By Victoria Barbour
•
14 Jun, 2024
For Immediate Release Downtown Charlottetown Inc. (DCI) announces the 2024 DCI Annual Awards recipients. The awards ceremony and reception took place on June 11th at Peake’s Quay, celebrating individuals and businesses that have made outstanding contributions to our city within the Business Improvement Area (BIA). Along with our awards celebrations this year, DCI is celebrating our 20th anniversary; Incorporated in June of 2004 the Staff and Board of Directors of DCI have proudly managed the BIA while fulfilling our mandate to support our members and elevate and enhance our Downtowns. The Awards: Established in 2005, the DCI Awards Program aims to recognize remarkable achievements and contributions to the community. This year's award categories include Retailer of the Year, Business Development of the Year, and the prestigious DCI President's Award. DCI’s 2024 Retailer of the Year Award was presented to: Trailside Music Hall Trailside Music Hall is an intimate, award-winning, 3,000-square-foot, live music venue located on the main floor of The Arts Hotel, 155 Kent Street. Open year-round, the Trailside is the place to experience some of the best Canadian and international music while enjoying delicious local food and drink, provided by the Dali Café. Founded on a dream, nurtured with passion, and elevated by dedication, Trailside Music Hall embodies what an entertainment business should be — more than just a venue, but a home for musical spirits to thrive. Meghann & Pat Deighan purchased the original “Trail Side Music Café”, Mount Stewart, in 2011. They envisioned a place where music transcends boundaries and connects the community. In September 2020, Pat & Meghann embarked on a new chapter, relocating to The Arts Hotel, and changing the name to “Trailside Music Hall”. Although 2020 was a difficult year for even established businesses, Trailside had its grand opening on September 1st, boasting a sold-out audience for September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd with a live performance by Amanda Jackson Band. These days you can find something for everyone in their packed entertainment line-up from kid-friendly matinee shows to cover bands. Trailside Music Hall attracts dozens of live acts every month. Trailside fosters collaboration through partnerships with local businesses: The Dali Café offers food service, Locarius operates its ticket sales, and organizations are encouraged to utilize the space for other major events throughout the year, including PEI Fashion Weekend, Music PEI Week, the ECMA’s, and so many more. Meghann & Pat Deighan were out of the province, unable to attend and so the award was accepted, on their behalf, by Jenny Allen, Director of Food and Beverage at Dyne Holdings. DCI’s 2024 Business Development of the Year Award was presented to : Abbiocco The concept of Abbiocco began taking shape in 2018 when Mike Ross and Brett Hogan noticed a gap in Charlottetown's culinary scene—a lack of Italian-themed dining experiences downtown. As they gazed across the street from their first location, Hopyard, at the spacious windows of 150 Kent Street, a prime corner property with a history of various businesses, they mused about the need for an Italian restaurant in that space. Over two years of observing the neighborhood evolve, they realized they were positioned to bring this idea to life. With the assistance of the property owner and architect Chris Tweel and Nine Yards Studio, they began revitalizing the space. Today we see a beautiful corner property, a great façade, attractive signage, an inviting entrance, and an attractive modern interior, all while preserving the original architectural design of the building. "Playfully elevated" has always been Mike and Brett’s (also owners of Hop Yard), guiding principle. As business partners, they've prioritized infusing their restaurants with vibrant energy. The recent additions of Nick Tomasic as our General Manager and Chef Jane Crawford have played pivotal roles in reconnecting with this core value. As Kent Street transforms into Charlottetown’s Entertainment District, they envisioned a bright future for an area that may have been previously overlooked. Abbiocco takes great pride in being part of this neighborhood alongside Hojo’s, Ada Culinary Studio, Taste of India, Craft Beer Corner, Trailside Music Hall, the Dali Café, Arts Hotel, Pony Boat, Hunter’s Ale House, The Beer Garden, The Factory, and a few more exciting establishments. With initiatives like the streetlight program and upcoming landscaping projects, we're thrilled to witness this area evolve and be a part of the growing destination of businesses in this vibrant downtown district. The award was presented to Mike Ross and Brett Hogan, owners of Abbiocco. DCI’s 2024 President’s Award was presented to: Kent Scales, CEO of the Scales Group of Companies Kent Scales serves as the CEO of The Scales Group of Companies, overseeing a diverse portfolio of local businesses, that employs more than 400 people, including: the Olde Dublin Pub and newly renovated Claddagh Oyster House, Robin’s Donuts, ServiceMaster, Kensington Agricultural Services, Landfest Inc., Advantage Communications, Spruce Grove Landscaping, the Lobster Barn, Landmark Oyster House, Coach’s Restaurant and Sports Bar, and the Local Pub and Oyster Bar. In recognition of his entrepreneurial prowess, Kent was honored as PEI’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2014 and received Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. His leadership extends beyond the boardroom, as he actively participates in various community organizations and lends his expertise to support local charities. Kent's commitment to community service is exemplary, as evidenced by his extensive involvement in various organizations, including but not limited to: Chair of the Holland College Foundation, Board Member of Make a Wish – PEI Chapter, Board Member of Restaurants Canada, President of TIAPEI, Chair of the Capital Campaign for the Red Cross Building. Kent's entrepreneurial journey began in the family business, Island Fertilizers, before transitioning to roles within the provincial government as CEO of PEI Business Development and Deputy Minister of Tourism. However, driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Kent ventured back into the business world, where he invested in companies with significant growth potential, and guides and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs. His diverse investments span call centers, real estate development, disaster restoration, and food service, reflecting his passion for nurturing businesses and driving them toward success. Downtown Charlottetown Inc. (DCI) is a non-profit organization with the mandate to work with businesses to create and maintain a vibrant downtown through an established Business Improvement Area. DCI focuses on projects that will improve living and commerce in Downtown and rejuvenate the city core into an exciting place to live, work, and play – the Centre of business, government, culture, and entertainment. -30- Photo: Left DCI CEO Dawn Alan, Brett Hogan – Abbiocco, Accepting for Trailside Music Hall – Jenny Allen, DCI President Steve Dunne, Mike Ross – Abbiocco, Kent Scales