MISCOUCHE, P.E.I. — A parade of images tells the story of Cook’s Corner.
One by one the photos hang in a row on the Miscouche business’ walls.
The history of the establishment depicted in those images starts with humble beginnings in 1935, as a rural general store, and then moves through a half dozen redesigns, expansions, downsizings, ownership changes and at least two major fires.
A new photo will eventually make its way to the wall, this one depicting the business’s latest addition – a diner.
“The (public) response seems to be very supportive,” said co-owner Jonathan Gallant.
The business, now dubbed Cook’s Corner Convenience and Café, located at 4 Main Dr., consists of the convenience store, a bakery and the new restaurant.
“People (in the community) were excited too, because they were looking forward to it. We knew that the business was there, from the people who were already here.”
-Linda Gallant
It has been in the same extended family, except for a few years, since the beginning. The current ownership consists of Jonathan and Chris Gallant and their mother, Linda Gallant, who owned the business with her husband Sonny between 1987 and 1996.
Linda, Chris and Jonathan been working towards opening a restaurant connected to the store pretty much since they bought the property back in 2012. Chris, a carpenter and builder, and Jonathan have done most of the construction themselves in whatever free time they could find outside of their day jobs and family lives.
There was a great deal of relief and excitement when they finally opened the restaurant on Oct. 1, said Jonathan.
“People (in the community) were excited too, because they were looking forward to it,” said Linda. “We knew that the business was there, from the people who were already here.”
“More variety,” said Chris.
John Mitchell, who lives in nearby Union Corner and is a volunteer Miscouche firefighter, said he appreciates having another year-round option for food in the small community.
“I really enjoy it,” said Mitchell. “A lot of our firefighters come here after a fire and its breakfast and a coffee. It’s a lovely spot.”
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