Building On Success One Slice at a Time

PRESCOTT - Where's the best pizza on this side of the Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge? With a solid rating on Google, Nick's Restaurant is a top choice for delicious home-cooked meals and fresh out-of-the-oven pizza.

"We offer delicious Canadian, Italian, and Greek dishes such as fresh daily soup, burgers, pasta and souvlaki available for dine-in or pick-up," says owner Sangeeta Mehta. Nick's is LLBO licensed.

As newcomers to Canada in 2005, landing in Toronto, Sangeeta and Rasheed (Mike) Bhat worked in various jobs. They moved to Leeds Grenville and eventually searched for a business to purchase. Nick's appeared to be a good investment with an established client base and central location. With no prior commercial kitchen or food service experience, they purchased it in 2012.

The transition took about four months, with the former owner staying on to assist the new entrepreneurs. "I love talking with and cooking for customers; they are so supportive in this community," says Sangeeta with a big smile.

Using the same popular pizza recipe Nick's had from the beginning, they knew not to stray far from the menu. However, over the past ten years, they introduced new dishes with efficiency in mind. "With a little imagination, you can create delicious dishes using the same ingredients you already have," said Sangeeta. "We added three popular chicken items to the menu: wings, quesadillas, and parmesan. Gluten-free options are also available." she added.

"During the pandemic, we explored delivery, but it proved very expensive and inefficient," said Rasheed. Regardless, business boomed as the phone rang constantly, feeding hungry, quarantined clients through the pick-up service.

Last year, Nick's received a facelift with a fresh coat of paint and new siding. Sangeeta and Rasheed are very happy with the results, "we appreciate everyone who worked and contributed to this establishment. "

The couple admits it was a challenge to start over in another new place. "We are very thankful to the community and local authorities like CSE Consulting and the Town of Prescott for their guidance and support," says Sangeeta.

They are content now knowing the community sees their restaurant as a cozy meeting place and community hub, and that Leeds Grenville is their home.

LINKS

107 Churchill Road, East

613-925-2882

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Photos: top, Sangeeta Mehta and Rasheed Bhat welcome you to Nick's; above, from top: the popular Canadian-style pizza fresh from the oven; a fresh coat of paint and siding; delicious desserts to cap off a visit; Brittany Matthie of CSE Consulting visits.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Benefit from sponsoring at this important event, choose the opportunity that best suits your business. Email Carol Hardy or call 613-342-3840 ext. 5367.

Next Brick invites you to their open house. Enjoy festive atmosphere with traditional Chinese decor, refreshments, and insights into their latest innovations. Highlights include an art show, guided tours, traditional music with hands-on workshops and interactive activities. Lunar New Year treats and snacks will be offered on January 25th from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at 4502 Hanna Drive, Elizabethtown-Kitley.

Officially open, Canada's Press'd Sandwich Shop offers hearty selections whether you’re grabbing lunch, dinner, or looking for catering options. Their purpose is to fuel Canadians with the simple joy of delicious, crave-worthy sandwiches made from fresh-baked bread and high quality meats. Gluten-free options are available. Find the new shop in Brockville Crossings, 2539 Parkedale Ave, unit A0.

The Rideau Lakes Economic Development Committee is delighted to recognize the hard-working business owners and entrepreneurs who provide employment and services throughout the Township. Celebrate the achievements and contributions to the community by nominating well -deserving businesses in the following categories:

• Business of the Year: salutes a business that has demonstrated a commitment to the community and its residents while displaying strong ethics within business and society.
• Business Innovation: for a business that demonstrates innovation in enhancing its business and services.
• Young Entrepreneur (under 35): honours hard work shown by a young business leader who either resides, operates an active business or grew up primarily in the Township.

New this year, submit a nomination directly online through the digital form. Nomination forms are also available at the Township office. Awards will be presented at the Rideau Lakes Business Recognition Awards Breakfast, held Wednesday, April 16th, from 8-10:00 a.m. at the Elgin Lions Community Hall.

Nominations open February 1, deadline to submit is March 7, 2025.

Connect with candidates face-to-face at these upcoming CSE Consulting Spring Job Fairs. You are invited you to join these events, reserve your spot today at no cost. If you secure a table, please plan to stay for the entire event. Reserve your table by February 21st.

North Grenville

When: March 4, 12 - 4 p.m.

Where: 285 County Road 44, Kemptville

Email or call 613-258-6576

South Grenville

When: March 5, 12 - 4 p.m.

Where: 444 Prince Street, Prescott

Email or call 613-925-0222

This program helps primary producers and processors address local labour force challenges in the agri-food sector with pilot projects that implement:

• innovative attraction strategies
• recruitment strategies
• retention strategies

You must be one of the following:

• a primary producer
• a processor
• an industry organization

Projects must include at least one of the following:

• piloting incremental worker supports
• piloting incremental recruitment strategies
• development of new or incremental human resource policies and programs
• planning for on-site amenities for employees

You could get 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $40,000 in funding for a project under this initiative. For industry organizations or collaborations between 2 or more businesses, you could get up to 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $100,000 in funding for a project under the Initiative.

Survey closes January 24, 2025.

Originally a stone schoolhouse, it has a river view of the Rideau Canal, a gourmet kitchen, exposed stone, wood beams, a fireplace, central air and natural gas radiant floor heating. Another annexed structure includes 2 separate entrances with full baths and kitchenettes. Located in the rear of the structure are 5 parking spaces, a heated inground pool, hot tub, sauna and outdoor shower.

