CARDINAL - Great food, fresh ingredients and affordable prices are not exclusive to big-city restaurants. Shaw Knelsen has built Iron Forge Pizza around the idea that smaller communities deserve the same quality dining experiences, deliberately growing the franchise in villages and small towns across Eastern Ontario.

Named after the cast iron skillets used to bake its rustic pizzas, Iron Forge Pizza has developed a brand centred on fresh food, distinctive flavours and a welcoming atmosphere. Founded in 2018, the business has grown to five operating locations, including Merrickville and Cardinal in Leeds Grenville. Its signature sourdough pizza crust and special sauce, made with a secret ingredient, distinguishes it from traditional pizza restaurants.

Founder Shaw Knelsen began developing the concept after recognizing an opportunity to offer something different from ordinary pizza. He drew on his 30 years of restaurant experience.

Merrickville was the second franchise location to open, bringing the brand's fresh approach to the village's Main Street. Cardinal followed in February 2025, and the company is now preparing to open its sixth location just north of Kemptville. For Shaw, choosing smaller communities is intentional. His vision is to bring fresh, quality food and welcoming dining spaces to places where residents and visitors can enjoy them close to home.

The Cardinal restaurant is owned by Asela Peiris, who brings many years of food service experience to Edwardsburgh Cardinal. Originally from Sri Lanka, Asela saw an opportunity in the turnkey franchise concept Shaw and his business partner had developed. Their approach involves carefully pairing each location with an owner whose vision is suited to the business.

“This is my dream,” says Asela. “I want to make this a place where locals and visitors stop on their journey through town since County Road 2 runs right by my restaurant.” The spacious facility features modern, comfortable décor, ample seating, a bar and a recently completed patio which was developed with support from Edwardsburgh Cardinal's Community Improvement Program.

Iron Forge is more than pizza. Guests can enjoy sourdough creations and garlic knots, the Anvil Burger, fish and chips, chicken wings, artisan soups, fresh bread baked and sold in-house, desserts and drink specials. Cardinal also offers breakfast. Shaw's favourite is the After Dark pizza. “It hits salt, sweet, savoury and umami,” he says.

Fresh preparation and local collaboration are central to the business. “Supporting local businesses is important to the brand,” says Shaw. Ingredients from Greg's Quality Meats are incorporated into recipes, while the franchise-wide menu includes sauces from Ben's BS, a producer from South Mountain. Seasonal ingredients from nearby farms also inspire the rotating soup selection, with a new soup introduced every two weeks.

The kitchen continually experiments with new ideas, inviting staff to contribute recipes and suggestions. “I've worked in enough pizza restaurants to enact on efficiencies and rejig what doesn't work,” says Shaw, reflecting his practical approach to keeping the business evolving. The Cardinal restaurant also has a stage for events and live entertainment.

For Iron Forge Pizza, growth is about more than adding locations. It is about maintaining quality, creating opportunities for franchise partners and strengthening connections with the communities it serves. With plans for continued expansion and an open invitation to local farmers, producers and prospective franchisees to collaborate, Iron Forge Pizza is continuing to share its vision for quality dining in small-town communities.

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a woman who has owned and operated a business in Leeds Grenville for 15 or more years and who has made a lasting impact through her leadership, innovation, and community involvement. Presented as part of the International Women’s Day event in March, this award honours a woman who's entrepreneurial journey reflects perseverance, creativity, and significant contributions to the economic and social well-being of her community. She serves as an inspiration and role model to others, especially women in business.

Download nomination form, complete and email / deliver to:

Carol Hardy, Small Business Development Officer,

Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office

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

email: carol.hardy@uclg.on.ca

Questions? Call Carol at 613-342-3840 ext. 5367

Are you thinking about starting a business or looking to grow your existing one? The Small Business consultants offer free, confidential consultations to the entire Leeds Grenville municipal region to help you take the next step with confidence.

Receive assistance with:

• Developing and refining your business idea
• Preparing a professional business plan and cash flow projection
• Understanding government regulations, licensing, and registration requirements
• Conducting market research to identify your target audience and opportunities
• Exploring potential grant programs
• Accessing workshops, training, and local business resources

Cardinal Mart & Subway Open in Village

The newest businesses to open in the Village of Cardinal offer patrons all the comforts they need, and good food on the go at 623 County Road 2. Saving travel time to big centres that provide a wide selection of products, Cardinal Mart has what you need right in the centre of the village. The shelves are filled with basic core groceries and households items, fresh and dry goods like dairy and bakery, and treats for special occasions. Recently added was the OLG licensing for lottery tickets. While in the location, stop at the newest Subway for a fresh, handmade customized ready-to-eat meal.

The Crusty Baker Marks 15 Yummy Years

A long-time destination bakery in the downtown Kemptville area is celebrating its 15th anniversary. The Crusty Bakers is one of many delicious stops on the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways Fresh Baked Adventures self driving tour. Find savoury British-inspired delicacies like sausage rolls and pasties, in-house soups, handcrafted sandwiches and several varieties of breads and rolls. For your sweet tooth they make dark and delicious traditional tarts, pies, scones shortbreads and more. Located at 16 Prescott Street or call 613-215-0347.

What this program offers:

This program provides wage subsidies to support employers to create quality summer work experiences for youth aged 15 to 30 years.

This subsidy:

• provides quality work experiences for youth
• provides opportunities for youth to develop and improve their skills
• responds to national and local priorities to improve access to the labour market for youth who face unique barriers

Funding amount

Not-for-profit employers can receive funding for up to 100% of the provincial or territorial minimum wage and public and private sector employers are eligible to receive funding for up to 50%.

Applications close December 3, at 11:59 pm (PT).

FedDev Ontario is accepting applications for projects under three streams:

1. AI Adoption: Funding to support established businesses and organizations adopt and integrate AI technologies into their operations to improve productivity, competitiveness, growth, and resilience.
2. AI Commercialization and Scale-Up: Funding to support businesses to validate, commercialize, deploy, and scale Canadian-made AI products and services.
3. AI Ecosystem: Supports organizations that help businesses adopt, deploy, and scale AI technologies through services, expertise, partnerships, and ecosystem development.

Local Connections for Manufacturing and Supply Chain Solutions

Who should attend?

• Manufacturers
• Suppliers and Distributors
• Logistics and Transportation Companies
• Industrial Service Providers
• Engineering and Technical Firms
• Business Development Professionals

What to expect:

• Tourism updates from the Brockville Tourism team
• Updates on local development initiatives
• Ontario 55+ Summer Games
• Conversations on strengthening the visitor economy
• Connect with industry partners
• Lunch and networking

5501 County Road 15 is a 3-acre property offering 4,800 sq. ft. of commercial space with potential for business operations, retail, warehousing or mixed use. It has 2 open-concept areas over 2 levels, 2 offices, 2 washrooms and 10' ceilings. Exterior has 2 road entrances, 20+ parking spaces, ample trailer storage, a 7x9' delivery door and a covered loading dock. 15 minutes from Brockville and only one hour from Ottawa. This versatile property offers accessibility and room to grow in a convenient location.

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