Ripley couple wins Huron-Kinloss "Win This Space" contest

David and Veronika Cook of Ripley have won the Huron-Kinloss "Win This Space" contest, with their restaurant concept called FIG Studio Kitchen.

Launched in the fall, the contest urged people to apply for an opportunity to bring a new restaurant to the location of the former Farmers Diner at 75 Huron St., Ripley.

A judging panel reviewed the submissions and invited four finalists to continue to the next level. This included seminars through the Business to Bruce program, and writing a business plan. In mid-January, the judges reviewed the business plans and the finalists went on to five a five- to 10-minute presentation of their plan to the judges, followed by a question-and-answer period.

The $25,000 prize package includes:
 

• $4,500 in rent
• $2,500 start-up grant
• $3,000 in marketing training
• Facade and signage improvements
• Promotions and advertising
• Business memberships and discounts
• Telephone and Internet services

Township community development officer Michelle Goetz said the Cooks have developed a business plan with a goal to provide a unique food experience to the community and surrounding area.

In their submission, they stated, "Our variety and continually-changing menu will give customers something new to try upon each visit. With carefully hand-crafted dishes to reflect the time of year, our customers will be able to see and experience what our local agricultural community has to offer.”
 
"We are so excited to have them join Ripley’s business area and can’t wait for them to open," said Goetz.
 
She said the township will be sharing a video recording of the presentation on its Facebook page next week.



David and Veronika Cook (centre) hold the winning certificate for the Huron-Kinloss "Win This Space" contest, Wednesday afternoon in the township council chamber; with them, are judges David Patterson (left), Glenn Grubb, Amy Irwin, and Susan Fournier, and community development officer Michelle Goetz; photo by Ryan Berry, Kincardine News and Lucknow Sentinel