Grizzly Bar, a new Canadian-themed addition with some innovative things planned. Their goal is to provide a truly immersive experience that fully reflects what it means to be Canadian. Located in a bustling area, the bar will feature unique decor, a diverse menu, and engaging activities that highlight Canadian culture. Owners Jessica Langer Kapalka and Jason Kapalka made an investment of $15,000. They want their bar to genuinely reflect what it means to be Canadian.
The new cast of animatronic bears imported from the Philippines have a goofy charm to them and enhance the bar’s otherworldly atmosphere. This distinctive attribute shows the creative vision of the owners. Their goal is to develop a cozy, campfire-style setting in which visitors can enjoy traditional Canadian delights such as s’mores.
If the menu is anything like his extensive catalog of work expect the unexpected. Patrons will be able to look forward to enjoying New Zealand elk, Maritime calamari, and Montreal smoked meat. The bar will be serving an inventive version of the classic Caesar cocktail. They’ll even finish it off with ketchup chips presented in cute little paper boats. This choice does more than showcase Canadian ingredients — it gives a preview of the imagination behind the bar’s kitchen-inspired creations.
Continuing tariff disputes between Canada and the U.S. are hurting companies that rely on American sourced goods. In reply, Grizzly Bar is going full-on Canadian as a counterstrategy. The Kapalkas continue to battle these rough seas, and they are hopeful for a positive resolution in the future.
“Hopefully, there’ll be a different regime at some stage there,” – Jason Kapalka
The current tariff crisis has forced countless businesses to reconsider their sourcing strategies. Despite Wednesday’s announcement, that uncertainty continues to breed fears over the future of imports, Jo-Ann McArthur told …
“If there’s a 200 per cent tariff put on Coke, we don’t know what that will look like,” – Jo-Ann McArthur
In addition to Grizzly Bar, other establishments are embracing Canadian themes as a means to adapt to the shifting economic landscape. Kanoo Coffee Other long-time businesses, too, have reformatted their menus to focus on local flavors and local roasters. The coffee shop now sources its brews from Canadian roasters like Subtext Coffee Roasters in Toronto and September Coffee Co. in Ottawa.
Steve Neville, who owns a nearby restaurant, notes that many businesses are finding creative ways to connect with local suppliers and customers.
“We realized it’s been a no-brainer all along,” – Steve Neville
As businesses pivot towards Canadian offerings, Grizzly Bar plans to incorporate fun activities for customers as part of its unique experience. One such event, the “Hoser Olympics” includes events like the “loonie toss” and “hockey tape escape”. These activities serve to introduce and engage patrons, establish a sense of multicultural community, and highlight Canadian/Indigenous traditions.
The bar managers will don an eye-catching nine-foot inflatable grizzly bear costume, further enhancing the playful atmosphere of the establishment.
Grizzly Bar will be rolling out a Canadian Tire money payment system. This innovative addition gives patrons the opportunity to experience yet another aspect of richly-developed Canadian culture while enjoying their visit to the venue.
American businesses are already engaged in the daily combat of changing tariffs and market forces. Many experts believe that this deeper emphasis on local themes will continue beyond the period of acute crisis. James McInnes, Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Chicago, highlights two important aspects of tariffs—how unpredictable they are and how they affect sourcing.
“Not only are the tariff percentages changing on a daily basis, but also what is getting tariffed is changing on a regular basis,” – James McInnes
More businesses are changing their menus and decor to reflect Canadian history. This trend appears to be more than just a reaction to today’s economic climate.
“Being in this globalized world, we’ve kind of lost sight of some of those domestic priorities (like) supporting local businesses, local families … and that’s starting to break down,” – Steve Neville
