In many ways it was the business Xavier Allard was born to run.
Allard and his mom Annie took over Cheese Secrets in September 2019. Long before they’d begin selling it out of the Market Street shop, the family would be on the very opposite end of the production line.
“My mother actually used to make cheese out of goat’s milk from our farm, so we would give it as gifts to friends and family. It’s just part of what food is all about to us, being French-Canadian,” he said.
The COVID-19 pandemic created many challenges for all businesses, Cheese Secrets included. Allard had to look to other options such as markets and some of the outdoor events large venues hosted. Fortunately it worked out, and as pandemic restrictions have eased, business has been good.
“And it’s thanks to the community. You know, we wouldn’t be here through COVID if it weren’t for the community,” he said.
Christmas and the holiday season marks a typically busy time for Cheese Secrets, and this year is no different. Allard said they started taking orders at the beginning of summer.
Minerva Ward, president and CEO of the NOTL Chamber of Commerce and Tourism NOTL, said the town’s business community has been fortunate to bounce back strong as restrictions eased. Still though, the holidays mark and important time for retails shops and other businesses.
“This summer, we had fantastic tourist numbers, and not every destination can say that,” she said.
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She said locals have a sense of pride in buying something that’s made in Niagara-on-the-Lake. That local aspect is something Allard adheres to, as well. As much as possible he tries to stock shelves with Canadian cheeses, meats and other products. A quick tour through his store highlights that with familiar company names like Upper Canada Cheese Company or The Bagel Oven.
It matches what the chamber is promoting this winter.
“Make it an experience, rather than just sitting at home and going online and shopping for the presents, make it a total experience of Niagara-on-the-Lake,” she said. Shopping for gifts can be just as rewarding as receiving them, she said, since visitors can also take in a play, walk around the Christmas movie-esque setting that is Old Town or stay overnight and enjoy one of the local hotels.
Mishka Balsom, president and CEO of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that shopping local has benefits beyond just supporting the local owners and giving shoppers unique, one-of-a-kind items.
“About 68 per cent of the money spent at a local business remains locally. So that is a huge support,” she said. Additionally, small and local businesses are job-creation drivers who also, on average, donate more to charity.
“They really create a lot of job opportunities and that again drives our own community well-being.”
On the charity front, local businesses donate about two and a half times as much per employee, Balsom said.
When Ward’s loved ones open their gifts this Christmas, they’ll all share at least one thing in common.
“I know for me personally all my gifts will be from Niagara-on-the-Lake,” she said.
Back at Cheese Secrets, Allard said they don’t just want to help customers find unique gifts, they also want to help them learn. Part of what makes local businesses special, he said, is that intimate knowledge with the products.
On top of that, Cheese Secrets is also going to be offering gift basket workshops this month. It’s part of an effort to be a part of the community, along with offering a 10 per cent discount to Niagarans, and something Allard is confident will be a success. For more information on the workshops, visit the Cheese Secrets Facebook page.
— With files from Abby Green
