“Off the Rails” restaurant hopes to open at the end of June
If you’ve missed dining in the restored Shogomoc rail car in Florenceville-Bristol, you’ll have a chance to eat there again this summer.
Restaurateur Rachel Smith has decided to bring the restaurant back to life after COVID-19 essentially closed the operation for the previous operator.
“I thought this would be a nice new adventure,” said Smith. “We are hoping to open by the end of June. Everything is set up, all the dishes are here, the health inspector comes next week.”
The new restaurant, named Off the Rails by Smoyd’s, will offer food and drinks prepared with ingredients straight from New Brunswick farms, businesses, and markets.
“The bar menu is all New Brunswick wine and beer,” said Smith. “I think maybe only two spirits aren’t, and we will switch the menu out every couple of weeks, depending on what’s in season.”
She said that all the main proteins will be sourced from local butcheries.
News that the railcar will reopen has caused a buzz in the community.
Carleton-Victoria MLA Margaret Johnson is thrilled the restaurant will have locally sourced products.
“I’m looking forward to seeing this revitalized. It’s a wonderful little piece of history and a unique dining experience. We are looking forward to visitors from New Brunswick and beyond coming to take in the Shogomoc experience,” she told the River Valley Sun.
Sharon Johnston is the Tourism, Heritage, and Culture Manager for the District of Carleton North. She’s been working with Smith to secure licensing and prepare the restaurant for operations.
“We are pleased to share that we are moving forward with a new tenant for the train car Restaurant,” said Johnston. “We are excited about this development.”
The Bristol Shogomoc Railway site on Main Street in Florenceville-Bristol includes the former Florenceville CPR. With over 600 metres of track, the station hosts three early CPR passenger cars, including the refurbished dining car.
