Robbie and his sausages have been getting a lot of much deserved attention lately. After winning BC’s Great Canadian Sausage Making Competiton in all five categories, Rob Bornais set off on an entrepreneurial journey that took him from farmers markets and producing at home to working and promoting others from his own kitchen and retail space in the heart of Walkerville.
It may be a tad difficult to find, a converted garage tucked behind a new-age metaphysical store, but once inside I was blown away by all the local goodies he stocks. Bornais shares his retail space, as well as his kitchen, with other small business owners, creating a powerful entrepreneurial symbiosis that translates into a convenient one-stop shop for us hungry locals.
Many of his collaborators were some of the first vendors at the Windsor Downtown Market, another one of my favourite attractions. I spoke with Sarah Barrette of The Cheese Bar who pops in with a sampling of her Southwestern Ontario cheeses every Sunday (vegan options too).
“… By working together we have more power presence to get our brands out there.” – Sarah Barrette, The Cheese Bar
After way too many samples, I can definitely say go for the Cow Cheddar, a local favourite aged for 15 months – it’s sharp, flaky and creamy as a cheddar should be. I’m patiently awaiting the Pippa, a goat’s cheese that comes directly from the farm in early Spring.
The place isn’t big, about 400 square feet, half kitchen/half retail with just enough space for a selection of:
- Pierogies by Little Foot Foods (they have Bullseye Pizza pierogies… omg)
- Kimchis, saurkrauts, fermented foods and free range eggs by The Holistic Guy
- BBQ sauces, hot sauces and vegan burgers by Atmosphere Fine Foods
- Dust and rubs by Black Magic
- Whole bean whole roasted beans by Black Bench Coffee
Sarah explained their goal: “We’re all small businesses trying to cohesively grow and by working together we have way more of a presence and power to get our brands out there.”
Robbie’s Sausages places a huge emphasis on local, seasonal products and production. Follow his Facebook to stay up to date with new flavours and limited selections such as Jamaican Jerk, Poutine and Apple Butter and Sage. Website coming soon.
Contact Information:
1506-1512 Wyandotte Street E.
Robbie’s Gourmet Sausages
@robbiesgourmetsausages
(519) 567-4377
Hours:
Tuesday-Friday 10-6pm
Saturday 9-4pm (Holistic Guy)
Sunday 10-3pm (The Cheese Bar)
Loved your post. I am very excited about your Blog. Congratulations! I am a regular customer of Robbie’s and The Cheese Bar. Cannot wait to see more of your work!!
Thanks so much for following Keri!