Ije's Place - The push to completion!

The vision has been to have a café / bakery and grocery serving our community of Desbarats, ON. Ije’s Place is owned by a unique couple, Jazz & Veronica Alimole. They are transforming the former Desbarats Market into an inviting spot to stop for coffee, a smoothie, baked goods, tasty meal or groceries.

The project began five years ago, and the vision has not changed. Jazz and Veronica continue to work toward completing their project with steadfastness and determination not often seen. The pandemic brought hardships to many businesses, and their business was not exempt. Many of the challenges that presented themselves during the first, second and subsequent waves of the pandemic were met with a steely determination to make things work despite the hardships.

The transformation of the building continued, often having to find lower-cost alternatives that would still create an inviting atmosphere for customers. The business's grocery and take-out food side was to help fund the continued renovations while maintaining itself and supporting the family.

The reality of the pandemic impact was felt not in the restrictions of doing business but in the rising costs associated with the materials required to complete the project and now with the increasing costs associated with making a meal to sell.

While many businesses received government funding for COVID relief, they found themselves without support since they had just opened their business. The current restrictions are the high cost of building materials and food. One only has to look at the prices in the supermarkets, gas pumps and building stores to realize that the struggle is real.

Several supporters have requested updates on the progress and situation that this couple is facing. The work continues, Jazz is doing a fantastic job renovating the cafe side, and Veronica continues producing excellent meals, desserts, and stocking shelves with necessities. But help is needed to get them to the finish line.

Please help Jazz & Veronica get their project to the finish line. They have invested heavily in the community and continue to work long hours to keep the business open to serve the community. They have diligently demonstrated their commitment to the community; it is time for our community to reconfirm its commitment to this couple who are investing in our community.

Let’s encourage them by donating financially. The opportunity to play a part in the renewal of our community is right here on Lake Huron Drive in Desbarats, ON.

Share in the project and watch as the transformation continues!