Omar Saer is going back to his professional roots in opening the Wayside Tavern in downtown Newmarket.
The longtime owner of the Cardinal Press said he got his first job in a bar in British Columbia. There, he worked as a bartender and learned how to make signature drinks, such as an ice cream martini he is putting on his new menu.
“I loved to create when I was in the bar scene … It’s something I’ve taken with me in Cardinal,” he said, adding that taking up bartending again was “like dusting off the old tricks in my back pocket.”
The Wayside Tavern had its grand opening celebration last Friday with dignitaries, including Mayor John Taylor. Located on Botsford Street attached to Cardinal Press and named for being on the wayside of Main Street, it will offer pub food and a variety of alcohol, including whiskies and bourbons.
Saer said he wants the bar to have a fun atmosphere, encouraging social interaction and games.
“We’re harking back to a different kind of dive bar,” he said. “The space we have is a little smaller, which means it’s a little more intimate. It’s not super loud in there. We want to go back to a time where you can make a friend for a night … A place where you can be you.”
To achieve that, the bar has included a foosball table with the intent of starting a league, retro video games and has plans for gaming events like Mario Kart tournaments.
“We want to get to know our people and make them feel really at home,” Saer said.
The Main Street BIA and dignitaries offered their support for the opening.
“Congratulations to Wayside Tavern on their official opening,” the organization said on its Facebook page. “The cozy tavern on Botsford is a perfect spot to hang with friends.”
The business accompanies Cardinal Press, as part of the location the business purchased last year. Saer has gained acclaim running the Cardinal for six years. Although he wants his new venture to have the same level of customer service, Saer said he wants to keep the two businesses separate and distinct.
He hopes the new tavern will be a place for people to make connections.
“It’s a place to take your mind away from things,” he said. “We’re there as a community place. The reason you come to Wayside is to go to a place where you know we will know your drink, we will get to know who you are.”
