Congratulations to Downtown Espresso Café in Amherstburg for being selected as the benefitting business in a competition that will see University of Windsor and St. Clair College business students pitch ideas and concepts to help the café maximize its advantages and leverage its outdoor space.
The students are vying for a $5,000 prize and “will be challenged to analyze and propose business strategies … and address the functionality of the shop’s adjacent outdoor space,” said a University of Windsor press release. Competitors will present oral and written submissions and be judged through a 10-minute question and answer session.
“We’re looking to students to provide creative solutions to enhance the profitability and appearance of the café and make it an even more welcoming space for visitors and people within the Amherstburg community,” said Richard Peddie, an Amherstburg resident and business owner partnering with the University on the competition
“Amherstburg is a true gem in our region and the competition will not only help students put their skills into action but will give tangible support to a local business that contributes to the vibrant atmosphere the town has to offer. COVID and its restrictions have had an impact on all small businesses – I see this as a step in the right direction to get things moving again.”
Downtown Espresso was a popular destination for cyclists and coffee lovers all summer long and activated its business during Open Air Weekends, setting out picnic tables and hosting special events to draw crowds, like visits from Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Skye from Paw Patrol.
“We really feel like we’ll be getting the brightest young minds around to further the success of the Downtown Espresso Café,” said owner Renée D'Amore. “We’re always looking for innovative ideas to make our business more appealing to our customers and the Odette-Peddie Amherstburg Case Challenge is an ideal way to get a new perspective – we’re looking forward to seeing what the students come up with.”
Downtown Espresso already offers its customers a fantastic experience and I’m excited to see how they plan to improve on it.
