During Small Business Week celebrations October 21, 2011 the Marmora Inn operated by Rui and Cathy Periera was presented with a Business of the Year Award by MP Daryl Kramp.

On a holiday to Nova Scotia, after staying in different bed and breakfasts, and enjoying the experience, Rui and Cathy became interested in purchasing one to operate themselves. Fortunately for those in our area they were unsuccessful in finding the right location in Nova Scotia and put their plan on hold.

Six years later they decided to look again in Ontario and in the spring of 2009 purchased a business where they could see a lot of potential. The property was originally built in 1906 as a single family home in Marmora by one of the original lumber barons of the area. The property has high ceilings beautiful woodwork with a commanding staircase that you see upon entering. It is beautifully furnished as well as decorated by the Pereira’s extensive art collection. The Inn has 5 rental rooms, 3 with ensuites, and offers such amenities as wirelesss internet and flat screen tvs. Unlike most B and B’s, they also have a large indoor pool and jucuzzi for guests to enjoy.

After purchasing the property, the Periera’s were able to utilized funds through the Access to Capital component of the Eastern Ontario Development Program delivered through Community Futures to help them make repairs and beautify the outside of the property.

Rui has been working in the restaurant field since he was 16 years old and finding no direct competition in the area, thought that fine dining would be a good fit to his business. They needed to do a major renovation in order to open a commercial kitchen to be able to operate on this scale. Including the outdoor patio they can now accommodate up to 96 diners. Marmoa Inn currently provides employment for 6 people from the local area.

The menu is based mainly on Mediterranean foods with a Portuguese influence which is Ruis’ background. He has also picked up many other different influences from his years in the restaurant business. From personal experience I can honestly say that the food is delicious. Many of his customers come from as far away as Trenton and Campbellford just for the pleasure of dining. Rui knows that you always have to work, becoming better all the time and never resting on your laurels to keep your customers satisfied and coming back.

The business before they purchased was being neglected as it had been recently run by managers who had no personal investment in the property. Rui and Cathy knew that this type of business needed a lot of personal attention and personal contact to make it work. Nothing could demonstrate this better than their winning of the “Customer Service Excellence award on Thursday after receiving many glowing nominations from their patrons.

Their slogan on their web site says it all: “European Flair in Hastings County” “More than a stop. A destination.” - “ENTER AS STRANGERS, LEAVE AS FRIENDS”

Community Futures Development Corporation is a not for profit organization run by a local board of Directors. With financial assistance from the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Community Futures offers a variety of products and services to promote small business growth and community economic development. Primary among those are: Community Economic Planning & Implementation, Investment in Local Business, Business Development and Counseling Services.