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| | The Chieftain (Iroquois Ontario) December 23, 1997
Unique Business snuggled in local community
by Sandra Lee Johnston
And to think it all began when Victor and Marcel peeked through the boards
that covered the windows of the then abandoned structure, in an out-of-the-way
place called Williamsburg, where is that anyway?
Thanks to the creativity , imagination, hard work and
dedication to a dream they believed in, The Village Antiques and Tea Room and
the Bed and Breakfast owned and operated by Victor Dupuis and Marcel Allard is a
growing concern in the business community of Williamsburg.
Tucked along Highway 31 in the village en route to the
nation's capital, the little blue building is as unassuming as can be.
Stepping across the threshold, into a magical world where the food is delicious,
the service second to none, the atmosphere a Victorian wonderland and the
antiques provide a visual delight as you are served your meal; it is almost
unbelievable that you are actually in the quiet hamlet of Williamsburg...so
transformed is the state of mind after shutting the door to the outside
world. A calmness pervades the entire house, and a feeling of relaxation
seeps into the very soul.
The blue cup of organic tea, or the aroma of coffee
tickles the nostrils as conversation flows easily in this setting, it is nice to
soak in the atmosphere and enjoy a delightful lunch or a romantic dinner.
Originally a harness maker's shop built circa 1860, the home
has been completely renovated with the modern conveniences of the 90s while
retaining the charm of yesteryear.
As the owners explain in their brochure, they do in fact
invite everyone to discover this "oasis of charm and hospitality" and
once you have partaken you will want to return again and again.
Purchasing the house in a run down state, the intent was to
utilize the unique location as store where antiques could be sold from.
"It seemed to lend itself to the antique business," notes Victor, Two
years of hard work under less than perfect conditions (there was no heat during
the time the renovations took place and BBQ's were used to keep things from freezing,
including the workers!)
Wanting to provide something more than an antique shop,
customers were also provided with crumpets and tea while they browsed. It
took no time until people were coming in asking for more and so desserts were
added. Catering to a clientele who wanted an alternative to the fast food
joints, Victor and Marcel began to design an eatery that would not infringe on
those already established in the area, but still give people a choice.
Starting out with a simplistic menu, the only thing they
insisted on was that "there would be no deep frying, ever!" In
fact they do not even own such a piece of equipment.
Both suggest that at first things were slow. Recalling
how the bottom fell out of the antique market in the early 90s, they were not
ready to give up and created something different when people asked where the
antique shop had disappeared to.
People did not come in large numbers at first and we
questioned if we had made the right decision," notes Victor. So in
1995 after three years in the planning and refurbishing stages, a Bed &
Breakfast was opened at the same location. In the first year of operation,
the B/B joined with another B/B along the St Lawrence to provide a package deal
to travelers. Providing dinners and a place to stay after taking in a
play at the Upper Canada Playhouse in Morrisburg, visitors to the area were
pleased and things went well for all concerned. "People from Montreal
and Ottawa enjoyed this package...a five course dinner, theatre and B&B
accommodations, one price for all. The the owners of the other B/B decided
to sell out and head south, and so Victor and Marcel looked to expanding the
restaurant fare yet again. "Marcel had been in the restaurant
business previously, and tried to move on and Victor had operated a summer café
in his home town near Georgian Bay, but, both found themselves immersed in a
similar situation again in Williamsburg."
A short eight months ago a liquor license was added to the
bill of fare.
Perhaps the secret to the success of this place is that the
owners are constantly changing the look. "It keeps us enthusiastic
and since the business is forever growing it keeps us at a high energy level,
which we can transfer to our clientele."
Their attitude is terrific, "We view our establishment
as a treat for the senses; the eyes, ears, nose and palette are all considered.
We amalgamate our service and atmosphere and it seems to work!"
Both acknowledge the obvious when they suggest that the local
population is not sufficient to sustain the business and they must draw from a
larger area for support.
The B&B has blossomed into a real going concern.
"We were not expecting it to be so busy, but they seem to be catching on in
this country and as long as we remain in a price range people can deal with,
things will remain stable...and growing. Folks seem to enjoy the cozy atmosphere."
The second year that they will offer a New Year's Eve, nine
course dinner, they are "sold out" and did not need to advertise.
Continually changing the menu, providing little touches that
mean a lot (linen napkins for example), the ever changing scenery on the walls
and the themes that allow creativity to run wild in the entry, a Champagne
Brunch will be offered in January, with quiche, stuffed French toast, sausages,
bottomless coffee cup, croissants, tea biscuits, champagne & orange juice,
jams, "cretons" and fresh fruit cups...
For a meal that is definitely an experience, stop by, reserve
a table for your favorite meal pal and plan to thoroughly enjoy your next meal
in Williamsburg...
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