Alberta Avenue has become home to quite a few new businesses.

“Businesses come and go and obviously the economy isn’t as strong as we’d like it to be,” said Joachim Holtz, executive director of Alberta Avenue Business Association.

Edmontonians have exciting new options for dining out, starting with the Green Onion Cake Man shop on 118 Avenue and 91 Street. Siu To, who created a version of the famous green onion cakes so many Edmontonians enjoy, recently opened a small shop.

The space where Absolutely Edibles used to be (118 Ave and 95-96 St) was empty for a long time, but now Amoud World Cuisine, an East African restaurant, has made its home there.

If you enjoy Indian food, Swagat Indian Bar and Bistro on 118 Avenue and 97 Street may be a good place to check out. The restaurant has been open for a few months and also delivers through SkipTheDishes.

The KFC/Taco Bell on 118 Ave and 80 St is closed for renovations. Make sure to check them out after they re-open.

One restaurant you might have missed is El Fogon Latino at 8026 118 Ave. They serve up authentic Venezuelan cuisine. You can dine in, pick up, or get delivery.

Around the corner from Wee Book Inn on 118 Avenue and 82 Street you’ll find Dervish Cafe.

“The owner said they’re going to make their own ice cream,” said Holtz. “They also plan to provide entertainment.”

And you can never have too many choices for pizza. Jimmy’s Place (Pizza & Donair) is located on 117 Avenue and 82 Street, where Modern Vac used to be.

Right by Alex’s Convenience Store on 118 Avenue and 101 Street will be Hiyab Fast Food. The new store is expected to open soon.

“It’s good to see these stores opening,” said Holtz.

Besides restaurants, the area welcomed two new cannabis stores: NUMO Cannabis on 117 Avenue and 95 Street, and, in Delton, Alternative Greens on 124 Avenue and 97 Street.

And for parents in need of childcare, a new daycare called Kids Village Daycare is opening by the 118 Avenue traffic circle.

To fulfill some of your beauty needs, The Lash Coach, where owner Michelle LaPratt is an eyelash technician and makeup artist, is located on 117 Avenue and 88 Street.

For those who have wondered if the space where Dacia Restaurant on 118 Avenue and 94 Street would ever be filled, Holtz explained the building was sold, although he doesn’t yet know what it’s going to be used for.

A few local businesses have also closed, like El Rancho Spanish Restaurant, which was open for 15 years.

Pop! Comics, next to Jasmine Belle Cafe, also closed.

“The owner said it was a beta kind of experience to see how it went for a year.”

The 7-Eleven on 118 Avenue recently shut its doors. Holtz explained he reached the corporate office in Dallas, Texas and they told him they’re going to sell the building, but they didn’t give him any other details.

“Other than that, it’s staying stable and I’m hoping that the economy picks up. You want people to have more disposable income.”

Holtz explained the reasons businesses close are not always simple.

“Sometimes it’s complex reasons [economy, personal] and sometimes it’s business practices,” he said. “Landlords have an impact as well with the rates they charge. When landlords get a tenant in, they should make sure [the business] is as sustainable as possible,” he said, but added, “Landlords here do seem to be working with their tenants through the economy.”

Featured Image: Swagat Indian Bar & Bistro is a new restaurant in our area. | Talea Medynski