Brock students know all about our local hot spots. From pubs to pool halls, everyone has their go-to place. However, there has been a boom in our local downtown community, with new, innovative businesses opening.
From cafes, workout studios, restaurants and entertainment spaces, downtown Thorold and St. Catharines have continued to develop into a vibrant space for Brock students to relax, socialize and meet new people.
Downtown Thorold gets a new wave of businesses
One of Thorold’s most notable recent openings was the expansion of the popular Whisk Cafe by Avo & Co — a matcha-focused cafe with food and drink options — to include Avo & Co next door.
Avo & Co specializes in fresh and quick food, including poke bowls, avocado toast, salads, smoothies and others. The owners originally started their business in Niagara-on-the-Lake and specialize in matcha sourced directly from Japan.
During their opening weekend, the business saw a lineup of customers. For Brock students, Whisk and Avo & Co offer a unique cafe experience perfect for studying or treating yourself after a hard exam.
Thorold’s downtown also welcomed Penny’s Kitchen, which opened at 26 Front Street North in February. The new restaurant is a great spot for Brock students to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner. Featuring unique drinks such as Italian fruit soda and a dessert list that calls the name of anyone with a sweet tooth, Penny’s Kitchen provides a space for students to grab a bite, meet up with friends or take a break from the campus dining hall.
For students looking for places less focused on food, Céilí by Pretty Potions Apothecary brings a new community event space to Front Street.
The name Céilí comes from the Gaelic word for a social gathering, showcasing their inspiration in creating a third space for the community to meet. After celebrating its grand opening in March, it has become home for tarot readings, crafting and a space for people to host their own events.
This business is supporting a culture where students and community members can gather, share stories and support each other, connecting like-minded people through their various events.
A highlight for creatively inclined Brock students is their monthly drop-in crafting nights, where people can create or bring in something they’ve been working on.
Thorold is continuing to grow into a space where the community can rally around each other, and that starts with supporting our new local businesses.
St. Catharines offers new places to eat and unwind
Across the Welland Canal, downtown St. Catharines has also seen new businesses emerge.
Wandering Spirits, located on 96 King Street, is one notable addition to the downtown space. The business combines a cafe during the day with a cocktail bar at night, providing something different to the many different students at Brock.
The cafe operates daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while cocktail service runs Tuesday through Saturday evenings. The business describes its focus as “coffee in the morning. cocktails when you’re ready,” making it a well-rounded space for students to stop in no matter the time of day. no matter the time of day.
For students interested in live entertainment, Helliwell Hall has become a downtown destination for many of our up-and-coming artists to showcase their talents. The brewery and concert hall hosts live performances throughout the year, with its September schedule already out on their website. There are plenty of opportunities for Brock students to experience the venue.
A changing downtown experience for students
For Brock students, the expansion of downtown businesses means more options beyond the university’s campus to meet fellow students, get away from the regular hotspots and explore each city’s vibrant community.
Whether it is grabbing a matcha at Whisk, having breakfast at Penny’s Kitchen, or catching a live performance at Helliwell Hall, students have an increasing number of reasons to take the short trip into Thorold or St. Catharines.
With Brock located between the two thriving communities, Brock students have the unique opportunity to take advantage of the changes happening outside the university campus.