No Waffling

Posted on September 17, 2014 under Storytelling with no comments yet

A large waffle lineup at the Farmer’s Market

 

 

How does a young family lay down roots in a small community?

One waffle at a time.

Sometimes you just have to go with your gut instinct. And if it happens to be lunch hour, you simply go with your gut.

I had often seen the unmistakable yellow “waffle wagon” behind the parking lot at the Post office and at the Farmer’s Market. But only this summer, I’m sorry to admit, did I wander over to sample the goods produced by Alexandre and Nicole at Authentic Belgian Waffles.

Food trucks are popular in many of the large cities in our country, but you don’t see them too often in small town Canada. And more often than not, the fare can tend to be a tad on the greasy side.  Not that I object to some fries or onion rings from time to time.

My granddaughter and I were visiting the library, and at the suggestion of my wife we strolled through the back parking lot as midday approached and took our place in a short lineup. Good thing we got there early, because the lineup swelled as the lunch hour crowd arrived shortly thereafter.  We placed our order and they took our name.  The other people waiting for their food were regulars.  You can just tell.  They come for the food and a chance to get caught up on the news with friends.

My name was called and we headed over to the gazebo. It was one of those amazingly glorious summer mornings.  We sat on the steps with the Brierly Brook gurgling behind us.  The first bite I took was pure bliss and I was immediately hooked.

The food service industry is brutally tough. Especially a seasonal food business.  I don’t see many people in downtown Halifax lining up to get fish and chips in the dead of winter.

It would appear that Nicole and Alex have all the right ingredients for success. The food is very good. Most if not all of their raw material is locally sourced.  They believe in home-grown businesses just like theirs.  They also have the service part well honed.  On my second visit, they remembered my name.

This story is not just about another food option for the residents of Antigonish. It is about entrepreneurship and the need for citizens of our community to support the many young couples and individuals trying to make a go of it in tough economic times.  They work hard, but more importantly, they don’t expect to “have it all” right away.  They love Antigonish and want to stay here.  They want their young families to be immersed in the rich culture that saturates the area.

This young couple is about to make the next big leap. They will keep their wagon, but when the cool winds of fall and winter start to blow, they will be moving indoors to a new permanent location.

I also happen to know that Nicole is a belly dancer. She gives lessons and offered to show me a few steps.  This is not a pretty visual.  If I were to be seen in public busting some belly dance moves, I am quite certain that I would be quickly whisked away.  (No doubt – Editor)

This dynamic duo is determined to put down roots in Antigonish.

No waffling here.  Let’s welcome and encourage Alexandre and Nicole and others like them.