The new Three Rivers YMCA Employment Services team last week welcomed the community to the Open House of their facility at 75 Waterloo St.  The Stratford team, led by Mary Lindsay...

A very warm welcome to Kenn Norman and Jonathan Walford who in July opened Encore Vintage, a cool retro retail shop that is the fundraising arm of this duo’s main...

It is no surprise that the daughter of two renowned artists is an artist in her own right!   Thea Reid recently opened Locus Gallery on Wellington St to much...

Talented local artist Janet Hill has opened her delightful studio on Market Place, chock full of her original art across various mediums. Janet best describes her art as depicting “strange...

Kris Schlotzhauer is back and we are so happy!   Kris who owned and operated AO Pasta for five years on Wellington St has just opened Fatta Pasta off the...

There’s an exciting new chapter ahead for one of Downtown Stratford’s most recognizable buildings on Brunswick Street! The space – most recently home to Revival House – has been purchased...

A beloved piece of Stratford’s history is entering an exciting new era. The Windsor Hotel, a landmark building dating back to 1881, has officially unveiled its newest offering: Casa 1881,...

Call For Artists: Downtown Mural Project Are you an artist located in Stratford, Ontario, or with a strong connection to the city, who has experience painting outdoor wall murals? The...

Downtown Stratford is raising a glass to an exciting new addition this spring with the arrival of Betty’s Wine Bar, opening its doors on May 15th! Owned by Jennifer Birmingham...

Downtown Stratford is pleased to welcome Well Within Dental Hygiene Clinic, a new business dedicated to helping clients feel comfortable, cared for, and confident in their smiles. Keenan Harrup, a...

Downtown Stratford is delighted to welcome Le Rose Nail and Spa, a new addition to our vibrant mainstreet. Opened by husband-and-wife team Ethan Cao and Nicole Le, this beautiful new salon is...

A uniquely whimsical and art-driven gathering space has officially opened its doors on George St.  The Leonor—a bookshop, teashop, boutique, and event venue all in one—has been brought to life...

Candice Northmore, from London, brings a rich and colourful background to her new spiritual boutique in downtown Stratford. With a deep history as a self-described “theatre kid” — Stratford felt...

Downtown Stratford, THE WHOLE MONTH OF APRIL! To celebrate The Nashville Takeover mid-April, several restaurants downtown are participating in a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich Contest! It’s on YOU to help...

WOW!  Dynamite business partners, Julia Blowes and Jaimie Henderson, have HIIT Stratford by storm! Officially classes begin Monday, March 9th and already so many classes are waitlisted!  You may want...

This week, Liesa Hartman opened her own small business, Hartman’s Coffee & Tea!   Operating Wednesday to Sunday, 8am to 4pm, Liesa’s doors are open to all who enjoy a...

A very warm welcome to this collective of 10 beauty experts who together form The Pink Room Beauty Lounge on Waterloo St.   From hair, nails, brows, and sugaring to...

Leah Bos from Lucan has just opened a wedding dress boutique where every bride-to-be who walks through the door is sure to say YES to the DRESS!   This is...

A warm welcome to Matt Vaile and husband, Shane Kirkland, who in December – just in time for Christmas – opened Ripy and Vine, a bottle shop with very cool vibes...

To make a Gen Z reference here, this sound studio is LIT!   David Riggs has taken his passion as a music lover to new heights, opening a spectacular space...

Local business woman, Lisa Hyde, has realized a dream she has had for a while!  With the retail space opening recently in a building owned by the Hydes, Lisa has...

Stratford, April 10-12, 2026 Stratford is one of 13 towns chosen across Canada for a “Nashville Takeover!” You can look forward to Stratford being transformed for three days into an...

Tucked in behind Bowl Bar, Andrea Achilles has opened her own salon – Kindred Roots – holistic hair & soul sanctuary. This cool cozy space is more than just hair, but...

Dee and Adria Graham are a mother-daughter team who last month picked the perfect time of year to open Adria Shop – Alpaca Fibre Products and Homestead Antiques on Market...

If you’re looking to piece together an entire outfit from head to toe, you can likely do it here for under $100!  Formerly the Glass Shoppe has been opened by...

The delightful culinary haven that is Mr Kim’s Sushi has moved to 13 York St.   Now solely a takeout location, the mom-and-pop shop still offers its delicious pre-made sushi from...

A warm welcome to Randy Pope and Troy Edgecumbe, the new owners of the Stratford Business Centre! Randy and Troy recently purchased the business from founder Greg Prout, who established...

With snow removal days ahead of us it might be time to get in shape to avoid pulled back muscles!  Welcome to brother and sister therapists, Alyssa and Chase Hyde,...

