In 2004, Shelley Krieger discovered a derelict heritage building tucked away on a small side street, a little off the beaten path of downtown Guelph. Over the two years that followed, she repaired the dilapidated Savage building (8 Douglas), and observed the energy of the local foot traffic, all the while envisioning something more than the solitary building, something more than even a place to grab a coffee or a great meal. Shelley was envisioning the Red Brick Café – a place of warmth and charm that would draw in a diverse variety of people, a place where local art could hang on the walls, local musicians would shape the atmosphere with rich acoustic sounds, and a place to host community events, a meeting place, a quiet work space, and a place to be inspired.

In 2006, the Red Brick Café opened its doors to the public, and Bella’s vision began to take form. The café started as a modest coffee shop but never stopped evolving into the thriving sanctuary that Shelley had envisioned. Over more than a decade, the café continued to grow and change, becoming a Guelph landmark. Under Shelley’s egalitarian leadership, the café has been a home to hundreds of regular customers and young workers, and a place where people could grow and change along with the café. Red Brick Café has always done its part to support the Guelph community at large, regularly sponsoring events like Kazoo Fest, the Comedy Festival, Jazz Fest, Film Fest, and the Guelph Music Festival.

Over the lifetime of the café, Bella’s vision has truly come to life. Thousands of customers have passed through the café’s doors and has been home to countless community events. So please, join us at the café and see it for yourself. It’s customers like you that will help shape the story of the Red Brick Café in the years to come.

Red Brick Cafe

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