An Orillia restaurant is offering up a portion of its downtown location to local artisans for the holiday season.
Tre Sorelle, located on the "busiest block" of downtown Orillia at 133 Mississaga St. E., is looking for at least four local vendors to set up in the restaurant's lower level on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 15 to Dec. 23.
Lisa Particelli, one of the owners of the restaurant, hopes the artisans who fill the space can bring something unique to downtown Orillia. The space can be used by artisans who make jewelry, art, clothing, baked goods, or other handmade items.
"We did this about 10 years ago," she said. "We did really well."
Tre Sorelle's inviting lower level can be seen as soon as one opens the front doors to the eatery.
"It's quite nice down there," she said. "It's only $25 a day to rent, which is a good deal."
Tre Sorelle needs a minimum of four vendors to make the holiday market work. Vendors can choose the days they want to rent it.
"Through Christmas, we are pretty busy," Particelli said. "We are on the main street, and we are quite a draw."
Tre Sorelle announced a year ago its plan to close, which is why Particelli and her two sisters, Gina and Carla, want to host the market this season.
"We thought, 'Let's do this one last time,'" she said. "It generates business for us and it generates business for the artisans, too."
As a small business, Particelli says, Tre Sorelle knows the struggles of the current economy and the post-COVID-19 era.
"The last few years have been especially difficult for artisans," she said. "If we can help them out, they make a little money, we make a little money, it's all great."
Those interested in renting the space can call Tre Sorelle at 705-325-8507.
