SLDA Business Member Profiles

As part of SLDA's Welcoming Communities initiative, we are gaining insights into the entrepreneurs and local businesses in the Labrador Straits, and their positive impact on social and economic progress.

When it comes to Labrador tourism, nobody is more passionate than Lisa Davis - Ryland, Owner and operator of Take Me There TOURS.

Born and raised in the tiny town of L'Anse Amour, Lisa has always been fascinated in the travel industry as she spent a lot of time at her parent's bed and breakfast chatting to visitors from far and away.

After completing her education at mountain field Academy in Forteau, she went on to complete a diploma in travel and tourism in corner brook Newfoundland and Labrador

Shortly after, she took a tourism position in Banff Alberta in the hospitality trade and stayed for nine years, even though the Canadian Rockies are stunning and Banff it a beautiful place to work it was not home and you could not smell the salt water, Lisa longed for the opportunity to return home.

The opportunity was presented with the inception of Southern Labrador/Strait of Belle Isle Community Youth Network in 2001 as Fieldworker at Paula's Place a youth center serving the youth of L'Anse au Clair to Red Bay. Lisa now 23 years later is still working with the organization as executive director, responsible for four locations, 3 of which are in Labrador & the other in Flower's Cove on the tip of the Northern Peninsula.

With tourism still in her veins, some 10 years ago Lisa was asked to become a step on tour guide for Tour Labrador as they were catering to the cruise ships that arrived at lovely Red Bay, Labrador. Then covid happened and things came to a standstill for a couple of years resulting in the owners of Tour Labrador relocating and a void was created in the fledgling Labrador cruise ship business this is when Take Me There TOURS was founded and in the summer of 2022 operations began.

With great admiration and determination by so many people on the ground more cruise ships became interested in Red Bay's natural beauty, and the history of the Labrador region.

This season, (2024) has been a great success, out of the 12 cruise ships visiting, Lisa and her team of up to 10 employees, have played a role in welcoming most.

Most visitors agree that this little part of Labrador is a fantastic vacation experience, and a very proud Lisa has probably chatted to every single one.

Success does not happen alone; Lisa is very proud of every partnership formed over the last three years and looks forward to building more as she truly believes in the great potential this industry has. It is the smiles, the handshakes, the hugs and the waves goodbye that truly measures the success of their visit. Lisa Davis-Ryland is a true advocate for tourism in our area and looks forward to another successful year in 2025.

(709) 927-5706 | Tours.takemethere@gmail.com | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565625466984

RSK Grocery, situated at 33 Main highway, L'Anse Au Clair, has always been a 'go-to, one-stop shop' for many years. Originally established in the early 1970s by Les Chubbs, RSK is currently owned and operated by Susan and Jamie O'Brien.

RSK Grocery, employing up to six workers, offers a vast selection of essentials, everything you need including yarn, wool, and fabric. It is also the exclusive provincial dealership for Jack Dempsey Needle Art. RSK Grocery features the first gas station you encounter as you enter Labrador from the border, and it opens early to accommodate both travelers and local residents.

Jamie and his team recently expanded the store, adding a variety of freezers and coolers to give it that authentic supermarket ambiance. They also offer delivery services to the community's seniors.
Offering everything from a licensed Stihl dealership to an array of items ranging from boots to bologna, and chicken to chainsaws, it truly is much more than just a convenience store.

(709) 931-2591 | susanobrien8578@hotmail.com | https://www.facebook.com/RSKGROCERY1

Established in 1985, The Whalers Restaurant and Gift Shop has been a staple for tourists, travelers, and locals for almost four decades. Located at the heart of Red Bay's historic site, The Whaler's Restaurant has played a significant role in the town's development alongside the UNESCO heritage site. Operating annually from mid-May to October 1st, this establishment caters to over 100 bus tours and welcomes thousands of visitors each season. Owned and managed by Clarus and Marilyn Bridle, with a yearly staff of up to 12 employees, The Whaler's Restaurant is a well-known business in the area.

