compared to their mainland cousins they lag far behind. Just because a restaurant may be a local franchise of a popular national chain, that doesn't always make it great, and yes, if you've never eaten at the same chain outside the province you'll never have anything to compare it to. If Mr. Moore and his people are able to boost an increase in business despite the harbourfront construction, more power to them, but we should all remember there are a lot of great locally-owned and operated restaurants (non-franchised) that could use our business just as much. Don't go to The Keg just because it's The Keg; try another place for a change, and you'll more often than not be pleasantly surprised. It's no good to complain about a particular restaurant over and over again if you never try another-- really, if it was so bad the first time, why do you continue to go back?
-
- T
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:49:57
I agree completely with Taxpayer II. The food at The Keg here in St. John's is just really not that good. I have eaten at The Keg in both Montreal and Ottawa and found the food to be fantastic. Three times I have tried The Keg here in NL and was very disappointed each time.
I won't go back to The Keg here in St. John's. -
- Darryl
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:47:41
The only person here I agree with is downtownmerchant. I guess know one really understood the point of the article. Well, nothing new here, just another group of ignorant, ill informed individuals jumping the gun again. You guys should run for government we need people like you. lol
-
- Telling it like it is
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:47:22
Taxpayer II
Is related to Willie Hunt.
they enjoy offending and insulting people.
Adjusting a famous quote from the Wizard of Oz....
Pay no attention to the moron behind the computer.
As for the article, I have eaten at the Keg in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and St. John's and have seen little to no difference in service or quality. -
- John
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:47:19
It will take more than a better road for me to shop downtown. Just a brutal snarl. Thank God for Stravenger and Kelsey Drive and the Avalon Mall.
-
- downtownmerchant
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:44:48
Its sad that the point of this article has been completely missed. It wasn't about food or service, it was about the condition of the downtown merchant.
-
- Foodie
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:44:46
Hey Taxpayer , if you actually do pay taxes, as you seem to spend alot of time complaining about things you seem to know little about, maybe you should go back to the emerald palace if you don't like the food at the keg. I have eaten at some of the best restaurants in the country and the US (One Hazelton, North 44, Queue de Cheval, Capital Grill etc), and I would put some of the restaurants here in town up against any of them. While some of them may lack the finish that some of these multi million dollar establishments have, their food is top notch. As for the keg, I have eaten there probably 30 times and have never had a bad meal. It's reasonably priced and always consistent. My suggestion to taxpayer is to go to the food court at the avalon mall, he should fine some gourmet cuisine there...
-
- Me
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:44:37
I totally disagree with Taxpayer's comments regarding the Keg. I have spent many years traveling across Canada and have eaten at the Keg at least 85% of the time. I have eaten at The Keg in Toronto and didn't find any difference, I found the staff here much nicer!! I agree that it is your opinion, i just cannot stand the attitude of some people, that mainland Canada is always better than NL. COMPLETELY DISAGREE!!!
-
- David
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:43:32
I agree, the service at The Keg here is not very good, they're rushing you out the door. And the food is pricey pub fo0d with a decent steak. For another $20 per couple you can got to many other better local restaurants and get much better food and service i.e. Portobello's, Magnum and Steins, Casbah etc. etc.
-
- Barry
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:43:13
I have to agree with Taxpayer ll, the 2 times I have been to the Keg here in St. John's the food and service was very disappointing. The 2nd time I went I was hoping that the first visit was just an off day for the staff but it was just as bad as the previous visit, the 5 of us got our orders at different times and it was just not a enjoyable night out, I will not be giving the Keg a 3rd chance.
-
- Shelly
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:42:23
I wanted to add that I have been to the Keg in St. John's many times and the food and the service have been fabulous. Perhaps if you go into the Keg with such a negative attitude, you get that in return.
-
- St. John's Diner
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:41:30
I've been to the Keg at least 30 times since it's been open, and I've never had a bad experience there. The fact that sales are still climbing there speak volumes. As for other good family restaurants in the city, I'd recommend Cora's, Klondike Jake's, and East Side Marios.
-
- back atya
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:41:06
Taxpayer II = Nasty Nate
-
- Taxpayer ll
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:38:42
Iv'e been to keg restuarants all over Canada, and this one is by far the worst. I am a big fan of the keg, and waited with much anticipation for this restaurant to open, only to be very dissapointed. The food is lackluster and the service barely adequate. Friends and associates who visit from the mainland tell me the same. If this store was in any other jurisdiction it would surely fail. We have very, very few good retaurants in this town...the Cellar and Biancas are just about it. When franchises like the Keg open up here they become what i call Newfoundlandised... corners are cut, margins are thin, staff are well..incompetent.
