What do 16 years mean?

We at Salamanders have just celebrated 16 years of active service to the community of North Grenville and surrounding area. As we greeted old friends, our loyal guests, this past weekend, we are grateful for the time we have invested in each other, mutually extended generosity, the shared laughter and yes, also the tears.
When we started Salamanders, we occupied the space where three previous restaurant attempts had taken place. There was therefore a lowered chance that we would be successful. However, we were successful by simply providing a quality of food offering created by Liane Cormier and improved for each and every season of each and every year. The community rallied to the Salamanders cause, which consisted of:
• The generosity extended to us by the late, great Nik Wellstein;
• Food prepared lovingly and creatively from scratch by Liane’s team;
• Excellent service by Beth and some truly great people working with her;
• The development of the 5 C concept of Cajun, Creole and Low Country Cooking with a Canadian Twist;
• The support of community groups such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Old Town Kemptville Business Improvement Area;
• The ongoing and loyal support of local businesses, such as Grahame’s Bakery, B&H Grocers and the Hamilton family’s Home Hardware;
• The development of Salamanders as a Community Hub where all manner of special events have taken place (weddings, birthdays, baby showers, celebrations of life, festive season parties; you name it, we’ve had it);
• The passing of some wonderful older guests and the arrival of new young families, with their babies and youngsters;
• The ongoing appreciation of the Salamanders Food Corner articles.
This list can go on for much longer. Have we had challenges? Oh yes! Covid was only one example. Did you know that Salamanders was kept alive by the generosity of community members who insisted on supporting our take-out service? We wouldn’t still be here if it hadn’t been for their loyalty and trust.
So, the passing of 16 years of service means that our wealth is not financial nor material. It resides in the hundreds of relationships that we have built with the great people we have served over the years. Folks bring us back stories and souvenirs from their vacations across the world. We often know what some of our guests will order even before they sit down. Some “love” the Coconut Shrimp, others “need” the Jambalaya and of course, some “die for” Liane’s gourmet salads. There is often a line-up for the made-on-site desserts. Who hasn’t tried the Annapolis Valley Apple Torte?
So, this is a great big thank you for all of the years. Whether we stay in business or choose to retire, you may rest assured that none of those years will ever be forgotten…