Dear Editor:
I know this newspaper and the editor in particular is keen on promoting local businesses and entrepreneurs.
I would like to briefly comment on one such undertaking known as the “Bullpen Canteen” located in the Beachburg Arena. After several failed attempts at establishing a viable canteen in the Beachburg Arena, along came Kathy Horner with the right experience and a very workable business plan.
After her start-up, the news quickly spread about the excellent quality food and the wide variety of offerings. Local and visiting sports teams quickly embraced this new concession, most eager to partake of the delicious well-prepared menu items. Kathy’s food menu is a constant “project in motion” as she caters to her customers’ varied desires. Of particular note and of crucial concern to any food operation, hygiene and sanitation occupy the top of the priority list, ensuring not only delicious and well prepared food but also very safe food as well. It should also be stated that the “Bullpen Canteen” has not only rounded out the services of the arena but it has also created one full-time and three part-time jobs, something our region desperately needs.
In order to expand and provide yet another service to the community and surrounding area, Kathy established a morning “Coffee Club.” Although of minimal economic benefit to the business, Kathy and her staff ran this operation which drew in many people from surrounding villages and became a “getting to know you” place. Here, new friendships were created, hockey talk flourished and indeed some informal business meetings took place as well. Unfortunately this endeavour was discontinued for some unknown reason.
Finally I would like to mention Kathy’s pizzas. I became a big fan of these pizzas some time ago and I have compared notes with friends who also enjoy pizza. Our opinion is that Kathy’s pizza is probably the best in the North Ottawa River Valley.
So congratulations to the Beachburg Arena administration for landing a winner and special kudos to Kathy Horner for her hard work and dedication to our community.
Dave Willard, Beachburg
