Robin’s opens its doors
Coffee shop, convenience store spark positive comments
There is a new kid on the business block in New Waterford.
Businessman Duke Fraser has opened a Robin’s coffee shop and the New Waterford Convenience Store on Emerald Street.
“We walked all the way up here from Ross Street (Tuesday) to come here,” said Theresa McNeil of New Waterford. “I love it, it’s beautiful. I love the coffee and the staff is so nice. We’ll be telling all our friends and will be here a lot.”
Fraser said business has been great since officially opening on Saturday.
“We’re getting a lot of positive response.”
Originally Fraser had planned to open a Robin’s on King Street however when the former Dolly’s Convenience Store became available he decided on a different location.
“People in the community said they enjoyed having a store (at the Dolly’s location) so we decided to include it in with a Robin’s.”
Fraser said the store was renovated and new equipment and stock purchased.
The coffee shop offers a full line of Robin’s products including breakfast sandwiches, donuts, muffins and hot and cold beverages.
A separate section of the building offers convenience store products, everything from fresh popcorn to lottery tickets and milk.
Fraser said he has 10 parttime and full-time employees on the Robin’s side and three employees in the convenience store.
“We have some happy employees who will be getting a pay before Christmas who wouldn’t have had one if we hadn’t of come to town and opened as early as we did.”
At this time the business is open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. seven days a week however Fraser said that might change.
“It all depends on what the people want. If they want us open earlier, we’ll open earlier.”
Fraser also owns Robin’s shops in Bras d’Or, Cheticamp and Inverness.
Dharwyn Morales, who works in the Cheticamp Robin’s, is helping to train the New Waterford staff.
“I’m here to help the staff become more efficient,” he said. “They are doing great.”
Debbie Moseychuck was hired last week.
“It’s a great opportunity for employment,” she said.
Fraser said he’s proud to make this investment in New Waterford
“The people of New Waterford have been very welcoming,” he said. “We received great support from the CBRM planning department and Business Cape Breton. We wouldn’t have been able to open before the holidays without the efforts of the students from MacKenzie College.”
Customers were giving the new business high praise Tuesday including Dustin Gillis of New Waterford.
“The coffee here is absolutely fantastic,” he said. “The staff is nice, the owner is nice. I enjoy coming here very much.”