Among the recently opened businesses are two with Calgary roots, YYC Cycle and Monogram Coffee. We caught up with their founders to learn about their links with the Northwest, why they chose University District, and what we can expect.
A homegrown Alberta business co-founded by Andrew Obrecht and Grady Topak; the new YYC CYCLE U/D location is their third spin studio location in Calgary.
Do you have a background in the Northwest?
We sure do. As two business graduates from the University of Calgary Haskayne School of Business, Grady and I spent many years around the university and wider area. Grady grew up in Edgemont until he was 20, then lived in Ranchlands for the latter half of university. He now lives in Valley Ridge, so he’s always been around the Northwest. We find that the Northwest has such a tight community who are always open to supporting each other. We are very excited to now have a presence within a community that was so important to our lives and entrepreneurial journey.
What drew you to open a location in the University District?
We were most intrigued with the overall vision of the University District and the energy that it wanted to create for the Northwest. We wanted to be a part of that vibrant new community and for YYC CYCLE to add to the energy. It was also such a great opportunity to give back to a community that had given us so much. We believe that the University District is well on its way to being an incredibly vibrant place, with a unique mix of people and businesses that we haven’t seen before in Calgary.
What can customers expect from YYC Cycle?
We pride ourselves in providing a safe and inclusive fitness experience for everybody at YYC CYCLE. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out or if you’re a spin pro, our goal is to leave you feeling energized and rejuvenated.Our riders can expect a warm and kind welcome, amazing boutique studio look and feel and a safe yet challenging workout under top-of-the-line lights and sound system that will leave them inspired and elevated when they finish! Our top-of-the line bikes not only promote cardiovascular health, but strengthen and tone muscles in your legs, core, and upper body while you continue your own personal journey. Daily classes are taught by inspirational MOTIVATORS, who will guide you to train through the beat of the music in just 50 minutes.
Covid Safety Protocols
We built and designed this studio during the pandemic, so a lot of thought went into making it the safest place it could be. It has a much larger studio footprint, planned for operating in Phase 1 and Phase 2.We invested in electrostatic sprayers to clean our bikes, and steam cleaners to clean the hard-to-reach parts of our studio. A HRV air exchanger refreshes the air in the studio with new outside air every 10 minutes. We’re all about community at YYC CYCLE, and the Northwest provides the perfect platform for this. This type of environment couldn’t be more perfect to build our Northwest Biker gang.
Stop by YYC Cycle at 4118 University Ave. Schedule a Cycle here! And learn more about YYC Cycle at yyc-cycle.com Follow YYC Cycle on Instagram @yyccycle)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Our first U/D Block Party is on for September 19, 2021 from 1 to 4 pm. As our Retail Main Street bursts to life, we are celebrating with the Extraordinary President’s Choice® SuperDogs™, live music, roaming entertainment, a KidZone and Contests. There is free parking at this pet and family friendly event! See how you can enjoy special one-day only U/D retailer promotions, too!
Go here!
U/D celebrates local and small chains like Monogram, a Calgary-based company co-founded by Jeremy Ho, Benjamin Put and Justin Eyford, that recently opened its fourth location on University Avenue. Both Jeremy and Justin are former winners of the Best Barrista in Canada Championship and represented Canada at the World Barista Championship.
Did you know? Another Calgary favourite OEB Breakfast Co. will be joining U/D this fall. Watch for their opening details soon!
Do you have a background in the Northwest?
I grew up in Edgemont and attended the University of Calgary. I worked as a barista at University Café while I earned my degree. This is our first location in Calgary’s Northwest, and we couldn’t be more excited. We know many of our current community live, work and play in the Northwest and it was time to move a little closer.
What drew you to open a location in the University District?
We love the vision that U/D has in creating a vibrant community feel that is inclusive to all communities and age groups and supports local, independent quality focussed businesses like Monogram. The area is a close-knit, warm and relaxed community focused on getting the most out of what life has to offer. It’s a diverse group of folks and we’re pleased that many already call Monogram their cafe.
What can customers expect from Monogram?
At Monogram, we’re all about coffee that sparks your imagination and brings people together. When the community steps into our cafes, our goal is to have everyone feel welcomed and genuinely a part of our Monogram community. We want folks to feel a sense of wonder and new connection for the quality of our coffee and commitments towards sustainable sourcing, roasting and brewing. We’re in love with the design of our U/D space, the dry-stacked brick and clean woods and things like our brand new by-the-cup brewbar.We want people to find their perfect seat, whether it be perched at the rolled-up garage door, getting creative in the communal layouts, or feeling snug in the corner of the ‘secret’ side room.
Coffee Slushies Exclusive to U/D
Enjoy coffee slushies, exclusive to our U/D location or the tried-and-true drinks and food menu that folks have come to love from Monogram, including our fun seasonal drinks and fresh-baked butter block pastries and ritual donuts on the weekends.
Our focus is being able to use amazing coffee to build and foster relationships. Ultimately, we want people to feel they have been served warmly and that we care deeply for their needs and their community’s needs.
Learn more about Monogram at monogramcoffee.com. Follow Monogram on Instagram @monogramco
It’s people and their passions — that we discover daily and highlight in our Notable in the NW series — are what help us grow together and shine! If you have suggestions for people to profile, we would love to hear from you! Post your thoughts on University District on Facebook, @udistrictyyc_ on Instagram or Twitter. And let’s stay connected through community goodness!
The University District blog is a resource for Calgarians who want to live, work, play, visit or buy in the northwest. We will provide you with information, stories, news and a closer look at the things that matter so you can live a more inspired, active and connected life in NW Calgary at University District… Life works here.
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