The Neighbourhood Group Story
Serving Up The Best Of Locally Crafted Foods And Beverages
Our company's commitment to “serving up the best of locally crafted foods and beverages” is based upon five central beliefs. First, when a business supports a region's producers it contributes to a more diversified and stronger local economy which, in turn, garners strong loyalty towards that business from the people in the community. Second, most foods and beverages taste better and are of higher quality when they are fresh. This means that more often than not, you need to source these products locally. Third, food and beverages travel long distances in North America ( on average almost 3,000 kilometers! ) Minimizing these "drink and food miles" will reduce everyone's ecological footprint and help combat global warming. Fourth, locally produced food is often subject to stronger regulations than imports so it is safer. And finally, it gives added pleasure to actually know the people who grow your food. This emotional connection enhances your dining experience. As a marketing strategy this ‘buy local’ philosophy has proven itself attractive to consumers and sets us apart from all other restaurant chains in the country.
The Pubs
A
local pub, a ‘public house’, is a meeting place and a home away from
home for many people. Institutions like these were originally found
during ancient times in the form of roadside inns. In fact, inn keeping
is considered one of the world's oldest professions! When archeologists
uncovered the city of Pompeii, they discovered whole streets of cafés
and wine bars. Providing the public with food and drink has had a long
and storied past… and why not? As Doctor Johnson once said, “There is
nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness
is produced as by a good tavern or inn.”
It wasn't long before the inns and cafés of antiquity became the pubs of Northern Europe, especially in Germany and the British Isles. In most towns these establishments became a hub of activity and often the focal point of the community. It was a place where everybody knew your name and sincerely cared about what was going on in your life. Serving good food and healthy beverages, in moderation, of course, pubs became part of many people's daily regimen.
We at Neighbourhood Group started by creating a Canadian version of the pub phenomenon. Borrowing heavily from our European roots, we have created an ambiance that is both welcoming and homey. The food is simple and hearty with good old ‘pub fare ’ as well as many indigenous delights. The Woolwich Arrow was Guelph's first "gastro pub' when it opened in 1990. Our beverage selection includes all your favourites while we feature local-brews and wines. We were the first pub chain to fully champion the small craft brewers of Ontario back in 1992. The Group grew in the mid-nineties from its home base in Guelph to diverse markets in southern Ontario and now plans to expand across Canada with a new concept.
Borealis Grille & Bar - The Taste Of Ontario
In
2008 the Group opened its new concept the "Borealis Grille & Bar".
The restaurant is a neighbourhood friendly operation which, like the
company's pubs features local foods and beverages. The emphasis is on
healthier grilled foods that are naturally raised, where
possible certified organic products will be featured. There is a
diverse menu featuring the grilled foods along with BBQ specials, flat
breads and pasta. Our fish is qualified for the Ocean Wise endorsement. A "Daily Market" menu will be based on what the chef
was able to purchase each week.
The interior design is inspired by northern settings. Large murals of Tom Thompson are found in the main dining room. Of course, Borealis will provide outstanding service from its highly trained staff members.