By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After holding its initial grand opening on May 2, brand-new restaurant The Bottle Bay is set to hold a grand re-opening later this month.

Aaron Gawdi, Owner and CEO, is the vision behind The Bottle Bay.

After years of tribulations in his own life, Gawdi saw a small space for rent available in Downtown Bolton on a drive through Caledon and knew it was meant to be.

The landlord asked Gawdi what he planned to do with the space, and Gawdi answered laughing that he had no idea.

Now, months later, he has successfully opened The Bottle Bay, a restaurant specializing in locally-crafted Ontario wines, beers, and spirits, as well as a varied menu.

Gawdi has over 20 years of bartending experience and, after serving in numerous venues, has finally created a place of his own.

And, he wanted to make it proudly Canadian.

After moving to Canada from Amsterdam decades ago as part of a student exchange program, he always knew he wanted to return.

Years later, he did, and now works with local distilleries and various companies to ensure everything is made here, locally and in the country.

“I'm proud to be part of this beautiful community, Bolton and Caledon,” adds Gawdi. “I drove around to Sudbury, Welland, Niagara Falls, Perth, ON, Orangeville. I met up with breweries, spirits, distilleries and wineries, I only want to carry local products exclusive from the LCBO and Ontario made.”

Seeing it all come together on his original opening day in the first weekend in May, he says, was a huge relief.

After working for months through renovation and licensing issues, he was grateful to see it in front of him that day.

He adds that with all the people helping and supporting him through his opening, he feels it was meant to be.

“It's a hard task that I picked. But, at the end of the day, I knew that this could happen. Nothing can stop me,” says Gawdi.

At The Bottle Bay, he says it's about the experience: they offer tasting experiences and various pairings.

After working in the hotel industry for numerous years, along with his restaurant experience, he says he was able to build a strong menu with something for everyone.

One of his favourite parts, he says, is that people have already begun booking his restaurant for their special celebrations, and he's already gaining regulars, making his space a “place to gather.”

Now, he's set to hold a grand re-opening on May 23 at 2 p.m. outside his store, 4 Queen St S, Bolton.

Already planning for the big day, he notes he will set up a tasting booth inside for everyone to enjoy and looks forward to celebrating with the whole community.