Warm weather leads to early patio season in Waterloo Region
As temperatures peaked above the 20-degree mark on Tuesday, some food establishments decided it was the perfect time to open their patios for the first time this year.
Four Fathers Brewing Co. in Cambridge welcomed diners throughout the day.
“We opened the patio today,” assistant general manager Lindsay Shields said. “It’s just been really nice weather coming up from Easter, so we decided why not celebrate and let everyone enjoy the weather.”
It’s more than a month earlier than the brewery typically opens the patio.
“Normally the weather is not nice until about mid-May, so that’s when we usually wait,” Shields said.
She added the warm weather typically means more business, as hikers on nearby trails trickle in.
That was the case for a pair of friends who ended up there on Tuesday afternoon.
“We went for a beautiful hike today at Rattlesnake Point and so we thought we deserved a beer afterward,” one customer said.
Shields said the restaurant is also planning a patio expansion this year, which will almost double the size of the existing space. That’s expected to be open by May long weekend.
Joey’s Doggs Certified Street Meat also opened their truck on Weber Street for the first time this year on Tuesday.
“This is, I think, the first time we’ve opened this early. Last year, we opened up in May,” manager Leslie Rito said.
She said they saw families and construction workers all throughout the afternoon.
“I think it’s kind of fun for a family to come out and enjoy the weather and enjoy a little bit of street meat. Who doesn’t like their hot dog on a nice, warm summer day,” co-owner Domenic Romeo said.
At Kitchener’s Moose Winooski’s, the patio has already opened this year, but things were busy during the lunch rush on Tuesday.
“This year was kind of funny because we did open up about a month ago. Then a couple of weeks ago we had snow,” general manager Joe Siasat said.
“We love to be the first and the only one in Kitchener to have their patio open when we do have that opportunity.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.