ST.JOHN’S, N.L. — A Swiss Chalet restaurant in St. John’s, N.L., is expected to re-open in the spring following a rodent infestation that led to a complete site reconstruction, reports CBC News.

According to documents obtained by the news service, there have been problems with mice at the Kenmount Road location since 2010. The restaurant was closed last month, following a health inspection and unsuccessful pest control efforts.

HALIFAX — Top Nova Scotia producers and restaurant operators were recently honoured in Halifax at the 2011 Taste of Nova Scotia Prestige Awards, held at the annual Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia Summit.

Fleur de Sel won Restaurant of the Year for Chef Inspired Fine Dining, The Red Shoe Pub won Restaurant of the Year in the Essence of Nova Scotia category and Meadowbrook Meat Market earned the Producer of the Year accolade. The Gary MacDonald Culinary Ambassador of the Year award was presented to chef Alain Bossé of Alain Bossé Consulting.

SAINT JOHN, Nfld. — Two Saint John hospitality businesses, the Somerset Pub and the Colonial Inn, were robbed at gunpoint within two days of each other.

A masked gunman who may have been responsible for both thefts, robbed the inn on Thursday (Sept. 1) and escaped on foot.

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — The St. John’s, N.L.-based Big Erics Inc., a distributor of foodservice and sanitation equipment and supplies, has acquired the Burnside, N.S.-based, Janitor’s Market.

“With this latest acquisition we are now strategically positioned to offer distribution and value-added services to any national or regional businesses supported by our 23 sales representatives located throughout the entire region,” said Ed Stratton, president of Big Erics.