A Red Deer Airport cafe has flown to the rescue of peckish people at the Penhold Multiplex.
Circuit Cafe, which has operated at the Springbrook-based airport since April 2010, extended its reach to the Multiplex last Wednesday. It’s taken over operation of the concession there, and is also providing catering services.
Facility manager Derek Crichton said a food service contractor was required on short notice after the town and the previous concession operator agreed to terminate their agreement. Circuit Cafe owner Darcie Phillips was able to fill the resulting void after only about four days of disruption, said Crichton.
“We felt very fortunate to be able to get somebody of her quality into here.”
Phillips said she’s offering a similar menu to that at the Circuit Cafe, with a focus on homemade, healthy foods. She expects customers to notice a difference from the fare they typically find at arenas.
“Normally you’re limited to hot dogs and fries. We’re going to offer a healthy choice.”
Phillips expects to provide food to private groups using the meeting rooms and gym at the Multiplex, and even plans to hold the Circuit Cafe’s annual pancake breakfast and barbecue there on June 9. The Red Deer Cruisers will stage a classic car display in conjunction with that event.
Crichton said Phillips is operating the concession on an “emergency interim” basis, with tenders eventually to be sought.
Phillips made it clear she hopes to remain.
“It’s a fabulous facility,” she said, adding that there should be opportunities to attract customers from town and also from the new high school when it’s built nearby.
The Penhold Multiplex concession operates from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, with these hours to expand in August.