Boreal Restaurant
At Fair Finance Fund, we are thrilled to support Boreal, an innovative fine-dining restaurant in Ottawa, Ontario, dedicated to sustainability in all its forms. With a mission centred around financial, workforce, and environmental sustainability, Boreal is poised to set a new standard in the culinary industry. The restaurant, founded by experienced professionals from Michelin-starred establishments, seeks to address critical industry challenges such as staff treatment and food wastage, creating a dining experience that is exceptional, ethical, and environmentally responsible.
Boreal’s commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of its operations. Financial sustainability will be achieved through prudent business practices that ensure long-term profitability. Workforce sustainability is a priority, with a nurturing work environment designed to promote employee well-being and longevity. Environmental sustainability is at the forefront of Boreal’s philosophy, with an emphasis on local ingredients and adopting eco-conscious food handling practices. This holistic approach ensures that every meal served at Boreal is a testament to their dedication to innovation, community impact, and ecological responsibility.
Boreal will actively contribute to the economic and environmental landscape of Ottawa through several strategic initiatives:
Local Economic Engagement: Boreal will channel significant investment into the local economy by partnering with regional suppliers, with projected spending of over $500,000 in the first five years. This will support local agriculture and artisan producers, creating a robust supply chain that bolsters the local economy.
Employment Opportunities: Boreal will create new jobs for community members, contributing to local economic stability. Their hiring process will focus on local talent, providing fair wages and fostering a supportive work environment that encourages long-term employment and community development.
Environmental Sustainability: Boreal is committed to eco-conscious practices, prioritizing the use of local ingredients to reduce their carbon footprint and implementing sustainable food handling practices to minimize waste.
Educational Outreach: Boreal will engage in community programs that emphasize food education. They will educate patrons and the community on the importance of sustainable food practices, nutrition, and the benefits of supporting local producers, fostering a well-informed consumer base that values sustainability.
Waste Reduction Initiatives: Boreal will adopt a comprehensive approach to waste management, aiming to minimize its environmental impact through recycling, composting, and responsible waste handling.
Sustainable Operations: Boreal’s operational model will incorporate practices that reduce energy consumption and promote efficiency, reflecting their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Our loan to Boreal will play a crucial role in helping them achieve their foundational goals. The funding will cover fit-up costs, including selecting eco-friendly building materials and designing an inviting, open kitchen that aligns with their transparent culinary practices. It will also help secure a lease in a prime Ottawa location, vital for visibility and accessibility. High-quality, energy-efficient kitchen equipment will be purchased to prepare their seasonal and locally sourced menu items, including specialized fermentation processes.
Boreal’s vision extends beyond the confines of traditional dining. By creating an intimate and immersive dining environment with a seating capacity of just 15-20, Boreal aims to attract a clientele that values both the quality of their food and the ethos behind it. Their commitment to minimizing waste and embracing eco-friendly practices resonates with a growing demographic seeking establishments that align with their values of sustainability and conscious consumption.
Boreal’s dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility includes initiatives such as educational programs for schools and children, offering farm tours and hands-on experiences in planting and harvesting, and teaching basic cooking concepts. They also plan to support food banks and shelters by ensuring no food by-products or items from farm partnerships go to waste, preparing meals with surplus ingredients for those in need.
Through our support, Boreal will be able to establish itself as a vanguard in Ottawa's culinary landscape, promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement. The loan will provide the financial support needed to launch Boreal, bringing their vision to life and laying the groundwork for a successful and sustainable business. At Fair Finance Fund, we are proud to partner with Boreal and support their mission to create a dining experience that is both innovative and impactful, driving positive change in the culinary industry and the community.