We have exciting news! University District has announced the addition of six great new retailers who will be opening along our Retail Main Street later this year. Flowers & Beyond, Bronze Baxx, Pho Pham, Swish Oral Care, Sunnyhill Pediatric Clinic and CHARCUT are all moving into the neighbourhood. Read on to learn more about what each will bring to our growing community. We can’t wait!
Flowers & Beyond
As the first dedicated flower shop to open in University District, Flowers & Beyond will offer beautiful fresh-cut flowers and arrangements for residents and visitors of University District. Founded by Elena Mansour, this will be the flagship location for Flowers & Beyond.
The idea for Flowers & Beyond began many years ago when Mansour asked herself, “What do I want to do with my life?” After careful consideration, she decided her dream would be to own and operate her own flower shop.
To begin her journey towards entrepreneurship, Mansour first got a job at another local shop for many years. It was an opportunity to learn the business, grow her flower knowledge and improve her skills. After many years of learning the ins and outs of operating a flower boutique, she has finally taken the leap to start her own shop right here in University District.
The new shop is ideally located for both residents and visitors to nearby medical facilities who might be looking for a way to brighten someone’s day.
Flowers & Beyond is expected to open this spring/early summer.
Bronze Baxx
Bronze Baxx is a luxury tanning and wellness provider with seven existing locations in Calgary and Edmonton. Founder Rachel Husted opened the first location in Calgary’s Mission neighborhood in 2007, stemming from a passion for tanning and a desire to bring quality tanning and wellness services to the city.
After traveling the world from Beverly Hills to Australia, seeking the best methods and products for tanning, Husted opened Bronze Baxx and grew the business, opening more locations over the years. The new University District location will be the eighth to open since its inception.
Beyond UV sunbeds and spray tanning, Bronze Baxx specializes in teeth whitening, infrared sauna, lymphatic massage and red light therapy. The new U/D location is also anticipated to open in late spring this year.
Pho Pham
Pho Pham, a restaurant offering authentic Vietnamese Cuisine, is also coming to U/D this summer/early fall and the owner has a great story to tell about her journey.
In 1992, Lan Dang Pham, originally from Vietnam, came to Canada as a refugee to escape war and poverty in her home country. After working for many years in Vietnamese restaurants, she saved enough money to open her own. In 2005, Lan opened Pho Pham’s sister restaurant, Pho Hoan Pasteur and has since opened multiple Vietnamese restaurants around the city. This new location in University District will be the second Pho Pham location.
Says Pham, “When designing our new location, we wanted to highlight one of our favourite cities in Vietnam, Hoi An, which is known for its thousands of colorful lanterns illuminating the streets. We are hoping to create the same magical atmosphere in our newest location, honouring our home country and giving our guests the opportunity to embrace our rich Vietnamese heritage.”
Swish Oral Care
Swish Oral Care is an innovative dentistry clinic offering a patient-centered service that focuses on a fear-free experience. Many people might recognize the clinic from this viral Tik Tok that helped make the demand for their unique service skyrocket overnight.
Founded by millennials who understand why people fear the dentist, Swish Oral Care offers its patients a unique dentist experience that includes soundproof headphones, aromatherapy and a large selection of streaming options to help them feel relaxed and calm.
The new location will be the second to open in Calgary and is expected to open later this year in late summer/early fall.
Sunnyhill Pediatric Clinic
Founded in 1990, Sunnyhill Pediatric Clinic has been providing pediatric patients with quality medical care from birth to adolescence for decades.
With a team of 10 pediatric physicians, Sunnyhill Pediatric Clinic will be moving its existing practice from North Hill Centre in Briar Hill to University District this spring.
CHARCUT and Connie and John’s Pizza
Two more recently announced additions to the community are CHARCUT and Connie and John’s Pizza, both to open this spring inside the Alt Hotel Calgary University District.
The new CHARCUT location will have a similar menu to the existing downtown location as well as a similar look and feel. Slightly bigger, the U/D location will boast a large three-season patio with 60 seats.
Connie and John’s Pizza will also be located inside the Alt Hotel with a walk-up window accessible from Retail Main Street. Perfect for anyone walking by looking for a fresh slice, a great addition to an afternoon visit to one of the U/D park spaces.
Other Exciting Openings in 2024
2024 is set to include a handful of additional exciting openings! Previously announced retailers opening this year also include:
Easy Blink Optometry: Anticipated Opening Late Summer/Early Fall 2024
Lagree YYC: Anticipated Opening Summer 2024
Shoppers Drug Mart: Anticipated Opening Late Summer/Early Fall 2024
Native Tongues Taquieria: Anticipated Opening Fall 2024
Seed N Salt: Anticipated Opening Fall 2024
UNA pizza + wine: Anticipated Opening Early Fall 2024
*Anticipated opening dates are dependent on various factors like construction and are subject to change without notice. Watch our social media channels for all the latest details on new openings!
Our existing retailers have been doing great things in the community too! The Scotiabank University District branch has recently been awarded as the Best of the Best branch in Calgary Central for the amazing advice and solutions provided to their clients! Stop by and say hi to the team to experience it first hand!
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.
Join the Discussion