Their locally-inspired menu features breakfast, light lunches, flavorful chowder, and more. Notably, they are renowned for their award-winning fish 'n chips, recognized as the best in Atlantic Canada by a popular magazine. Additionally, The Whalers boasts an extensive gift shop, offering souvenirs from the Red Bay and Labrador Straits region.

When visiting the famous interpretation center in the historic Basque town of Red Bay, take a short stroll across the courtyard to experience the warm hospitality, inviting ambiance, and delectable cuisine at The Whalers Restaurant.

(709) 920-2156 | manager@redbaywhalers.ca | http://www.redbaywhalers.ca/home/

Thomas Coastal Construction Inc. is a true family business with a professional staff and a friendly crew. Working both sides of the Quebec/Labrador border, they can meet all your construction needs.

Thomas Coastal Construction Inc. can take on any job big or small, from commercial complexes to residential spaces, they have left their mark across the region. With customer satisfaction being their top priority, they take pride in their workmanship and strive to exceed your expectations at every turn.

If you're looking for some quality renovations or you want to build your dream home, call Merlin, Kerry or Jimmy for a quote at 709- 987-1013.

From basements to baseboards, sheds to shingles and everything in between, connect with
Thomas Coastal Construction Inc.
709-987-1013
thomasconstruction3@hotmail.com

Agnes Pike, a successful entrepreneur and a trailblazer in community economic development in southern Labrador, is embarking on the next chapter of her life. Being an advocate and a fighter for community betterment and advancement, you may say she's hanging up her boxing gloves.

Born in L'Anse Au Diable with twelve siblings, Agnes Pike always strived for improvement, especially within herself. A young Agnes Cabot would walk and sometimes run from L'Anse Au Diable to the Catholic school in West St. Modeste, where she pursued her education as far as the times allowed in 1958.

At the age of 17, Agnes married Pat Pike and raised a family of five children over the next decade. During this period, she initiated a nursery in West St. Modeste with the support of a teacher Matthew Pike, establishing a voluntary nursery and preschool. With assistance from the government, Agnes, along with Laura Jackson and Stella Fowler, expanded this initiative to other communities in the region.

During this time, Ms. Pike began her extensive service to her community and Southern Labrador. She played key roles in organizations such as the Memorial Extension Service, the Southern Labrador Development Association (SLDA), the Zone Board (later the West St. Modeste council), and the International Grenfell Association (IGA), where she served for 21 years.

She also made significant contributions to the local fishing industry, serving as a manager and buyer for companies like H.B. Nickerson and Sons, Earle's Fisheries, and H.B. Dawe. Agnes supported her brother, Pat Cabot, in launching the Northern Fisheries in L'Anse au Loup, the first fresh fish buying establishment in Labrador. Prior to this, only dried and salted fish were traded. During her tenure at H.B. Dawe, Agnes also pioneered markets for capelin, another first for Labrador. Agnes and Pat Pike were strong advocates for what is now the Labrador Fishermen's Union Shrimp Company Ltd. (LFUSC).

Regarded as one of the province's most dedicated volunteers, Ms. Pike has been a vocal advocate on various issues, including health, education, municipal and regional development, always remaining a steadfast fighter and cherished friend to residents from L'Anse au Clair to Red Bay and beyond. In 1990, the Pike family established the Ocean View Resort in West St. Modeste. That same year, the motel and lounge opened, followed by cabins and a restaurant. The establishment provided services to travelers, tourists, salmon fishermen, and the general public, offering valuable employment opportunities after the decline of the cod fishery. In addition to her significant accomplishments in business and community service, Agnes Pike has been a council member in her hometown since 1977 and was elected mayor in 1986.

With over four decades of municipal service, Agnes has played a crucial role in supporting local businesses, enhancing major infrastructure, and advocating for development. As she prepares to sell her business in August of this year, and celebrates a milestone birthday, her energy and determination foreshadow more remarkable achievements ahead.

The Southern Labrador Development Association (SLDA) extends best wishes to Agnes for her future endeavors and expresses gratitude for decades of service.