Ribbon cutting ceremonies held to officially open three businesses

Mayor Michael Prue - joined by members of town council, business representatives and the public - cut the ribbon recently at a trio of local businesses. Mercato Fresh (above) and Starbucks were welcomed into Amherstburg while Subway was officially re-opened after their renovation.

Three recent ribbon cuttings were held in Amherstburg to celebrate two new arrivals and one renovation.

Mercato Fresh officially opened its doors last Thursday morning at 365 Sandwich St. S. Despite heavy rain that came that morning, crowds lined up in front of the store to get inside and take a look at the various departments, ranging from produce, sushi, meat, prepared meals and other grocery items.

Just prior to the 8 a.m. store opening, the ribbon was cut to officially open what is Mercato Fresh’s fourth store as they have two in Windsor and one in Chatham.

“We’re proud to be part of the Amherstburg community,” said co-owner Marc Romualdi. “We’re trying to do Amherstburg proud.” 

Romualdi added they are “all about local” and try to provide the best quality goods, best prices and best service.

The store’s recent job fair at the Libro Centre drew an estimated crowd of 300 people with the store looking to hire 40 people, 80 per cent of whom were going to be full-time.

Mayor Michael Prue thanked Mercato Fresh for coming to town.

“Thank you for showing faith in our community,” he said. 

Prue believed the new store will be a welcome addition to the community.

Mercato Fresh is open Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Subway held a ribbon cutting last Saturday morning to celebrate its recent renovation. 

Subway was officially re-opened after their renovation.

Franchise owner Virgil Pathak, manager of franchise performance Peter Lumani and manager Michelle Gyori welcomed dignitaries and the general public to its new-look location at 473 Sandwich St. S.

“We feel really proud to be part of a community that supports local business,” said Pathak. 

Subway is a place to get a fresh, healthy meal, Pathak added.

“We hope to serve you in the future,” he said. “Here’s to a fresh start and fresh subs in Amherstburg.”

Lumani added they are looking forward to serving the community and thanked the town for its support.

Gyori said she has worked at Subway for 27 years and said she couldn’t ask for a better job or better employers.

“They have been very good to me,” said Gyori.

Prue thanked Subway for investing in Amherstburg. Subway is open from 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m Monday-Saturday and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.

Starbucks opened its Amherstburg location a few weeks ago with the official ribbon cutting held recently.

Starbucks were welcomed into Amherstburg.

Prue officially cut the ribbon at the new Starbucks, located in the same plaza at 527 Sandwich St. S. with Burger King, Taco Bell and the yet-to-be occupied commercial building at the rear of the property.

Ashley Day, manager of Starbucks Amherstburg, said they are happy to be in town and that Amherstburg has its own location. 

The community is supporting it well thus far, she indicated.

There are 20 employees at Starbucks, 18 of whom are from Amherstburg. Day said they like to treat their customers well, noting they come back because “the customer experience you get is why you come here.”

The idea, she added, is to greet people, sometimes write nice messages on their cups or to even get their coffee started when they see them in the parking lot or coming through the drive-thru.

Establishing the relationship between customers and staff is important, Day stated.

Starbucks’ Amherstburg location is open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.

“We’re here for you early and get you on your way,” said Day.

“It’s a wonderful town,” Prue stated. “People drink lots of coffee.”

Ribbon cutting ceremonies held to officially open three businesses

By Ron Giofu