A number of three businesses are now for sale on 30th Avenue in Vernon, along with a growing list of others.
The Wedge Cheesery is listed for $125,000. Co-owner Matt MacLaren explained that with two young children, a second location in Kelowna and a second job as a real estate agent, the workload was just too much.
“We’ve had great success,” MacLaren said of the Vernon deal. “Even during COVID we have been quite busy. A few little dark spots, just like any small business during COVID, but overall it’s been a pretty successful endeavor.”
The Midtown Bistro is listed for $59,900. Owner Kelly Lacroix said she and her husband hope to leave the restaurant with someone who will love it as much as they do.
“We now have a chance to be mortgage-free on the lake,” she said. “And we started this rental business with nothing.”
Lacroix has been vocal about having to ask for vaccination cards. In September 2021, she spent a week not complying with the passport requirement while working with health and liquor inspectors, but began complying after it was realized her business would otherwise be closed.
“I feel like I’ve adjusted and reassembled so much that I’m not really sure how much I still own this business,” she said.
Midtown Bistro has only been on the market for a few days, but Lacroix said there has already been a bidding war.
Next door, Harry’s Fish and Chips is $140,000.
Since being closed for 22 months due to provincial health regulations, Status Nightclub’s owner has listed the store and building for $1.5 million. But he still hopes to open soon.
“It was extremely tough,” said owner Saverio Loria. “I have suffered huge losses.”
He’s not keen on the sale and says if it doesn’t pan out he’s fine with it, as he’d like to bring nightlife back to the city once restrictions are eased.
“There is so much uncertainty and I don’t want to lose it all.”
Loria plans to take the club off the market once it reopens.
“I can’t wait to reopen, I know Vernon is ready to have her nightlife back. Fingers crossed that it will be soon.”
Just four months after Avant Brands announced its newest cannabis cultivation facility in Vernon, the massive 60,000 square foot facility is now up for sale. The property, formerly a film studio and originally the Far West Factory, is listed for $10.3 million. But Avant isn’t going anywhere.
“We are tenants of the Kosmina Road building on a long-term lease and our landlord is currently considering selling the property, which would not affect our lease, license or operations,” said Avant founder and CEO Norton Singhaven.
READ MORE: Cannabis Company Grows With Vernon Plant
Another downtown property, home to Dorian’s Greek Taverna, Local Losers, Dean’s Tailor Shop and Samosa Joe’s, has been listed for $1.49 million.
Less than a block away, a commercial building housing Corbett Office Plus is for sale for $2.49 million.
The corner shop Mug N Muffin is listed for $90,000.
Blast From the Past Antique Store on Highway 97 is for sale. The 21-year-old company, including all leftover items, is listed for $325,000.
The new executive director of the Downtown Vernon Association, Keelan Murtagh, says the ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions have undoubtedly impacted all businesses and forced a rethink in the way each vendor runs their business.
“While the business world is ever-evolving, DVA remains enthusiastic and committed to ensuring that downtown Vernon remains a dynamic place to visit and enjoy. Since the summer, the DVA has distributed 17 welcome packs and we continue to attract new businesses to the downtown core and enjoy a membership of over 550 businesses in Vernon’s BIA (Business Improvement Area),” said Murtagh.
The 29-year-old Accent Countertops shop on 11th Avenue is listed for $425,000.
A lot on 29th Street housing Valley Monuments is listed for $499,000.
One of the industrial buildings at the airport is for sale for $828,000.
After nine years of successful development, the Hawg Pen motorcycle shop on 18th Avenue is up for sale for $425,000.
The old Royal Bank is still up for sale for $3.28 million on the corner of Highway 97 and 30th Avenue.
Long-established center Dry Cleaners is for sale on the plaza on 32nd Street for $749,000.
For nearly 40 years, Jim’s Place Vernon has been serving up some of the best pizza in town. Now the Highway 97 deal at the top of Hospital Hill is listed for $1.7 million.
Papa Nick’s Global Cuisine has been in Polson stores for nearly six years, but is now for sale in the rental space for $174,000.
The old Okanagan Landing convenience store is still for sale and empty. It costs $799,800 and includes the attached home.
Vernon Square Mall’s The Chopped Leaf franchise is up for sale for $485,000.
READ MORE: The popular Vernon Business Challenge is coming up for 2022
READ MORE: 2021 home sales set new record in Canada, surpassing previous high by 20 percent
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