Black Sheep off to greener pastures
Halifax restaurant set to move into Brewery Market
Dave Woodley and John House opened their restaurant, Black Sheep, on Dresden Row in Halifax on Dec. 21, 2015.
Five years later, they embark on a move.
“We feel that we've outgrown our space on Dresden,” House said.
“We're often lined up, and our space doesn't lend itself well to COVID restrictions. The significant rent increase was the catalyst for us to explore other options.”
The new option is the recently vacated Red Stag spot in the Brewery Market on Lower Water Street.
“Killam (Properties) is really putting in an effort to turn the Brewery Market into something special,” said House.
“Many cities that I've visited have mixed-use markets that are frequented by tourists and locals seven days a week. I think the Brewery Market has that same potential for Halifax.”
To help facilitate the transition, the operators have gone the crowdfunding route, creating a campaign on Kickstarter.
“We thought it was a good idea to get some upfront capital for our project, but we have tried to structure it in a way that gives our customers a pretty great benefit for supporting us now. We don't expect charity, especially given the current economic climate.”
Customers go to the site and pre-purchase merchandise or food, which can range from a mask up to an hors d'oeuvres party for 40, with plenty of options in-between.
“Honestly, it's going to make all the difference getting the new space ready for opening,” House said.
So far, they have raised more than $5,000 of their $32,700 goal.
“We made a plan, but as we started working through some of the details on site, there were many things that had to go on our wish list that we didn't budget for initially.”
House said the experience gained from the last five years will shape the new space.
“Coming from a culinary background, Dave and I knew how to make good food, but everything else was a pretty steep learning curve. I think that in five years, the most important thing we've accomplished is curating a good crew of people who really believe in our brand and care about what we're doing. Ultimately, they are the face of our business.”
Black Sheep isn't the only new operation on the Brewery Market block. The Old Apothecary moved from
Barrington Street last year and launched evening service paired with alcoholic beverages. The Brown Hound opened a second location in the neighbouring Benjamin Wier House on Hollis Street. At the same time, Hermitage, from the folks behind Juniper and Unchained Kitchen, opened in the Alexander's base.
Da Maurizio remains in the Brewery Market, and neighbours Cut and Shuck are still options for this block's potential for a great evening out.
“It's been a high priority to maintain and involve our team throughout this transition,” House said.
“Dec. 20 will be our last day of regular takeout (on Dresden Row), so get it in while you can.”
They also will have Christmas take and bake for pickups on Dec. 23. Black Sheep will be working as quickly as possible to get open in its new home early in 2021.
Here are more retail happening and highlights:
• The Tim Hortons location that recently closed on the Bedford Highway, near Dartmouth Road, will be taken over by its Chickenburger neighbours and be called Chicken Little Cafe. In a social media post, it's described as “coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, ice cream & more with a nostalgic twist.”
• Sustainable fishmonger Afishinado has a new retail outlet at 275 Rocky Lake Dr. in Bedford. It will also continue to sell fish at the Warehouse Market on Isleville Street.
• Protein bar makers Stoke Food Supply has opened the Fourth Pull Espresso Bar at 5687 West St., just off Agricola Street.
• Alderney Landing gem Port City Coffee has expanded across the harbour and opened two kiosks this week, one in each of the tower lobbies of Purdy's Wharf on Lower Water Street.