Small business shoutout: Almonak

 📣​​​​​​​​ Small Business Shoutout 📣​​​​​​​​

For this week's Small Business Shoutout, we're featuring a local favourite—​Almonak! If you're looking for small businesses you can support across the HRM, follow along on Instagram for more. 

Q: What's the story behind why you started your business

​My husband/business partner, Barrett, always dreamed of living an entrepreneurial life. I, on the other hand, am less of a risk taker, but decided to take the plunge. We had spent a number of years working in Western Canada, before making the decision to relocate our young family to Halifax, to be closer to family in Cape Breton. We both love great food, and the excitement of the restaurant industry, and feel honoured that we were able to be part of opening a restaurant to serve the North End Halifax community.

Q: What challenges have you faced during the pandemic?

There's no getting around that one; the pandemic has been incredibly hard on the hospitality industry. The constant changes to restrictions, the ongoing shut downs, staffing challenges - every part of it was hard. For us specifically, we had decided to focus our energy on brunch, instead of multiple services, but every time we were shut down, we switched to a dinner menu, and had to re-engage our customers. What was a fun novelty for the community in the beginning, waivered through the multiple shut downs. It became increasingly difficult to operate a restaurant through the unknown of Covid. It was very trying and stressful as business owners, and also very difficult for our team, who we weren't able to give all the answers to.

Q: What can customers expect to find when they visit?

​Customers will find a modern, clean, nordic inspired esthetic, speckled with lots of greenery. We have a dedicated cafe area offering up third wave coffee, wellness lattes, and fresh baked goodies. Our brunch menu highlights fresh, creative, flavourful, unique dishes curated by a fantastic chef and kitchen team. We are known for serving up some exceptionally tasty Eggs Benny, but have recently expanded our brunch menu to include items like savoury french toast, and pakora brunch. When the warm weather hits, we will open up our patio, which is one of the few in North End Halifax. Another exciting addition will be the return of our dinner menu in Spring 2022. We focus on beautiful ingredients, prepared for you to enjoy with your favorite people! We will have amazing cocktails, and local beer and wine to complete your experience. Lastly, we are very proud of the consistently positive reviews we receive on the hospitality, knowledge, and welcoming nature of our serving team. We love being able to work with such great people!

Q: What is your favourite part of having a shop in your area?

​The North End of Halifax is a really exciting, vibrant, and growing area to be. Over the last 3 years, the amount of residential and commercial growth has been exponential. We love seeing our little area flourish, and for locals and tourists to enjoy and support other small restaurants and shops in our area. We have also been lucky enough to connect with other business owners with similar goals, and have been able to support each other through the pandemic. We are also grateful to be part of the North End Business Association, whom are incredibly supportive, 

Q: How can Nova Scotians support small businesses like yours?

​We would love for you to come in and enjoy a meal or your favorite coffee. If you aren't able to do that, all small businesses truly appreciate the purchase of gift cards to use later, as well as following along on our social media. Liking, commenting, saving, and sharing Instagram or Facebook posts does not take much time, but is so helpful. Lastly, tell your friends and family about your favorite small businesses to support. It is true that small business owners do a happy dance with every sale. A lot of heart and soul goes into operating a small business, and without the support of our community, many of us would not still be here. Thank you for all you do to keep us small fish going!

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