Gracie’s Pantry began as a home-based business in 2018 and in March of 2019, Lexi Labrecque proudly opened the doors to her main street shop in Falher, Alberta. We asked Lexi to answer a few questions about her business and experience as an entrepreneur.

Q: Why did you decide to open a business?
A: We had originally decided to open our business as we saw there was a need for a place for celiac and people with food allergies to go. Unfortunately, when we were all hit with the pandemic, we had to change our original plans and offer all food types. we still offer gluten-free, friendly, and vegan-friendly options on certain days so we can be as careful as possible with celiac concerns.

Q: What do you feel makes your business unique?
A: We offer a variety of drinks, from specialty coffee to smoothies to refreshers to bubble teas. Our lunches are always made fresh and in house.

Q: What do you recommend from your menu? What has been most popular?
A: Our most popular items would probably be our flatbread pizzas, our Dill pickle, or Buffalo chicken flatbreads, which are by far the most popular items. Drinks-wise, I would have to say our Caramel macchiato is the number one must have.

Q: What advice do you have for new business start-ups?
A: Always have an open mind in life. You need to be able to bend and change as you need. Had I not had an open mind and been willing to change and bend with the times, I would never have made it through the pandemic.

OFFERING THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF INSTRUCTION IN THE INDUSTRY

Gary & Elaine, along with son Nate, own & operate Coulee Creek Safety Training. Their diverse courses allow students to experience "hands-on" learning activities, focusing on personal safety in the workplace and at home. They pride themselves on employing instructors with the workplace experience related to the courses they teach.  At Coulee Creek Safety Training, they believe that time spent on training is valuable to both the employer and employee. “Safety Training means investing in your organization, that directly affects your bottom line”. Beyond their training facility in Peace River, they offer mobile services, traveling as far as the Northwest and Yukon Territories and British Columbia.

First Aid, WHMIS, H2S Alive, Oilfield Safety, Farm Safety, Ground Disturbance, Confined Space, Babysitter Training, Equipment Safety Awareness, Online Safety and Awareness, and more. CF Peace Country is proud to support Coulee Creek Safety Training.

Roxeanne Alexander first started her giftware business in her home but sales quickly escalated to the point where she needed a storefront. Community Futures helped Roxeanne expand her business with a loan in November 2014 and she moved into a highway location in Grimshaw, Alberta. She again outgrew her space and in 2018 moved into a spacious location on main street where she is now able to offer workshops utilizing store products for extra income. She also enjoys an increased amount of foot traffic when there are hockey games and events in town.

Covid has been tough on her business due to restrictions on events and being deemed non-essential, she had to shut her doors a few times. But, Roxeanne was resilient and came up with ways to keep going. She made DIY kits available for curbside pickup and make arrangements for people to purchase products from the store via curbside as well.  I also made virtual videos showing what was in the store and numbering items and hosting online auctions.  This was just one unique way to attract customers and make them feel more comfortable shopping.  I also created an online shopping website with encouragement and coaching from Community Futures.  Roxeanne doesn’t hesitate to call us when she needs advice or assistance and we look forward to seeing her business continue to grow! Visit her on main street in Grimshaw or online at www.riversideranchanddecor.com

Stephane Simard is the owner/operator of Simard Butcher Ltd. retail meat store in Falher, Alberta. Stephane has always had a passion for hunting, growing up outdoors and testing his hunter skills with friends and family. He grew up around McLennan and deep family roots make the Peace Region home. Stephane is a loving husband to his wife, Nichole, and adoring father to their two young boys. Stephane graduated with Honors from the Meat Processing course at Olds College in 2021. Now he brings his skill, creativity, and industry-leading technique to you. The retail location boasts a variety of fresh, smoked, cured, and other beef and pork options. The Simards are proud to make these available locally! The business also further supports their local producers by offering Custom Cutting of farm direct animals. Stephane and his family give back to the community through support of local 4H Beef programs and donations of edibles to local Animal Shelters.     CF Peace Country is proud to support Simard Butcher Ltd.