Tracey Cochrane is keeping the corner store charm alive in Pemberton Heights, where community spirit is palpable especially at Christmas time.
The Corner Stone Bistro is a home away from home, where old friends from the neighbourhood catch up over speciality coffees and groups of moms unwind in the airy, yet cosy space featuring art-meets-industrial decor.
Since the 1920s there’s always been a corner store at the corner of Lloyd Avenue and 22nd Street in the historic Pemberton Heights neighbourhood.
Cochrane’s iteration 10 years ago involved transforming the corner store by adding roll-up garage doors, a chandelier, lots of colours, and a full menu of food including fresh-made baked goods, soups, sandwiches and brunch fare (the Pemby Pleaser is their signature benny).
“We’re always changing and doing new things,” explains Cochrane of fun food-themed nights such as Taco Tuesdays.
No, this isn’t a traditional mom-and-pop shop but don’t worry, kids: penny candy, chips and soda still line the shelves alongside artisan wares.
The Corner Stone is truly a neighbourhood hub, says Cochrane, whose regular customers include residents who have lived in the area for 60 years, as well as multiple generations of families.
Christmas is a special time of year in Pemberton Heights and Cochrane’s corner store helps residents get in the spirit of the season. On Dec. 6 the neighbourhood kids came down and had their photos taken with Santa.
“It was so cute,” describes Cochrane. “And the fire department always delivers Santa. And it’s a big deal. He’s like the Pied Piper. They take him up and down every street in Pemberton Heights and the kids just start coming down in droves.”
