What do you do when faced with healthy competition? You rebrand and rethink your business strategy. That’s what Hespeler’s Cookhouse and Tavern and the Niverville Event Centre are planning to do in 2026.

According to Chelsea Gauthier, restaurant and events manager at the Heritage Centre, some exciting new things are on the way.

In the coming months, Hespeler’s Cookhouse and Tavern will see a major menu revamp. The upcoming cuisine change is expected to offer something completely different than any other restaurant in the area.

“I can’t say too much just yet, but there will be menu items that are new to Niverville’s offerings and we’re focusing on a cookhouse theme,” Gauthier says.

Each full menu will be complemented by a submenu offering a variety of short-term specials at exclusive pricing. Beer lovers will also enjoy a greater selection of brews.

Despite the new menu, Hespeler’s will continue with everyone’s favourite: Thursday night wing nights. Once a month, families can still enjoy table game nights and seniors are invited to table games on Wednesday afternoons.

At the same time, some big changes are happening on the event centre side of things. A new name and logo were recently introduced, setting the centre apart from the campus as a whole.

“There are many moving pieces to the Heritage Centre,” Gauthier says. “The manor has their own logo, the personal care home has their own logo, and Hespeler’s has theirs, but the event centre did not.”

Like Hespeler’s, food and alcohol services at the event centre have seen a refresh.

To provide more flexibility in bar services, clients will now have the option of booking a hybrid version of both cash bar and host bar.

Gauthier is equally excited about new menu items for both buffet and plated meals.

“We also take requests of new food options,” Gauthier says. “If you don’t see something on our menu, we can work with you on that.”

While all the catered food continues to be made in-house, the Heritage Centre recently partnered with Marquise Hospitality, a Canadian-based culinary and hospitality service. The collaboration has allowed the kitchen to tap into Marquise’s years of experience, which is important when you’re producing 200,000 meals per year.

Perhaps part of the facility’s allure is the fact that the event centre offers a variety of settings: a banquet hall holding 350 guests or a timberframe atrium that holds around 130. Because they are connected, the centre can cater to larger events by utilizing both spaces at once.

Another virtue, of course, is the fact that they are all-inclusive. They’ve always catered to those looking for the whole package—chef-inspired meals, décor for any occasion, bartenders, and a fully stocked bar to make hosting an event seamless and stress-free.

Because of the community’s support, the campus is likewise glad to give back. For example, one of their favourite nonprofits to support is the Niverville Nighthawks.

“Supporting the Nighthawks provides us the opportunity to give back to them as they support the Niverville Heritage Centre in many ways,” says Gauthier. “Hockey goes beyond the ice, and the Nighthawks have certainly demonstrated that to our community.”