This week on Wednesday, October 8th the doors to the newest bar in town will open – End Times Bar and Beer Shop on York St!   Jordan Haynes, first-time...

At the start of October, new owners Ryan Jacques and his wife, Megan Graham, have taken over the ownership of Cannabis Cannabis.  Congratulations, Ryan and Meg!   Ryan has been working...

A very warm welcome to Conestoga College that opened its doors to a brand new space at the start of September.   Robin Ritz, Program Coordinator, has been with Conestoga...

Did you know that the Blowes Family has been operating businesses on Wellington St for more than 75 years?  Brian Blowes, owner of Blowes Cards & Gifts and Blowes Stationery &...

At 59 Albert Street, Stratford Blooms has become a trusted name for beautiful, thoughtful floral design. Since opening her doors in 2015, owner Amanda Speelman has blended creativity and a...

For nearly two decades, Grotto Hair Studio has been a cornerstone of York Street indowntown Stratford. Owned by Jillian Chambers, the salon began when she and herhusband spotted a “For...

Welcome to the newest kid on the York St block – Ten Toe’n Shoe Shop!  There is no pair more qualified than husband-wife team, Pete Self and Paula Schnurr, to...

The BIA has been granted permission to post this copy and series of photos, written and photographed by Jonathan Sippel. A couple nights ago I heard that Pete Koromilas past...

Downtown Stratford’s newest “cool” spot is Kool Scoops Ice Cream located at Bru Garden on Waterloo St!   Now Bru Garden has it all… for everyone!   While you hang...

Welcome back, Giannakopoulos family!  The beloved Pizza Bistro, formerly of Wellington St, has reopened this week on Downie St, next to the Avon Theatre.   Steve and Effie and their sons, Thomas, Chris, and his...

Home again, home again!   René Delafranier and Margaret Masters are re-opening Rene’s Bistro (2.0!) in mid-June in the exact location they operated in up to the end of 2019!...

You likely know Kate Kirby as your barista at revel for these past number of years… what you may not have known is that they are a dedicated yogi behind...

Welcome to Kristen Brekelmans, owner of the Sylvan Learning Centre located behind Bowl Bar in a very cosy space off the parking lot at the rear of the building. Sylvan...

We are pleased to welcome Carey Graham to the Bradshaw Collective on Downie Street, where he has recently established a permanent workspace as part of our growing downtown professional community....

Grooming with PAWsitivity – is the mission of this new business in town! If your dog or cat also needs sprucing up for Spring, head on over to Pitter Patter...

A very warm welcome to Lori Murray and Anna Dagostino who last week – to much fanfare on April 1st – opened Benessere, Downtown Stratford’s newest wellness centre offering a...

Mom and daughter duo, Tracey Pritchard and Alex O’Shea, opened their Flour Mill Outpost in the former El Cactus space just in time for Christmas!  By now, you’ve hopefully had the chance to visit this...

Welcome to Stephanie and Colin Schmidt, the new owners of revel on Market Place.  With a deep love for both coffee and community, this new venture is a great fit for the Schmidts. After...

By now you’ve likely had the chance to find Jay Ford at his new digs downtown, Work Pub & Eatery, that opened its doors in December!  Jay just couldn’t stay...

Did you know we have a Naturopathic Doctor downtown? Janessa has been practicing in the Hiller Realty building on Erie St for some time now, seeing patients here in Stratford...

Established in 2020, medical esthetician Lori MacMillan moved her business, MAEspa, into The Salt Cabin on Albert St on December 1st from her former location of being in the Christine...

Eighty-seven sandwiches sold on opening day! Now that’s something to celebrate! Owners of Taylor’s Delicatessen, Stewart Taylor and Amber Karaz Tipping, are over the moon with the response to the...

Welcome to Appleberry Lane Home Décor, recently opened by Kerri Richardson of St Mary’s. If you want to cozy up your home for the holiday season, you need to pay...

Congratulations to Ann Kelly who has opened her business – Northern Lights Gift Shop – on York St. Selling nature gifts, cards, books, and Bibles, Ann opened at the start...

It’s just recently that we’ve learned of a fabulous business that has been growing strong since early in the pandemic on the lower level of the Spa by the Tracks...

A very warm welcome to Dr. Vanessa Rondinelli, OBGYN, to Downtown Stratford.  Conveniently located next to Shoppers Drugmart, the office is newly renovated, with bright, modern features and the very latest...

Congratulations and a warm welcome to Kav Maharaj who this month opened Pilates Colours on Erie Street.  Kav hails from Mississauga, moving both her life and her studio to Stratford...

