After some trial and error, the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex has a concessionaire, and this one wants to stay for the long haul.
Owner Lavilla Tapel held the grand opening of her fast food service at the Ponoka Culture and Recreation Complex, Time Out Zone, Saturday, Nov. 1 with Mayor Rick Bonnett and Town of Ponoka CAO Rachel Kunz in attendance. Tapel said plans were in the works to open up a food outlet but she didn`t have an opportunity until just recently.
Originally, a concessionaire from Lacombe had signed a lease with the town to run the stall, but labour issues affected their ability. Tapel made an offer to the town just as the Lacombe owner was looking at backing out.
Wes Amendt, director of community services, jumped at the opportunity to see regular concession operations begin.
“Monday (Oct. 27) we signed the lease,” stated Tapel.
“Wes was really accommodating. Rachel was really accommodating in asking me what I need,” she added.
Tapel is taking her management experience at Wendy’s fast food restaurant and implementing that into the Time Out Zone. Rather than being nervous for the grand opening, she was all business-oriented and wanted to ensure product and staff were ready for the big day.
“I’m trying to get back into the mood of running a restaurant,” she said.
What food can hockey fans expect?
Apart from the typical fair of burgers and fries that most people have come to expect, Tapel also has on the menu Filipino food, some of which are home recipes.
Tapel is getting some help from Matet Lorenzana, who says there are some popular Filipino dishes such as Pancit, a noodle dish, as well as a home favourite, steam buns with pork or chicken.
“Our mother sent us to school with that recipe,” said Tapel.
“From our kitchen to you,” added Lorenzana.
After being open for just two days, Tapel said their spring rolls were also a popular menu item. She intends to speak with customers after a few weeks of business to get feedback on their menu items and schedule. “I feel that’s really important.”
“We’re just asking the community to be patient with us for the next few weeks,” she added.