Fresh Start

February 9, 2021

When COVID hit, Joe and Jodi Desjardins decided it was time for a fresh start.

“There were a lot of unknowns,” says Jodi. “Local companies started down-sizing and we got scared. We made the decision to sell our business and leave our home in Innisfail.”

On the hunt for a new city to raise their kids, the Desjardins headed south to Lethbridge, then east to Medicine Hat.

“As soon as we arrived, we knew we wanted to be here,” smiles Jodi. “The warm weather paired with the lush greenery reminded us of BC. It’s an awesome city.”

Within two months of relocating to Canada’s sunniest city, the Desjardin family had the itch to open another business.

After exploring various areas of the city, the couple met with Arcade Plaza building owner, Navneet Bhui, and were thrilled to join the downtown community. Coined as Medicine Hat’s first mall, Arcade Plaza constructed in 1968, offers three floors of retail and office space. Other tenants include Fatumas Ethiopian Café, Smoke N Black Permanent Makeup, Fruit Bouquets Medicine Hat and Chibog Express by Danny’s Kitchen.

“People have gone into a funk with COVID and seeing new business open provides a glimmer of hope,” says Jodi. “Our neighbours and the community have been beyond supportive of our new venture, Country Crumbs Café.”

Medicine Hat Economic Development and the City of Medicine Hat are dedicated to the revitalization of the downtown core and continue to work together to attract new businesses and visitors.

The discussion of an enhanced waterfront district that connects to the downtown core is a priority for the City and could offer plenty of opportunities for local businesses, housing, and leisure activities in the future.

Country Crumbs Café offers fresh baking, homemade sandwiches and soups, coffee, and treats and is located in the Arcade Plaza 417, 3rd Street SE.