Ninosan Vithiananthan is the new operator of the CMCC canteen where is he developing a business that caters to the community.
Last month, there were signs of life at the canteen in the community centre. This facility has been shuttered for almost a year. Its last operator was Millbrook Minor Hockey which ran the business during their 2023-2024 season.
The fledgling business called Rink Side is operated by Ninosan Vithiananthan, a college student at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa where he is studying Applied Biotechnology. His main interest is in applications related to food crops. He is taking some time off from his studies to focus on this new business.
He has some food business experience helping his friends in Scarborough where he grew up. He is hoping to introduce some of their jerky products in his menu in the future. The experience inspired him to start a venture of his own. He has big plans for his fledgling business which he hopes he can build into a business that attracts clients from beyond the doors of the community centre. Business was brisk at a recent hockey tournament, but he realizes that the business needs a variety of clients to become viable.
His first task has been to establish a menu with selections that appeal to existing traffic within the confines of the space. He has access to a sophisticated fryer which he uses to produce fries and corn dogs, but he is contemplating introducing specialty dishes that are popular in Scarborough. Along with a variety of hot and cold beverages, candy, baked goods and popcorn, the facility offers Jamaican beef patties, Samosas and taquitos.
His commute to work is a short walk from the Highlands subdivision which is handy as he works out the best schedule for the canteen to be open. The hours will change seasonally and be linked to traffic and events at the community centre. For the moment he is focused on weekends and afterschool/evening hours.
Ninosan is looking for feedback to help him establish a menu that appeals and expands the local tastes. In the meantime, many visitors will be drawn by the unmistakeable aroma of fresh popcorn. Welcome to the CMCC!
KG