TIMMINS - While one door has closed for a Timmins business, the owner sees many opportunities to continue serving the community.
Closing the doors to Red Seal Catering's restaurant at Rubino's Petro Canada in South Porcupine was a decision made by simple math, said owner Jessica Bouvier.
“We were so sad that it didn’t make the cut, but it was absolutely wonderful while we were there,” said Bouvier. “It was not easy, it broke my heart, but the numbers weren’t adding up.”
Red Seal staff are still working in town, and there are plans to offer a new wedding venue next year.
Bouvier said many of the restaurant's staff are still in the catering business and help provide food to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) residential location on Cedar Street North.
“So I came, and I looked, and I placed a chef in here full time to cook these guys their food that they want and need,” she said. “While I was at the restaurant, we had a full-time staff here, but this is what we’re doing now.”
Red Seal has worked onsite at the CMHA for roughly three years.
“Helping others is where it’s at for me,” she said. “It’s so amazing to see the impact having social service workers and a chef to take care of them and help them on the daily needs, and encourage them.”
The team meets any dietary needs that the residents have.
“It definitely makes you a better chef, being able to think on the fly,” she said. “This fills my heart.”
In addition to that work, she and her partner are developing a wedding venue on Grindstone Road in Black River-Matheson, which they hope to open in 2026.
“We’re doing a one-stop shop for people, so it’s an outdoor event, we’ll provide shuttles, outdoor washrooms, food, entertainment, everything,” she said.
They’re also partnering with a wedding planner at Weddings by Hannah for the events.
The catering side of things is also going strong, and they’re working with Ducks Unlimited for their big event on March 21.
“We’re very lucky that we’re able to contribute to that as well,” she said.
Three students are also working on the event. From cooking classes she ran out of the restaurant to this hands-on learning, education is a priority for Bouvier, as is the hard work she hopes they’ll learn from her.
“We just try and do a good job,” she said.