Traffic has slowed down after rounding the corner of Bobcaygeon Road on Minden’s main street recently as curious passersby check out a flurry of work being done at Up River Trading Co.

A photo of the construction taking place on the beloved street-side patio of the busy downtown cafe and gift/home accessory shop elicited comments on social media from people excited to see an expansion on the store after a winter in which a few businesses on the street closed their doors.

“We’ve heard really great feedback really really great feedback” said Paul Roy Up River Trading Co. co-owner. “With businesses closing in downtown Minden we’re actually growing. People are just excited we’re going to be a bigger spot now.”

Roy said the expansion of the store and creation of an upper deck patio was designed and engineered by Mike McKeon his partner and co-owner of the business. Cottage Country Building Supplies performed designing services and Avanti Engineering & Design Inc. provided engineering work on the project.

“It was born out of necessity” said Roy. “We felt like it was time to expand the store and we didn’t want to lose any real estate on our patio which is quite popular in the high season.”

The upper patio will be accessible by stairs but ground-level patio space remains next to the store addition.

“We’re really happy” said Roy. “We’re encouraged. It felt like the right business decision for us. We’re just going based on reaction and feedback. We’re very pleased.”

Roy applauded the work of Jeff Howe Construction whose team quickly finished the project in time for a soft-opening before Easter weekend.

“We can’t rave about them enough” said Roy.

Up River Trading Co. opened a second location on Highland Street in Haliburton last April.