There’s a new name in the Highlands’ hospitality sector – Boshkung Smokehouse.
Announced late last week, Boshkung Brewing and Truss Foodworks are merging. New owners Mathew Renda and Mike Rae are bringing two businesses together under one umbrella, with the goal of making the Boshkung brand a household name not just in Haliburton County, but nationwide.
The business will boast four locations across the County – Boshkung Social taphouse in Minden; the Boshkung Lakeside retail location in Carnarvon; Boshkung Smokehouse at Haliburton Forest; and the Smoke on the Water pario and bar, seasonally on Kennisis Lake.
Renda, who has served as general manager of the brewery since 2021, reached out to Rae late in 2022 when the business’ previous ownership decided to sell. The two had been familiar with one another for several years and had experience working together after Truss came on board for ‘Smokehouse Sundays’ at the Social.
“I think we knew after that very first Sunday there was something special here, there was an opportunity for us to work more closely together,” Rae said.
“Sundays had always traditionally been slow, but when we partnered with Mike to bring a new, refreshing food menu to town, there was a lot of interest. It was a huge success,” Renda added.
Now, every day at the Social can be a ‘Smokehouse Sunday’ Renda said, with the kitchen open year-round serving specialties that have been enjoyed by Truss customers for years. People will also have the chance to taste test a Boshkung brew at the revamped Haliburton Forest location.
“It’s the best of both worlds now at all our locations,” Rae said.
While the deal only closed in mid-October, the pair have been working together for much of this year on the understanding they would soon be partners. Collaborations between the businesses were common through the summer, which they say were well received. Now, patrons can expect them to continue for years to come.
One of the other big wins, Rae said, is that more staff will be retained year-round.
“I’ve been there myself, working a busy summer or winter season only to be laid off once things die down. The most exciting thing for me is we now have a unique business that will operate 12 months of the year, meaning we can keep our staff employed all year,” Rae said. “That helps us retain staff, but it also lets us show the workers we do have that we do value them.”
Rae said he also wants to provide opportunities to people looking to turn their lives around.
“I’ve battled addiction before. Because of the help I had, I’ve been able to rebuild my life. I want to do that for other people,” Rae said. “I want to provide a safe space for employees who are struggling, or who have struggled. I want [Boshkung] to be that company that supports people and helps people get back on their feet. Everybody deserves a second chance.”
With the brewery set to celebrate its 10th anniversary next year, Renda believes this new direction will set Boshkung up for years to come.
“Growth is important, and that’s our primary focus with this merger. The Boshkung brand is recognized all over Canada, now we just want to build on that. By bringing everything Boshkung and Truss has together, we’re building a hub for people here in Haliburton County,” Renda said.
“We want to be the heart and soul of the hospitality service within this County,” Rae added.
