Those looking to take the family out for a meal at the new Boston Pizza here, or maybe enjoy a beer while watching the big game, are expected to only have to wait until this winter.
The company told the Times that construction at the future site (next to the Super 8 Motel in the west end) is expected to begin in July, with the business opening its doors in December.
“We’re very excited to come to the Fort Frances market. We’ve been looking at it now for over two years, so we’re very excited,” said Wendy Hendry, director of marketing for Boston Pizza International (Eastern Canada division).
Hendry noted there is a franchisee for the business, but could not reveal that person at this time other than to say they’re local.
Hendry added the local franchise will be like those Fort Frances residents may have been to while in Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, or elsewhere in Canada.
“It will be the exact same size as all our Boston Pizzas,” she said.
“And one of the great things about Boston Pizza is the two concepts under one roof: the restaurant side, which is the family dining side; and then the bar side, where you can watch your sports and enjoy a good time with friends and beer.
“It will be one of our new prototypes, which we’re pretty excited about,” Hendry continued, noting the prototype model is very similar to the current model but features a “refinement” of details, like the decor and colour schemes.
“It’s definitely got the feel of Boston Pizza, it’s just kind of taken to the next level,” she remarked.
Boston Pizza will be open seven days a week for lunch, supper, and late-night service. Business hours are 11 a.m.-1 a.m. (2 a.m. on some nights).
“We have a huge menu, over 100 menu items, including pizza, pasta, ribs, sandwiches, salad—you name it, we have something for everyone’s taste,” said Hendry.
Hendry also said Boston Pizza expects to employ up to 100 full-time and part-time staff.