The Clare-Argyle Culinary Enhancement Program, funded by ACOA, has helped local entrepreneurs like Shane Robicheau (standing) of Le Ptit Robicheau, who plans to launch a "Dine on the Ocean Floor" experience in 2023.

Press Release
(For immediate release)

Little Brook (N.S.) – November 9, 2022: Entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry in the municipalities of Clare and Argyle brainstormed future business ideas during customized workshops with renowned Nova Scotia food ambassador Alain Bossé (The Kilted Chef) in August and October 2022.

The Clare-Argyle Culinary Enhancement Program was organized by the Municipality of Clare’s Tourism Manager Larry Peach and Charles Robicheau from the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Tourism Association.

“The Acadian shores of Southwest Nova Scotia were so hospitable to us,” says Bossé, who travelled with his wife Joanne to Clare in August and to Argyle in October. “Despite the small size of these regions, the food and drink we sampled on our tour were outstanding – the quality is there. We met some amazing entrepreneurs, and we look forward to continuing to mentor them as we move forward.”

The main component of the program was a mentorship opportunity for local restaurants and beverage providers, giving them an opportunity to think outside the box by enhancing existing culinary experiences and by offering new products, experiences and menu items for customers and visitors. Participants also discussed creative promotional ideas, improved marketing materials and industry best practices.

Included with this project are marketing support funds for participants based on mentorship and advisory recommendations from Bossé. These funds were allocated to participants based on several factors including level of tourism potential, scale of operation and marketing needs.

Shane Robicheau, owner of Le Ptit Robicheau in Saulnierville, spoke with Bossé about a “Dine on the ocean floor” culinary experience that he plans to launch in 2023.

“With funds from the Culinary Enhancement Program, I was able to invite key travel reporters to a special seafood evening on the beach,” describes Robicheau. “I got valuable feedback from my guests, and I gained important knowledge through hands-on experience to help me create a unique culinary experience that will attract more tourist to the region.”

The project also includes marketing support funds for the Saturday farmers’ market and Art Sundays market at Belliveau Cove, as well as the Argyle Artisanal market.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) is providing the Municipality of Clare with a $70,000 non-repayable contribution toward the Culinary Enhancement Program, through the Rediscover Main Streets initiative.

“This collaborative program inspires entrepreneurs in Clare and Argyle to share their love for food with their community and with visitors in new and innovate ways,” says Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA. “As an Acadian, I am delighted that local cuisine is bringing more people to the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores and that residents are rediscovering culinary gems in their own neighbourhoods.”

“This is an exciting time for the culinary tourism industry in the Acadian regions of Southwest Nova Scotia, and we are thankful for this funding opportunity with ACOA,” notes Larry Peach. “Our areas are being rediscovered by folks close to home, and there is a newfound interest in our communities from outside the province. With travel restrictions loosening and large-scale events like the 2024 Congrès mondial acadien on the way, our forward-thinking entrepreneurs are putting us on the map as a place to visit and a place to live.”

Program participants from the Clare region were:

  • Shane Robicheau (Le Ptit Robicheau / La Cuisine Robicheau)
  • Pierre Boissonnault (École Dans l’Anse Resto Sur Mer / Les beaux vendredis)
  • Marlene Belliveau (The Wheelhouse Seafood and Pasta Restaurant)
  • Communauté Francophone Accueillante de Clare’s community meal program
    • Seoul Food’s Gyu-Na Park
    • El Shaddai Jireh’s Claribel Bello
    • Filipino food venture with Mirra Cabaron de Loera, Mary Jean Martin, Vera Zamora and Bleza Olivar
  • Denise Flynn (Corberrie Cider Co.)
  • Lise and Brad Lejeune (Brûlerie du Vieux Moulin – a coffee roaster)

Participants from the Argyle region included:

  • Kylie Brownell (Wild Roots Restaurant)
  • Jonathan and Elana Joseph (The Argyler Lodge)
  • Wanda Devine (Dennis Point Café)
  • Roddy D’Eon (Boatskeg Distilling Co.)

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Settled in 1768 and incorporated in 1879, the Municipality of Clare is located at the southwestern tip of Nova Scotia with approximately 8,000 residents. The Municipality of Clare is the only municipality in the province that conducts business and offers services in both official languages, French and English.

Media Contact / Interviews:
Larry Peach
Tourism Manager
Municipality of Clare
902-769-2031
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