Welcome to the Worth Beauty Collective and to Becky Worth who has brought together a team of amazing practitioners who are at the ready to make you look and feel...

Welcome to The Collaborative Psychotherapy Counselling & Consulting, whose offices opened last month by the formidable trio Rebecca Cuthbert, Karen Slater and Maggie Blake.  Their paths crossing organically over these past...

Welcome to Sonya Scheuermann-Smith, who has opened her business – Luxe Sugar Cove – inside of The Salt Cabin.  Sonya’s beautifully adorned room awaits for women looking for pain-free hair...

If authentic Indian food is your jam, you need to dine at the new Curry Zone!  Opened in July by husband and wife, Vishal and Nirali, the Curry Zone is...

A very warm welcome to Dennis Crawford, whose legal firm, Crawford Lawyers, opened earlier this year, on Albert Street.  Dennis hails from a small town in central Alberta. Coming to...

Bruce Borgundvaag and Allan Paul, partners in business and in life, have recently brought their retail dream to full fruition: Alastair Home & Design!  From idea to opening, it’s been...

While Kevin September is brand new to being a small business owner, you likely already recognize him as the friendly and welcoming staff member of Lights on Stratford or from...

Meet first time business owner, Mikko, and her mom, Sirka, the dynamo duo behind the newest sandwich shop in town – The Little Kitchen on York. Opening Saturday at 10am,...

Follow your nose to the end of York St and you will be rewarded! Beginning at 3 or 4 am each day you will find Milo Jones – the Painted...

It’s been a few months now that Ruffins Pet Centre has moved from the mall to our downtown BIA and we are happy to introduce you to manager, Tracy Dickenson,...

A big congratulations to Mike and Cathy Bayer on the purchase of the popular Bru Garden!  For decades this pair have been operating fun food establishments in our city.  Their whole...

Congratulations to Janis and Jamie Antonio on becoming the new owners of Dunny’s Source for Sports in both Stratford and St Mary’s. Established an incredible 43 years ago in St...

**NEW LOCATION ALERT** Welcome to Ontario St, Hungry Ninja! Formerly located on York St this “hole in the wall” Japanese joint is owned by busy entrepreneurs Maiko Onuma and her...

New to Stratford, but not new to what they do! Business partners Tammi Reaburn and Fred Anjema of The RAD (Reborn Anjema Design) Studio have been bringing people’s ideas to...

Drop by the Grand Opening of The Salt Cabin on Saturday, April 6th, where upon entry you’ll be greeted with the fresh scent of the beach! Elizabeth Smith, of Seaforth,...

A warm welcome to Travis Blum and his wife Kathleen who in the last quarter of 2023 purchased and completely renovated both floors of 147 St Patrick St, the former...

KDB Law just might be the coolest law office in town, set up in the unique black and white Tudor style house at the corner of Ontario and Erie St....

The brand new Bradshaw Collective – a bright, beautiful co-working space – is the most serene environment to connect and collaborate with like-minded people or simply get down to the...

Enter Gush and it feels like you have just entered your living room! Cosy as can be this little heavenly spot off the Erie St parking lot. Blink and you...

A warm welcome to Cameron Russell and Dylan McCarthy, co-owners of the brand new Reboot Repair located in the 155 Erie St plaza. Formerly employees of the now-closed Compudoc, the...

Welcome to Dhyan Patel, owner and manager – along with three partners – of the Fresh Burrito at Festival Marketplace. Dhyan has much experience behind him working first for Subway...

Husband and wife duo, Megan Jones and Tim Pritchard are the proud owners of The Starlight on Wellington Street. Warm, cozy and authentically vintage! This new hot spot serves up...

A very warm welcome to Prabhsharan (Prabh) Singh and Bavneet (Bav) Singh (unrelated) and their new business venture, Crisp N Crust Eatery, to downtown Stratford! These first-time business owners are...

Welcome to downtown Stratford, Yilmaz Ertan, owner of Yilmaz E-bikes on Albert St! Yilmaz chose Stratford as his second E-bike shop location for two reasons – one, he has many...

If you have the breakfast growlies in the morning, head on over to Sweet Street Diner located below The Hub! Recently renovated from its former “Market” style offerings, this breakfast diner...

Wendy and Shawn Bennewies are the owners of Grayson Mills, a gorgeous wedding/party space located at the corner of Erie and St Patrick. Emma Macneil has joined them in recent...

A very warm welcome to Nia (Marissa) Murray and Michael Strung, the owners of new business Good Vibrations Rock Shop on Market Place. This is the “enchanting world” where “crystals, community,...

