Impassioned support for the Caribbean pub-restaurant aids license renewal
Sarah Ciantar
Arts Editor
The Orange Snail, York’s long-standing Caribbean-themed pub and restaurant, has secured its licence for five more years.
Albert Bain, owner of the Orange Snail, says he feels great relief in finally having a definitive answer about the future of his restaurant. Bain had been awaiting a response since April 2012.
“I was worried about the time it took for them to get back to me, but having a backing from a lot of people gave me confidence,” Bain says.
The process of renewal required the Orange Snail to prepare and present a proposal detailing why their restaurant should remain open at its current location.
Joanne Rider of York media says the decision to renew the lease was “based on the satisfaction expressed by the York community and the quality of the proposal.”
One condition of the renewal of the Orange Snail was to concentrate more on the Caribbean theme, says Bain.
Located in the basement of Stong College, the Orange Snail has developed many positive relationships and left lasting impressions on their customers throughout the eight years it has called York home.
“This place has been special to me,” says Bain. “Over the years it’s just been me and my wife who run it. It’s something that I enjoy doing.” His commitment to maintaining a positive environment has allowed him to gain the support of the York community.
Students and faculty presented letters supporting the renewal of the Orange Snail’s lease to the master and president of Stong College.
Putting the area up for tenure, (meaning other merchants are able to bid on the space) was a mandatory part of the Orange Snail’s renewal process. Only a few bids, however, were placed on the property, making the Orange Snail the best candidate.
Bain says the pub’s location contributed to the low number of other bidders. Because it’s in a low traffic area, it is necessary to have an established relationship with the customer, he explains.
York’s food and beverage department was also supportive throughout Bain’s process of holding onto his well-known spot.
“They have been extremely helpful, with guiding me through the waiting process and giving encouragement to hang on.”
With the recent renewal, the Orange Snail’s contract is extended until April 30, 2017. They also have the option to extend their lease for an additional five years, which would make the space theirs until April 30, 2022.
