Strong Community, Strong Business

July 14, 2021

Carmen Lambert envisioned a vital downtown when she opened The Hat’s Olive Tap in August 2016. As more businesses developed and renovated, the revitalization caught the attention of residents who now explore the area during lunch breaks and time-off.

“The downtown looks like how I envisioned it would when we opened, and we’re seeing a lot more foot traffic,” says Lambert. “We saw an increase in people during the pandemic, since no one could travel or dine-out. They came to experience our oil and balsamic for their at-home recipes.”

With the cluster of businesses downtown, they are eager to collaborate and carry each other’s products. The Yard is a seasonal patio that offers flavoured infused Balsamic from the Olive Tap that people add to their beer for a refreshing twist, a popular item on the menu.

“I always hoped Medicine Hat’s downtown would flourish and I’m seeing it now. Empty lots are being developed like, the Artisan Village, spaces are being renovated and the Waterfront District is going to really showcase the beauty down here,” says Lambert. “The whole revitalization is going to invite more people to live, work and travel here.”

While Lambert continues to expand her business into spice rubs, salts and skincare, she will celebrate the five-year anniversary of her business in August 2021. Something she is very thankful for after almost two years of periodic closures.

“The community showed their concern of making sure we weren’t going anywhere during the pandemic. We knew people really cared for our business, and that means a whole lot as a business owner,” says Lambert.

The Hat’s Olive Tap is located at 519 2 St SE, Medicine Hat, and can be found online at https://www.thehatsolivetap.com/