Big changes coming to Sturgeon fast food
Larry's, the Riv for sale. Dominos coming to town.
There are big changes coming to the fast food industry in Sturgeon Falls. Although the restaurant marketplace is known for a lot of turnover, West Nipissing will see important shifts this year.
The two largest and most historic chip stands in town are now up for sale. The Riv has been for sale for some time at $1.295M while Larry’s recently put their chipstand for sale for $1.1M. Larry’s underwent extensive renovations lately as it suffered a fire in 2022 that left it closed for much of that season.
Bruno Lepage, the owner of the Riv told the CBC last week that he and his wife “always had a 10-year plan”. They have owned the chip stand for eight years are now looking to start a new chapter in their lives.
While many online commenters have noted the exorbitant prices for a seasonal restaurant with no indoor seating, the owners are likely looking to profit off of their brand and cashflow. The chip stands have benefited from being in Sturgeon Falls, which many call the poutine capital of Canada.
While Sturgeon chip stands are looking for new owners, Verner residents are opening a new chip stand. The owners of Au Coin confectionary store in Verner will soon be opening Three Spuds to serve West Nipissing. The grand opening is June 15th.
Pizza, Pizza, Pizza
After KFC abruptly closed down a couple months ago, many have been wondering who would occupy the restaurant on Front Street. There was speculation that either a Taco Bell or another pizza franchise was coming to town. The winning guess was pizza.
Sturgeon will be home to Canada’s 601st Dominos location.* The news broke this weekend after some local residents spotted the new signs.
*Dominos currently has 20,591 locations worldwide including over 600 in Canada.
Dominos will be joining a crowded pizza market in Sturgeon Falls.
While only 7,000 people live in Sturgeon Falls, it currently has four dedicated pizza restaurants with 241 Pizza, Steve’s Premiere Pizza, Extreme Pizza and Pizza Hut operating locally. Twiggs is also known for their pizza and recently Tim Hortons announced that they would soon be selling pizza as well.
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I think decisions on what type of fast food chain to open in Sturgeon is not necessarily for us, the residents, but for travellers driving through town. We are on a cross canadian highway. Personally, I would prefer something that is not a pizza or burger place.
This town only has fast food, poor decision on another pizza shop. Would have been nice to see a healthier choice, HUMMUS REPUBLIC, FRESHII, CHIPOTLE Etc!!!