The Salivaras family has been a staple in the downtown business community for more than 20 years. Now the second generation to operate the Wandering Greek Oven is branching out with a second business.
George and Heather Salivaras have purchased the gym next door to the restaurant.
The couple took over the Greek Oven from George’s parents Peter and Lenore Salivaras about four years ago and now feel they are ready for a new venture.
These days there is a lot happening at Recharge Fuel and Fitness as renovations and upgrades are underway and Heather can be seen darting back and forth between the two buildings, which are now conveniently joined by a door.
Overall the gym is getting a bit of a facelift and reorganization, but the owners plan to keep the existing components including the women’s section and add a few new ones.
The couple plans to make the gym family-friendly to align with their personal lives as they are raising one- and three-year-old boys. Plans are unfolding for an active indoor play space for kids and childminding for parents. Other upgrades will include changing tables and a nursing area.
Once it is completed, the children’s play space will also be available to non-members on a drop-in basis.
“It is for fitness.” said Heather. “It will be a space for kids to run and really get their energy out.”
As a working mom herself, Heather found it hard to get her kids out to activities scheduled either during the work day or nap time. She hopes this new space will give parents the opportunity to do an activity with their kids when it suits their personal schedule.
Owning both businesses has also created the opportunity to create a shared space. The children’s section will be convertible into banquet space for the restaurant.
George, who is the chef at the restaurant, said the space will be able to seat up to 40 people. He hopes to see groups host functions such as banquets or business meetings in the space.
Since Recharge Fuel and Fitness is a completely new business, all old members of Peak Physique must sign up for new memberships and make new payment arrangements. Staff will be at the gym Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to take care of the paperwork.
If those hours don’t work, appointments are available by calling Heather at 250-608-2732.
If you have a key fob and have not yet set up a new membership, your fob will be deactivated.
The gym will continue to remain open 24/7 for members who have activated key fobs.
The gym will remain open during renovations, but certain sections may be closed when necessary as work is being done.
Castlegar’s economic development manager Mark Laver says the expansion is a prime example of the fact that 80-90 per cent of business investment happens locally.
“Local people reinvesting into the community because they believe in the community,” said Laver.
RELATED: New and expanding businesses abound around Castlegar
betsy.kline@castlegarnews.com
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