Off The Rock: a taste of Newfoundland in Cambridge

A familiar treat is just the thing to cure a bout of homesickness – and one Cambridge resident is looking to do just that for his fellow Newfoundlanders.

Off The Rock has opened in the Galt area of Cambridge, offering some favourite snacks and pantry staples commonly found in Newfoundland homes.

Eric Hutchings got the idea after the popular Stoyles Food Market closed in 2021. The native of Bell Island said he was tired of having to go out of town to find those items, often having to navigate GTA traffic.

“Sweets, treats, all your Crush’s from home like pineapple, cream sodas, lime, birch beer,” described Hutchings while a guest on The Mike Farwell Show.

He went on to say one item in particular has been flying out the door.

“My biggest seller all week, and I cannot keep it on the shelf, but if I had it here, it would be the nacho Cheetos. Those are fantastic.”

Hutchings said he has some exciting plans for the upcoming year.

“Pretty soon we’ll have fresh puddings, fresh fish and eventually we’ll be getting into the restaurant which will be fish, chips and gravy.”

The reception, said Hutchings, has been overwhelming.

“Full of positive vibes. It’s been a busy week. It’s been hectic. I’m selling out of almost everything,” he said. “It’s because it’s new, I guess, but everyday there are people coming here and are so happy that Cambridge finally has another Newfoundland store that they can visit that’s right around the corner.”

Hutchings said you don’t have to be a Newfoundlander to enjoy Off The Rock.

“It’s for all East Coasters and anyone is welcome. Even people from Ontario, you don’t have to be from Newfoundland to shop here,” he said. “You don’t have to be from Newfoundland to come try our products. If you’ve never tried something and I’m here, let me know. I’ll gladly open it up and let you try it.”

Off The Rock is located at 12 Oxford St. in Galt.

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