Sometimes, a taste from home is just what you need to shake off that homesick feeling – and one local guy in Cambridge is making sure Newfoundlanders don’t have to go far for it.
Off The Rock has opened up shop in the Galt neighborhood, bringing in those classic snacks and pantry items you’d usually find in Newfoundland kitchens.
Eric Hutchings came up with the idea after Stoyles Food Market shut down back in 2021. Being from Bell Island himself, he got tired of driving out of town and dealing with traffic just to get his hands on those familiar goodies.
“Sweets, treats, all your Crush’s from home like pineapple, cream sodas, lime, birch beer,” Hutchings said during an appearance on The Mike Farwell Show.
He also mentioned there’s one thing that’s been selling like crazy.
“My biggest seller all week, and I cannot keep it on the shelf, but if I had it here, it would be the nacho Cheetos. Those are fantastic.”
Hutchings hinted at some cool stuff coming soon.
“Pretty soon we’ll have fresh puddings, fresh fish and eventually we’ll be getting into the restaurant which will be fish, chips and gravy.”
The response so far? Overwhelmingly positive.
“Full of positive vibes. It’s been a busy week. It’s been hectic. I’m selling out of almost everything,” he said. “It’s because it’s new, I guess, but everyday there are people coming here and are so happy that Cambridge finally has another Newfoundland store that they can visit that’s right around the corner.”
You don’t even have to be from Newfoundland to enjoy what Off The Rock offers.
“It’s for all East Coasters and anyone is welcome. Even people from Ontario, you don’t have to be from Newfoundland to shop here,” he added. “You don’t have to be from Newfoundland to come try our products. If you’ve never tried something and I’m here, let me know. I’ll gladly open it up and let you try it.”
If you want to check it out yourself, Off The Rock is at 12 Oxford St. in Galt.
