LITTLE CURRENT—Observant eyes may have noticed that the new deck being built outside the old Edgewater (now ‘Dockside’) on Water Street in Little Current now has a second level.
“We originally were just planning on a roof over the deck,” confirmed Jordan Stephens, who along with partner Braeden Macaluso, is currently renovating the building into a summer outdoor eatery, office and Air BnB.
“But when I was talking to a friend, he mentioned that it would be a great idea to put a second level on top,” noted Mr. Macaluso.
“The only downside is we lost a little space on the ground floor,” said Mr. Stephens, “but while we may have lost a couple of tables on the bottom, we gained space for over 30 people on the top.”
The combined seating space will now enable over 100 customers to be served.
The view from the upper level is outstanding, looking out over the North Channel and the Manitoulin swing bridge.
“When we first looked out from up here it was… wow,” said Mr. Stephens.
“May 2025 is when we will open,” confirmed Mr. Macaluso. “We want to open up before it gets busy so we can iron out any kinks.”
The duo are still aiming at providing an upscale summer dining experience that will only operate during the warmer months—all of the seating is located outside—and plan to offer light acoustic entertainment in a licenced venue on some evenings during the summer.
The business partners have developed a lot of properties on Manitoulin Island and plan to continue to do so in the future, but for now they are primarily working on renovations.
“It is amazing how the demand for renovations has skyrocketed,” said Mr. Macaluso, noting the recent influx of cash into the region has resulted in a tide lifting all boats.
