(rdnewsNOW/ Ian Gustafson)

By Ian Gustafson

reopening date not set

Central Alberta-based Sweet Home on the Lake to reopen

Feb 15, 2025 | 11:31 AM

Nearly two weeks after announcing their permanent closure, Sweet Home on the Lake announced they will be reopening very soon.

The local boutique and cafe business based out of Sylvan Lake did not specify which, if not all of their five stores would be reopening, but in a Facebook post on Friday they explained it was made possible through the backing of a new partner. A partner they said who’s greatest strengths are their weaknesses.

“Last year when we were at our lowest, you picked us up, and gave us renewed hope. That hope has never left, and even when it seemed over, we never stopped believing,” they wrote in the post.

“Reading the effect and hurt caused by our closure in the community over the last 10 days has been beyond difficult. We understand the frustrations, and we are beyond blessed to been given the ability to make it right. To honour your gift card. To continue to be a place of joy in our community. A place where you can laugh and cry with those you love.”

This comes after the RCMP said they launched an investigation earlier this month into Sweet Home on the Lake after receiving a report of alleged fraudulent business practices on Feb. 4.

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No charges had been laid at the time of the report. rdnewsNOW checked in with police again on Feb. 15 but they were unable to confirm if the investigation was still ongoing because of privacy laws.

Sweet Home on the Lake, which is owned by Cody and Eva Borek, launched a gift card campaign on Sept. 11, 2024; because they needed to raise $400,000 after they had been without a parking lot for six months at their Sylvan Lake location.

The promotion, explained in a Facebook post, was to buy $200 gift cards for $100 apiece and they’d be usable at all of their locations including Sylvan Lake, Stettler, Canmore, Drumheller, and Red Deer.

They surpassed their goal in less than 24 hours and in October announced they were able to buy their building in Sylvan Lake after previously renting it.

They explained owning the building would better position them to reopen the parking lot, which is between Sweet Home on the Lake and Chateau Suites along Lakeshore Drive. The parking lot is owned by the Chateau Suites condominium corporation and they lease it.

However, customer outrage came on Feb. 3 when Sweet Home on the Lake announced in a Facebook post they’d be closing all locations except for Sylvan Lake, leaving those who bought gift cards with just one outlet to use them.

A day later they announced that the Sylvan Lake location would also be closed. In addition, they’d also be going into receivership.

The sudden closure left many customers with hundreds of dollars of gift cards they couldn’t use.

They now hope to make things right with their customers. In their most recent announcement, they wrote they’ll be coming back better than ever before.

“We are now in the process of reconnecting with our incredible team (who we have missed beyond belief), placing clothing orders, mastering new baking and drink offerings, and freshening up our space. Stay tuned for an opening day,” as written in the post.

“Thank you to all who reached out to us, prayed for us, and didn’t give up on us. We appreciate you more then words can say. We hope our news makes your day just a little bit sweeter.”

rdnewsNOW had made multiple attempts to contact Sweet Home on the Lake but were unsuccessful.