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HB NEWS PLENTY OF HURDLES FOR LOCAL EATERIES Continued from page 3 “Iwant to make the cus- ipmers happy even though we sometimes, lit- eral, make nothing,” ‘she a he same holds true for many other dishes on the menu after produce costs skyrocketed this past fall. ant raised menu prices between $1 and $2 at the beginning of 2022; however, Vongk- hamchanh is hesitant to do so again this year, not- ing that some customers already complain about what they perceive to be exorbitant costs. It's extremely difficult to plan in such a volatile business she said. Inflation and pandem- ic-induced issues such as staff shortages and stay- at-home work options that environment, Fresh Bone-in Pork Chops 12 items on spec $2.99 Ib Reg $4.99 Ib $6.59 kg Reg $11.00 kg al each and every deter lunch crowds con- tinue to pose hurdles for local eateries. However, Tracy Van Kalsbeek, executive di- rector of the Uptown | Wa: levels due to a shortage of both employees and cus- tomers. snore Pizza has ¢ cut its franchisee “Utkarsh Patel terloo a "tim usiness recov- ery and stably overall, with 18 new businesses opening in "the core area and seven closing. additions include salons, a real estate firm and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu training gym. Closures have included a night club/bar and two canna- bis retailers. ‘aco Farm, a promi- nent eatery on Erb Street st, was the most recent business to announce its closure back on New Year's Eve, after nine dining spots have been forced to reduce hours and staffing over ve art-time employee: He often works from open toclose himself in order to provide what he call the "best value for custom- ers." While business has been OK recently, he questions whether em- ployees are actually furning pe. offices nearby, a ae ow Waterloo senior economic development of- ficer Kristin Sainsbury said there's no definitive data on which companies are requiring full returns to the office and that many are still offering hybrid options to attract and re- tain talent. Though reporting fluc- Weekly Specials JANUARY 9 - 16, 2023 Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs b $5.99 Ib Reg $13.21 kg Rey ‘st 1 kg Store Made Healthy Choice Frozen Sausage ) $6.99/pkg Reg $8.49/pkg Store Made Smoked Black Forest Mi Hams (1 kg) $14.99 ea Reg $17.99 ea Locally Made Yellow/White/Dill & Garlic Cheese Curds $10.45 Ib Reg $12.45 lb $23.04 kg Reg $27.45 kg Store Made Deli Sliced Roast Turkey Breast $10.99 Ib Reg $13.15 Ib $2.4/100 g Reg $2.90/1 Sen ors elle we 109 Monday! 3031 macnn Line, Heidelberg Mon - Thur 9 am - Sat 7:30 am - 6pm; Fri vue 7 pm; 5p dnesday off or LCBO product 519-699-4590 STEMMLERMEATS.CA | Only the best from our family to yours! tuates, based on third- quarter data for 2022 from ‘ushman and Wakefield, office vacancies are stay- ing somewhat stable at around 10 per cent in Up- town Waterloo and 12 per cent in the city's suburbs, Sainsbury noted. In uptown, Sainsbury said, online wholesaler Faire, which announced layoffs in 2022, is now uti- lizing the former Shopify gam and Ri deco, both Tocal Waterioo startups, moved int former Seagram building Others have taken space at 7 Father avi Bauer Dr., Sainsbi Sainsbury sata that despite soaring inflation, U.S. consumer spending over the holidays was higher compared to 2021, with Colliers reporting that Canadian retail foot Bill Jackson/ Metroland Aconfectionery and bagel shop will be moving into the main level of the old post office at 35 King St. N. traffic at the start of the season was up between 15 and 30 per cent over 2019. “Generally we have seen Uptown Waterloo fare well amid adversity and we are optimistic it willcontinue to do so," she stated. "With new housing developments proposed in the uptown and added consumers, the need for services, retail andfoodin the uptown should contin- ue to grow. New office and retail space slated to open inside the former post office at 35 King St. N. will include a new confectionary and Montreal-style bagel shop on the street level. See MONTREAL, page 8 ‘Sereni Serenity (Be HEALTH & WELLNESS ~ YOUR LOCALLY OWNED HEARING CENTRE — Certified Lyric provider * www-.serenityhearing.ca NE experienced providers wil » test your hearing and help a resolution that's easy to keep! Hearing aids can be both _ affordable and discreet rariment best suited to prescribe hearing aids from Il manufacturers with all the latest technolo _ connectivity to smartphones, TV, Bluetooth’ and more! We offer ompetitive pricing and various types © 1144 Wilson St. W. Unit D203, Ancaster © 350 Conestoga Blvd. Unit B3, Cambridge. 370 Winston Road, Grimsby ¢ 550 Fennell Ave. E. Unit 16B, Hamilton © 570 University Ave. E. Unit 905, Waterloo. At Serenity Hearing, ou! you select the hearing meet your needs. We ies available including of payment plans. ~ Ey 8 2 Ey s Fa 5 = Fy a a 3 g 5 5 2 8 5 8 28 8 eo 'e[D]UOIYDOOLETEM