Go to the Keg mansion downtown Toronto, then go to the keg downtown St. John's, the difference is like day and night.
We have no good family retaurants here, only Swiss chalet. There are no IHOP or Outback,olive garden etc. If they did come they would be Newfoundlandised, and the food and service would suffer, so I guess it wouldn't matter anyway. -
- Taxpayer ll
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:55:45
I find it interesting that I make a comment about the dismal restaurant situation here in St. John's, and the regular trolls have to immediately make comments about me. I don't comment on other posters, but reserve my comments(usually) about the topic at hand. Disagree with me...yes...but why always go for the poster, not the topic?
As far as Swiss chalet I completely agree, It's not the best, but if you have kids and don't want to eat pizza where do you go? As far as the Keg I was just offering my opinion that the food there is not as good as other Kegs that I have been to. That is my opinion. I wish there were a few more decent family restaurants in this town, that is my opinion. Why do people wish to attack someone for having an opinion? -
- Taxpayer ll
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:54:13
Just a note to ME, I certainly don't think that mainland canada is ...better... than NL, in any way. I do think that there is a real lack of decent restaurants in this town, and that the Kegs on the mainland are much, much better than the one here.I think all it would take is one decent place to set the standard, and the rest would have to follow.
-
- Saucy Face
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:53:37
Everyone who frequents the downtown is glad it's over, but that's the price of progress. If the construction happened near the Avalaon Mall, the stores in there would have suffered. It is what it it, the luck of the draw, no one's fault.
As for Taxpayer's claim that the service at the Harbour Drive Keg is bad, that's crap. I've eaten at a number of Keg's in Canada while on business travel and I don't see them as being any different than the one on Harbour Drive. -
- Santa
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:49:46
Taxpayer II... our standards in NL are much lower than all other provinces. We lack adequate competition to get good products and services, as such we get montly seconds , and I don't mean in servings. So long as it's as good as deep fried chicken or deep fried fish, NLers are pretty happy. We are not known for our quality of food.
-
- Sharon
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:48:17
With respect to a comment in this article, by me, stating the construction was probably worth it was certainly not what I meant. I think this construction was absolutely necessary and I look forward to a clean harbour and anything that is done to help enrich our fabulous harbour and downtown area.
-
- Dawn
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:46:26
I have to been to the Keg a few times and the food was not that great. I have been to many restaurants in the city and my best experience was Yellowbelly Brewery. The food was great, reasonably priced and their wings are the best in the city . The restoral they did on the building is fabulous and their staff are great and very informative on their menu
-
- wow
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:43:49
Taxpayer ll you are the most negative and pessimistic person I have every read on these blogs...you need a few weeks off. I have never read one thing from you you that is positive, or constructive. Why not make a new years promise to all of us and offer something constructive and helpful.
-
- Eli
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:43:34
A lot of people who patronize the Keg are the same ones who frequest Bianca's. All are on a Government credit card.
-
- Dave
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:42:24
Taxpayer II must be vying for Karl Wells' column.
-
- Townie
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:42:19
I have only eaten at the Keg here in St. John's once and I won't be rushing back... unless it's on someone else's bill. Service was sufficient; not great, but not bad. However, the food was not fit for a labrador dog. It is unfortunate that I had a bad experience the first time, because even if everything else on their menu is top notch, I am not willing to pay the price to try new things that I might like, especially when there are other options in such a close proximity.
As for the construction, it has been going on so long, that most everyone is used to it now. Consequently, any business owner/manager who is attributing their lack of success on such external factors for this long, should consider and evaluate other alternatives to increase their bottom line. -
- Jennifer
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:42:11
I think its funny that Taxpayer II considers Swiss Chalet good family food. I have always had cold greasy meals from there and wouldn't recommend it to anyone therefore I can't see your standards being very high.
-
- Maxine
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:38:17
I don't often go to the Keg for their steak dinners HOWEVER their nachos, ambiance and beer, cannot be beat!
I've always had great service there. -
- Andy
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:34:00
I, too, find The Keg overrated and overpriced. Food and service is OK, but for the price, it should be great. Montana's has a terrific atmosphere, and so does Don Cherry's, but compared to their mainland cousins they lag far behind. Just because a restaurant may be a local franchise of a popular national chain, that doesn't always make it great, and yes, if you've never eaten at the same chain outside the province you'll never have anything to compare it to. If Mr. Moore and his people are able to boost an increase in business despite the harbourfront construction, more power to them, but we should all remember there are a lot of great locally-owned and operated restaurants (non-franchised) that could use our business just as much. Don't go to The Keg just because it's The Keg; try another place for a change, and you'll more often than not be pleasantly surprised. It's no good to complain about a particular restaurant over and over again if you never try another-- really, if it was so bad the first time, why do you continue to go back?