View Map for 223 Main Street in Merrickville.

Leeds Grenville Economic Development is a member of the Ontario East Economic Development Commission and the Regional Marketing Committee. Through this membership, opportunities for private sector businesses to participate in industry trade shows in collaboration with Leeds Grenville and Ontario East are available.

Local Leeds Grenville Food & Beverage processing businesses are invited to express their interest to participate in the following trade shows at no charge.

• Restaurants Canada –April 7 – 9, Enercare Centre, Toronto, ON
• SIAL Canada –April 29 – May 1, Enercare Centre, Toronto, ON

Participant Requirements / Guidelines

• Commit to a minimum of one full day (8 hours) at the Ontario East trade show booth
• Send a minimum of 2 individuals to work at your display
• Participation in the Ontario East Tradeshow booth includes a 4ft draped table and electricity
• Ontario East will provide signage for all participating companies. Additional signage will not be permitted. 
• Participant travel, accommodations, meals, marketing materials, product samples are the responsibility of each company.

Eligibility

• Must have a food or beverage product that is ready to market and sell to grocery, retailers or restaurants
• Must be prepared to accommodate increased production and sales

Deadline: Monday, January 27 by 5 p.m.

For more information or to register your interest, please contact

Shebli McFarlane, Business Development Officer, via email.

Leeds Grenville Small Business - The Growth Series: Upcoming Workshops

Host:  Leeds Grenville Small Business

Presenter: Ryan Gencarelli

Where: 25 Central Ave., Boardroom A, Brockville

Cost: $30 each, advanced registration required

This series of powerful Small Business workshops is designed to give you actionable strategies and practical tools to elevate your business. It's not just another workshop series, it’s a deep-dive that will equip you with the skills you need to grow, expand, and sustain a thriving business. Boost leadership skills, optimize cash flow and more. By enrolling, you’ll gain comprehensive learning on the key drivers of business success, giving you the knowledge to level up your operation.

Next workshop:

Market Adaptation        February 5   9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Upcoming:

Building Strong Teams February 19 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Retention / Acquisition March 5       1-5 p.m.

Operational Efficiency  March 19     1-5 p.m.

Succession Planning    March 26     9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Retail Safety and Security

Make your business less vulnerable to crime using the Retail Safety & Security Guide. Join the Workplace Safety and Prevention Services for an informative session to help enhance your retail environment’s safety and security.

Equip your team with the knowledge and tools to prevent crime.

Learn how to:

• Create a Secure Atmosphere
• De-escalate Confrontations
• Develop an Emergency Preparedness Plan
• Understand Roles and Responsibilities

Host: Small Business Advisory Centre

Presenter: WSPS

When: February 3, 9-10 a.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Social Media Customer Service

& Engagement

Transform how you interact with your audience on social media. Customer service and genuine engagement on social media can significantly differentiate your brand. This workshop is essential for any business or individual aiming to utilize social media platforms not just for marketing, but as powerful tools for building and sustaining customer relationships. Learn about strategies for effective communication, handling negative feedback, and using engagement to foster loyalty and trust. Turn every comment and inquiry into opportunities to showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Whether you're managing a corporate brand or your personal profile, this session will equip you with the skills to elevate your online customer service game.

Host: Regional Tourism Organization 9

Presenter: K. Parthenais, Mellow Brew Marketing

When: February 4, 10-11 a.m.

Where: Online

Cost: Free

Free Tax Help for Self-Employed, Small Businesses and Incorporations

Do you have tax questions? Get the answers directly from the experts. These free webinars will equip you with the knowledge to navigate taxes effectively. You'll learn about business tax deductions, common tax errors to avoid, tools & services offered by the CRA, general bookkeeping concepts and best practices. Check the Small Business service area listing below to find the right session for you.

Host: Small Business Advisory Centre

When: February 10, 9-11 a.m.

Presenters: CRA Professionals

Where: Online

Cost: Free

RTO 9 2025/26 Partnership Fund Information Sessions

The next round of the Regional Tourism Organization 9 Partnership Fund opens on Monday, March 3rd.

To get familiar with the program before applying, attend one of these information sessions where you will go through the application process. This may help you determine whether your project/business is eligible to apply, how the program works, and what expenses can be incurred under your project. There will also be time at the end of the presentation to ask questions about the program.

For more information contact Meg Dabros, RTO 9 Operations Manager by email or call 613-983-5215.

Andrew Stacey, Tourism Marketing Support, Shelbi McFarlane, Business Development Officer; Carol Hardy, Small Business Program Assistant; Ann Weir, Economic Development Manager; Cyndy Bolton, Economic Development Officer; Joanne Poll, Administrator & Communications Support.

Leeds Grenville eNews deadlines for submitting information:

If you have an upcoming workshop, seminar, or business-related event, please email it to us in advance.

• Submissions for the February 4th, 2025 edition should be received by January 27th.
• Submissions for the February 18th, 2025 edition should be received by February 18th.

SPECIAL MESSAGE:

The Leeds Grenville Economic Development business directory is in the web public domain. The Economic Development Office does not share or sell the directory to any resellers. Please be aware any email messages suggesting acquisition of the directory is not from the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Economic Development Office.

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32 Wall Street, Suite 300, Brockville, ON K6V 4R9

613-342-3840 | 1-800-770-2170 | econdev@uclg.on.ca