Michele Oliver and Ruby Greenan watched their popular eatery burn down in the late hours of Aug. 20.
They’d owned the business for many years and it had been a mainstay of the community for more than 20 years.
Oliver said Sunday that the initial shock of the businesses’ destruction has started to wear off and they are left to reminisce of all the memories they made there, as they try to figure out what to do now.
“From here we need to start conversations about the future of our lives and family business. We will explore all options and hopefully make the best decision for all involved,” she said.
The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
The restaurant was one of only a handful of eateries in the small, tight-knit community of Tignish. It also hosted a popular dinner theatre that featured many original pieces of work based on the community.
Depending on the time of year, anywhere from 12 to 20 people worked at Cousin’s Restaurant, many of whom were students.
Oliver said that she and Greenan have been keeping in touch with their staff, but their options are limited.
“Our biggest concern now is our staff - finding replacement jobs mid-summer can be difficult. We have been speaking with all of them about where they go from here,” she said.
The community has been very supportive of the staff and of Oliver and Greenan, she added.
They’ve shared favourite stories, offered support and just generally been great. The community support has definitely cushioned the blow of the situation, she said.
“The outpouring of support has been humbling. So many people have messaged us to let us know they are not only sorry for our loss but how deeply this loss has impacted them personally and the community.”
Colin.MacLean@JournalPioneer.com
@JournalPMacLean
Michele Oliver and Ruby Greenan watched their popular eatery burn down in the late hours of Aug. 20.
They’d owned the business for many years and it had been a mainstay of the community for more than 20 years.
Oliver said Sunday that the initial shock of the businesses’ destruction has started to wear off and they are left to reminisce of all the memories they made there, as they try to figure out what to do now.
“From here we need to start conversations about the future of our lives and family business. We will explore all options and hopefully make the best decision for all involved,” she said.
The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
The restaurant was one of only a handful of eateries in the small, tight-knit community of Tignish. It also hosted a popular dinner theatre that featured many original pieces of work based on the community.
Depending on the time of year, anywhere from 12 to 20 people worked at Cousin’s Restaurant, many of whom were students.
Oliver said that she and Greenan have been keeping in touch with their staff, but their options are limited.
“Our biggest concern now is our staff - finding replacement jobs mid-summer can be difficult. We have been speaking with all of them about where they go from here,” she said.
The community has been very supportive of the staff and of Oliver and Greenan, she added.
They’ve shared favourite stories, offered support and just generally been great. The community support has definitely cushioned the blow of the situation, she said.
“The outpouring of support has been humbling. So many people have messaged us to let us know they are not only sorry for our loss but how deeply this loss has impacted them personally and the community.”
Colin.MacLean@JournalPioneer.com
@JournalPMacLean