Fresh and Free Studios is the brainchild of Karim Rushdy, who has been a teacher at Nancy Campbell School for the last 12 years. He quips that the studio is...

Welcome Shireen and Aaron Beals to Downtown Stratford! With the amount they have going on, you’d think they had been here already a couple years! Feverishly knitting, crocheting, making hats and tshirts…...

Say hello to the newest business downtown, Town Crier Marketing! The company began in 2019 as a boutique marketing firm. When covid struck shortly after the launch, Cameron and his one co-owner...

A very warm welcome back to Cindy Hubert, who has re-opened Agora Gallery on Downie St at the corner of St Patrick! Pivoting as so many others did during the...

**NEW LOCATION ALERT** One year ago this stunning company shifted spots – from Market Place to Wellington Street. Now bigger, brighter, and more central. You’ll find more space for their...

Welcome to Tabbi Cundick (right) and her daughter, Bri, who are co-owners of the newest sweet shop in Downtown Stratford! Bake My Day and The Bean is the second outlet...

This June we welcomed Danielle O’Connor Jewellery, located on Downie Street, into the heart of our downtown. With 25 years of experience, Danielle has mastered the art of creating exquisite...

Welcome to the new owner of the Butcher and Baker, Andy Vivian. While the same familiar faces are behind the counter and the same great product knowledge and friendly service is...

Rosso Villamil and his wife, Sandy, are literally making headlines with their approach to business at their newly opened barber shop called Rosso Barber on Ontario St! Very quickly Rosso...

Welcome Thi Ha to downtown Stratford! Thi this month opened Avon Nails and Beauty Spa right next to Joe’s Diner on Erie Street.  Thi has lots of years in the hospitality...

Put your sunglasses on, York St just got brighter! “Soul-friends” and former colleagues, Nikki Wagler (left) and Nicole Streicher (right), have opened their dream business – Coles & Keys – bringing...

Lisa Killeleagh opened her sweet gift shop, Daisies and Doilies, on Wellington St, just in time for Christmas shoppers! When we visited in December, Lisa was excited to share that the...

Welcome to Amanda Hohner who has opened Hollyhock Hair Studio inside her good childhood friend, Brittany Raycraft’s Primrose Tattoo space at 162 Erie St.  Amanda, mum of two small children ages...

A warm “welcome home” to Bronwyn and Aaron Linley, the owners of the newly opened Bluebird restaurant on Ontario St! Already a hub for the old “down the street” neighbourhood crowd,...

Ariana Poch, owner of Pistolnik Designs, has an eye and a passion for the fun, the bright, and the whimsical in home decor. Ariana is a furniture upholsterer – chairs,...

A very warm and hearty welcome to BOWL BAR that opened last month at 145 Ontario St. Owned by Keystone Group’s, Kim Hurley and Anthony Jordaan, this new healthy bistro...

Traditional Cocktails – Quality Fare – Elevated Comfort. Welcome to Brian Clarke, owner of the new Elizabeth. at the corner of Ontario St and Waterloo St. This 34-seat restaurant has...

Shelby Marchand is exactly the personality you’d expect behind this business’s name – bubbly, smiley and sweet! This young mother of three girls, 5 and under, has opened her very...

“I would like to introduce myself to all; my name is Jamie Pritchard and as of July 18th I am the General Manager for the Downtown Stratford BIA. Four years...

Ände (pronounced Ah-nuh) means to breathe in Danish. “It’s a reminder to slow down, pause, and take our time in life. It is a gentle nod to my Danish grandmother,...

Welcome Miss Sophie (in the forefront) and her lovely owner, Jeanette Witschi to the Downtown Stratford BIA!  Entrepreneur Jeanette has decided to make her passion her job! Miss Sophie’s offers...

Lovage – pronounced “luh-vuhj,” as in the herb from the parsley family – is the new kid on the Wellington block. Owned by Chef Jamie Crosby – the proprietor of...

Okay Stratford… we have Phil Morris and Elaine Beck to thank for bringing back all our sweet memories of weekends spent in roller rinks cruisin’ to Boogie Oogie Oogie under...

“A Modern speak easy vibe” is what you encounter upon entering the cozy new Rockwell Lounge in the former Annex space. And a dynamo trio that will knock your socks...

A treasure trove of collectable delights await you at The Den on 125 Downie Street. We welcome Sareena Gaind to downtown Stratford! Faced with having to shutter her shop of...

Welcome, Iris, to Downtown Stratford! Iris Powell is in her element. Her business is not her job but instead her passion, raison d’être. And you can easily tell that from...