-
- T
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:32:21
I agree completely with Taxpayer II. The food at The Keg here in St. John's is just really not that good. I have eaten at The Keg in both Montreal and Ottawa and found the food to be fantastic. Three times I have tried The Keg here in NL and was very disappointed each time.
I won't go back to The Keg here in St. John's. -
- Darryl
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:28:31
The only person here I agree with is downtownmerchant. I guess know one really understood the point of the article. Well, nothing new here, just another group of ignorant, ill informed individuals jumping the gun again. You guys should run for government we need people like you. lol
-
- Telling it like it is
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:27:55
Taxpayer II
Is related to Willie Hunt.
they enjoy offending and insulting people.
Adjusting a famous quote from the Wizard of Oz....
Pay no attention to the moron behind the computer.
As for the article, I have eaten at the Keg in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and St. John's and have seen little to no difference in service or quality. -
- John
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:27:49
It will take more than a better road for me to shop downtown. Just a brutal snarl. Thank God for Stravenger and Kelsey Drive and the Avalon Mall.
-
- downtownmerchant
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:23:55
Its sad that the point of this article has been completely missed. It wasn't about food or service, it was about the condition of the downtown merchant.
-
- Foodie
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:23:52
Hey Taxpayer , if you actually do pay taxes, as you seem to spend alot of time complaining about things you seem to know little about, maybe you should go back to the emerald palace if you don't like the food at the keg. I have eaten at some of the best restaurants in the country and the US (One Hazelton, North 44, Queue de Cheval, Capital Grill etc), and I would put some of the restaurants here in town up against any of them. While some of them may lack the finish that some of these multi million dollar establishments have, their food is top notch. As for the keg, I have eaten there probably 30 times and have never had a bad meal. It's reasonably priced and always consistent. My suggestion to taxpayer is to go to the food court at the avalon mall, he should fine some gourmet cuisine there...
-
- Me
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:23:35
I totally disagree with Taxpayer's comments regarding the Keg. I have spent many years traveling across Canada and have eaten at the Keg at least 85% of the time. I have eaten at The Keg in Toronto and didn't find any difference, I found the staff here much nicer!! I agree that it is your opinion, i just cannot stand the attitude of some people, that mainland Canada is always better than NL. COMPLETELY DISAGREE!!!
-
- David
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:21:45
I agree, the service at The Keg here is not very good, they're rushing you out the door. And the food is pricey pub fo0d with a decent steak. For another $20 per couple you can got to many other better local restaurants and get much better food and service i.e. Portobello's, Magnum and Steins, Casbah etc. etc.
-
- Barry
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:21:04
I have to agree with Taxpayer ll, the 2 times I have been to the Keg here in St. John's the food and service was very disappointing. The 2nd time I went I was hoping that the first visit was just an off day for the staff but it was just as bad as the previous visit, the 5 of us got our orders at different times and it was just not a enjoyable night out, I will not be giving the Keg a 3rd chance.
-
- Shelly
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:19:37
I wanted to add that I have been to the Keg in St. John's many times and the food and the service have been fabulous. Perhaps if you go into the Keg with such a negative attitude, you get that in return.
-
- St. John's Diner
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:18:01
I've been to the Keg at least 30 times since it's been open, and I've never had a bad experience there. The fact that sales are still climbing there speak volumes. As for other good family restaurants in the city, I'd recommend Cora's, Klondike Jake's, and East Side Marios.
-
- back atya
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:17:27
Taxpayer II = Nasty Nate
-
- Taxpayer ll
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:13:35
Iv'e been to keg restuarants all over Canada, and this one is by far the worst. I am a big fan of the keg, and waited with much anticipation for this restaurant to open, only to be very dissapointed. The food is lackluster and the service barely adequate. Friends and associates who visit from the mainland tell me the same. If this store was in any other jurisdiction it would surely fail. We have very, very few good retaurants in this town...the Cellar and Biancas are just about it. When franchises like the Keg open up here they become what i call Newfoundlandised... corners are cut, margins are thin, staff are well..incompetent.
Go to the Keg mansion downtown Toronto, then go to the keg downtown St. John's, the difference is like day and night.
We have no good family retaurants here, only Swiss chalet. There are no IHOP or Outback,olive garden etc. If they did come they would be Newfoundlandised, and the food and service would suffer, so I guess it wouldn't matter anyway.
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
