(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall and Sheldon Spackman

New Business On The Menu

New restaurant planned at former Hudson’s location

Nov 9, 2020 | 2:32 PM

A new restaurant is set to open next month in downtown Red Deer.

The Pizza Co. plans to open in the former Hudson’s pub location at Executive Place at the corner of Ross Street and 49 Avenue. The space has sat empty since Hudson’s closed its doors last December.

Manager Sanjay Uniyal, who owns Indian Kitchen in downtown Red Deer, describes The Pizza Co. as a similar concept to Hudson’s, with pizza, pasta, and burgers on the menu, and several craft beers on-tap.

He dismisses concerns expressed by some that the location is challenged by parking, fewer people around after office hours, or social issues.

Uniyal says no location is without challenges of some sort.

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“There are lots of residents in the area, offices are there, and we’ll have delivery and take-out, too,” he explains. “At lunchtime, it will be good for offices as they can come and have a quick lunch. They’re nearby, they’re working downtown, they have just maybe half an hour or 40 minutes and they can walk here.”

The Pizza Co. will be an extension of a smaller location in Cranbrook, B.C., which is not owned or managed by Uniyal. Another location is also soon opening in Spokane, WA.

Amanda Gould, executive director for the Downtown Business Association, says it’s great news to see a new business planning to open in such a key location.

“We knew that it would eventually get filled, but it would take some time to find the right client,” says Gould. “The old Hudson’s space is amazing, so I’m sure they will be very successful there. We’re just delighted to have a new business downtown.”

Gould hopes the arrival of The Pizza Co. to downtown will help boost consumer confidence in the area.

“The location is such a high profile one and being able to actually have something in there sends such a positive message to the rest of Red Deer and to downtown as well, to show that there is confidence in investing your money in downtown Red Deer.”

Gould says downtown Red Deer is going through an exciting time right now.

“We also have a new bakery going in at the old Comforts the Sole space on Little Gaetz as well,” she explains. “That business is called Cake and Doe and they’re hoping to be open by mid to late November. Combine that with the winter patio and everything that’s going to be happening over the winter and all the programming, I think you’ll see some interesting action downtown.”

Gould notes downtown Red Deer will also be a busy hub for Christmas shopping this season with the North Pole Stroll program and a Shop Downtown initiative, among other things.