FREDERICTON – Creating additional space and bringing in business during Covid-19 has been “ruff” for some business owners. But one Fredericton restaurant came up with a new way to welcome customers and their dogs for a bite to eat.
Isaac’s Way in downtown Fredericton created a dog-friendly patio so owners can enjoy a lunch out and avoid leaving their dogs at home or in hot cars.
“People are loving that, especially travellers in the [Atlantic] bubble that are doing a stopover in New Brunswick getting some lunch,” said Isaac’s Way owner Tabatha Smith.
“They’re happy that they can let their dogs go out of the car and let them stretch their legs.”
The patio is separated from the rest of the restaurant to avoid allergy and food safety issues.
Smith said they started making homemade dog treats for the dogs who come to the patio.
Recently, Isaac’s Way announced a “cutest dog” contest.
Originally, owners were asked to take photos of their dogs on the patio and post them to the Isaac’s Way Facebook page with the #dogsofthepatio.
But then it turned into a contest.
“It became really popular; people liked it,” Smith said.
“So, then I’m like, ‘well, let’s do a giveaway to the SPCA and maybe incentivize some people to come visit us with their dogs.”
The contest has first and second place prizes. First place will be a $200 donation to the Fredericton SPCA in the winning dog’s name. Second place is brunch for four “humans.”
Smith said the patio has worked well when it comes to people making unexpected stops for food.
“Even folks that were taking a walk on the trail, [and they] get thirsty. Now they can [take an] unplanned trip,” Smith said.
“It’s like, ‘I just took the dog for a walk, but now I’d like to grab an appetizer and a beer.’”
Last year, Isaac’s Way had dog kennels so you could enjoy your meal and have your dogs in the shade. But they found people don’t like to be separated from their dogs.
This year, because of COVID-19, the extra seating was needed anyway.
Isaac’s Way is only at 60 percent capacity currently with a patio so the new dog-friendly extension adds extra seating for 10 people.
Some owners have already entered their dogs, including a Czech Shepard named Sarge, a yellow lab named Tobi, a beagle named Abbey, and chihuahuas name Ziggy and Chippy.
Riley visited the patio and her owner said Riley’s favourite dessert is the Sour Cream Raspberry Pie.
Fancy McEntire visited the patio for her first patio lunch. She was rescued over the pandemic from a puppy mill, so she’s enjoying her new life with her owner and a whole new world. Her owner said she loved the sweet fries and haddock tips.
“The more doggies the better,” Smith said.
“We’re animal lovers around here.”
This story was originally published in Huddle on Aug. 13, 2020.
Hannah Rudderham Portfolio 