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'Unique experience' makes Taco Alley a Barrie hot spot

'You have to find ways to survive and Alley and Donaleigh's working together like this is great for everyone,' says restaurauteur

Two downtown businesses have turned to collaboration over competition to create a unique patio experience in Barrie.

Taco Alley celebrated its third week this past weekend at its 23 Collier St. location.

Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and long weekend Sunday, there is live music over dinner, a DJ until 2 a.m. and bottle service available at the tucked-away open space beside the Collier Street Parkade.

Ty Jones (owner/managing partner) and Dustin Leigh (owner) own Alley, a Dunlop Street nightclub. Partnering with Donaleigh's Pub, who handle the food portion of the patio, Jones said Alley takes care of the rest.

“Right now, we can fit 250 people, all responsibly socially distanced, with six at a table,” said Jones. “Once Stage 3 hits on Friday, that cap will maximize which will be good.”

Taco Alley was originally located in an alleyway by Dunlop and Mulcaster streets, but was moved to its current larger area to accommodate a bigger socially-distanced crowd.

The open air area has the option of typical table and chair seating, as well as large couches with a table for food and drink. The blank wall on the side of the parkade allows Alley to show events, such as the UFC bouts on Saturday night. 

The patio currently employs a staff of 50 and will be open until Labour Day weekend, but possibly longer if weather permits.

Jones said the turnout has been positive, with Saturday's line-up extending from the entrance on Collier Street down the street past the parkade.

“The response has been great and everyone has been really happy to be coming out,” said Jones. “I think people are so happy to get out and be doing things that they did before the pandemic that open patios have been celebrated. In this case, it's a really unique experience in how it is laid out.”

There are tents available for every table, giving the patio the option to stay open rain or shine.

Alley is first-come, first-served and more information is found at the link.

“It's about finding a way to come out of this COVID better than we were during it,” said Jones. “You have to find ways to survive and Alley and Donaleigh's working together like this is great for everyone.”