New option
Red’s at Toney River wharf close to campground, cottages, rural communities
For campers and cottagers on the north shore near Toney River, a spot for something to eat has just opened
The wheels on the bus have pulled into Toney River and come to a complete stop. Red’s has been open for business for the past few months, mainly parked at the wharf in Toney River, where it is offering cottagers, campers, and rural residents a new option for eating out. “It’s pretty here and there is beach just down the road,” said co-owner Sandy Mosel. “There are cottagers in the area. We technically opened in June, but we had some dry runs in May. We were also down at the Pictou Lobster Carnival and will be at the exhibition.” Sandy moved from Seattle, Oregon, to try her hand in the food truck industry with her sister Dorie. She said her brother-inlaw spoke to some people at the wharf and they decided it was a good spot to set up shop. It is mid-way between River John and Pictou and close to their home in Toney River. It is also convenient for people using the wharf, beach or living in cottages close by access their location. So far, the business venture is doing well. “During the lobster fishing season, people loved us,” she said. “They are already asking for boxed lunches during herring season.” The bus has also had return customers and its staff are busy taking lunch orders over the phone. “The two biggest sellers are the fish and chips and cheeseburgers,” she said. “Onion rings too. We have home fries so people like the fact that we cut our own potatoes and do our own fries.” Ice cream is also big seller, especially on the warm summer nights. “There was a lineup for ice cream the other night,” Sandy said. “All of a sudden I turned around and everyone wanted ice cream.” Currently, Red’s is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week, but those hours may change in the fall when cottagers head home. It is expected to be open until October depending on consumer demand and the weather. Meanwhile, Sandy is continuing to adjust to life in rural Pictou County. “It is something to get used to because living in Seattle was something different,” she said. “I was like two minutes away from two huge grocery stores and everything else. Now it is a bit of drive, but I couldn’t see the ocean in Seattle.”