Cabot Trail restaurant owners hope for record-breaking tourism season
As summer approaches, restaurant owners along Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail are buzzing with excitement as tourism numbers soar to unprecedented levels for this time of year. Ossama Nasrallah, the owner of Main Street Restaurant and Bakery in Ingonish, is thrilled to report that this season has been one of the best his establishment has ever seen. With a 30% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year, Nasrallah is optimistic about the months ahead.
Main Street Restaurant and Bakery opened its doors for the season in May, initially facing slow business due to unfavorable weather conditions. However, as June progressed, the influx of tourists surpassed Nasrallah’s expectations, resembling the typical mid-July rush. Anticipating a significant surge in customers once schools break for the summer, Nasrallah confidently predicts a record-breaking July and August ahead.
One of the contributing factors to the spike in business, according to Nasrallah, is the growing trend of Canadians opting to explore their own backyard for vacation. As a result, Main Street has seen an influx of Canadian patrons like never before. To accommodate the increased demand, Nasrallah has extended the restaurant’s operating hours, introducing a takeout window open until 11 p.m. AT, a significant extension from the usual 8 p.m. closing time.
Similarly, Glenda Ogley, the owner of The Clucking Hen Cafe and Bakery on the North Shore, is experiencing a surge in business but is facing challenges in sourcing adequate staff to meet the demand. Despite the staffing struggles, Ogley is grateful for the booming business and the diverse mix of customers, including a noticeable increase in both Canadian and American visitors.
While Nasrallah initially had concerns about American tourists avoiding travel to Canada due to perceived unwelcomeness, he has been pleasantly surprised by the number of visitors eager to experience the renowned Cabot Trail. Recognizing the trail as a bucket list destination for many Americans, Nasrallah takes pride in showcasing Nova Scotian hospitality to every guest that walks through his doors.
A recent survey conducted by CBC News revealed that several other restaurants along the Cabot Trail are also experiencing similar spikes in business, echoing the sentiments shared by Nasrallah and Ogley. Terry Smith, the CEO of Destination Cape Breton, attributes the surge in tourism to Canadians opting for vacations on the East and West coasts this year. He emphasizes the Cabot Trail as the primary draw for tourists visiting Cape Breton Island and Nova Scotia, highlighting its significance in driving tourism to the region.
With free admission to Parks Canada’s national parks and historic sites from June 20 to September 2, the tourism industry in Cape Breton is poised for a potentially record-breaking year. As visitors continue to flock to the Cabot Trail in search of breathtaking scenery and warm hospitality, restaurant owners like Nasrallah and Ogley are gearing up for a summer season like no other.
