Goderich, Ontario is a beautiful town on the shores of Lake Huron between Grand Bend and Kincardine. There’s plenty to do and see in Goderich, from shops and museums to hiking trails, wineries and some incredible independent restaurants. One of our favourites is Part 2 Bistro—a family-owned business featuring casual yet elegant meals made from high quality local ingredients. Owners Peter and Sarah Gusso run the bistro with help from all staff.
Morton Food Service is proud to work with Part 2 Bistro and Catering, and we’re impressed by the dedication they’ve shown to their staff and community in recent years. Here’s a bit more about Part 2 Bistro and how they’ve risen above the challenges of the pandemic.
Arrive hungry—and stay for a good time
Looking at Part 2 Bistro’s menu, you’ll immediately notice the focus on fresh, local ingredients. They feature meat and produce from local farms as well as local cheese, honey, maple products and specialty items sourced from nearby bakers and artisans. You can get anything from salads and apps to pasta and seafood, plus elevated takes on your favourite handhelds and entrees. They also have an extensive craft beer, wine and cocktail list, making Part 2 the perfect place to raise a glass in celebration of life’s milestones. It’s fine dining level food in a warm, comfortable environment—plus, a great kids menu and innovative, mouth-watering desserts!
In addition to incredible food, Part 2 Bistro has been known to offer live music, tastings and other special events. It’s where friends and families break bread, have great conversations and enjoy quality time together. Customers reserve a cozy table for date night or show up with the whole family. Part 2 is a gathering place for the Goderich community and a key part of the local business scene. In fact, the Part 2 team loves the local small business community so much, they have a directory on their website!
A community approach that’s rooted in hospitality
Peter and his team believe that hospitality is a lifestyle, and they strive to deliver exceptional food, service and care to every customer that walks through their doors. This means providing a relaxed, welcoming environment that delivers on service and cleanliness as well as food quality. This dedication to hospitality involves taking a holistic approach to running the business, ensuring that every element runs well and contributes to the customer experience. It’s all about offering something special to the customer, and being a positive force in the community.
During the pandemic, patio space became invaluable. Part 2 Bistro was able to increase the size of their outdoor dining area with help from ABC Investments and Winston’s Menswear, neighbouring businesses that gave them access to additional outdoor space in Goderich’s famous square. That’s a true community partnership! And, Part 2 Bistro did their part to help others, too. Early in the pandemic, the bistro donated 90 meals and 90 desserts to frontline workers at the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital. They prepared the food and delivered it right to the hospital, giving those hardworking hospital staffers a much-deserved treat.
While the bistro has offered takeout throughout the pandemic, dine-in service has always been the heart of their business. That’s made things challenging for many restaurants like Part 2, but Peter and Sarah stay positive and keep giving back. In recent weeks, they’ve offered ‘Pasta Sunday’ takeout meals in support of their own staff. These meals were promoted on the bistro’s social media channels and website, and all proceeds went directly into staff pockets. This kept staff working and made sure they profited as much as possible, even at the expense of the bistro. The initiative was a big hit—the delicious pasta was in high demand, and customers were eager to support the bistro and their staff. Some even made donations above and beyond the cost of their pasta orders! It was a fantastic illustration of the bistro’s connection to their community.
The perfect weekend destination
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Part 2 Bistro’s hours have been subject to change on several occasions. Please visit their Facebook page to confirm their current availability for dine-in and takeaway service. If you live or work in the area, consider dropping by for a weeknight dinner or even lunch. If you’re from out of town, we recommend making the trip to Goderich for a lovely day hiking, shopping, taking in the waterfront scenery and dining at the bistro! It’s a small place with a big heart, and it’s definitely worth the drive.