Can Randy’s Pizza Survive a ‘Cursed’ Location in Cole Harbour?
COLE HARBOUR — Randy’s Pizza has opened a new location in Cole Harbour.
The local franchise has become a staple in Halifax and Sorage Badour — the owner of the newest Randy’s — says the people of Cole Harbour have already shown their love for the restaurant.
“I have a lot of momentum behind me,” said Badour about his first week in business. “The people are good and we’ve got great support. We’ve had good reviews. It was excellent.”
Indeed, local social media pages have seen a swell of positive reviews and recommendations after new Randy’s first opened on March 1. One commentator wished Badour luck, as the restaurant’s location at 958 Cole Harbour Road seems to be a “curse” for restaurants. It was previously a G’s Poutine. The spot was also host to a Ronnie’s Pizza and a Greco.
Badour chuckled a bit about the idea that the location is cursed.
“I like an underdog story, so that’s fine. I believe as long as the food goes out right and the customers are happy, we’ll do just fine.”
“I am superstitious but I don’t think it’s cursed. I think that a good micromanagement person needs to be there who’s going to pay attention to the details, and I don’t think it’s had one yet.”
Badour is proud to admit he is someone who pays attention to the smallest detail when making food. He has been in the pizza industry for 15 years in Halifax and calls pizza-making an art.
“You see a lot of pizza shops come and go. I think and I think the ones that go are the people that don’t understand that micromanagement of detail needs to be put into it.”
“It’s a lot of detail that some people just don’t want to go into. they just want to serve and make a quick dollar. but you have to make sure you have satisfied customers. That’s number one, always.”
The Cole Harbour location now makes five Randy’s Pizzas throughout the HRM. Badour is friends with the owners of the Randy’s franchise. And when Badour saw the location, he knew it was a perfect fit.
“I’m good friends with the guys that own Randy’s and they have a good product, good service, and they’re growing really fast,” said Badour. “So when I saw that location I saw an opportunity. I knew it was meant for where it’s at.”
And while Cole Harbour is giving Randy’s good early reviews, Badour is returning the favour. He called the community a great place that is family oriented.
Derek Montague is a Huddle reporter in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].