Scaddabush is getting close to opening its first location in Windsor, and this one has been a long time coming.

The restaurant is taking over the former Outback Steakhouse space at the Roundhouse Centre on Howard Avenue. If you’ve driven by recently, you’ve probably noticed the progress. Based on current updates, they are targeting an opening sometime in April or May, although the exact date has not been confirmed yet.

That usually means one thing. They’re in the final stretch.

For those who aren’t familiar with the brand, Scaddabush is a well-known Ontario restaurant with a strong presence in the GTA, along with locations in London and Guelph. They’ve built a reputation around scratch-made pasta, hand-tossed pizzas, and fresh mozzarella made in house daily. It’s designed to be a social, shareable dining experience, which tends to do well in markets like Windsor.

But this is bigger than just another restaurant opening.

The new location is expected to create more than 100 jobs, which is meaningful on its own. More importantly, it’s another example of a recognizable brand choosing Windsor for expansion. That’s not random. Companies like this look closely at population trends, spending patterns, and long-term growth before entering a market.

We’re continuing to see that momentum build across Windsor-Essex.

More brands entering the market leads to more jobs, more traffic to key commercial corridors, and more overall activity. It also reinforces confidence in the local economy, which tends to have a ripple effect into both residential and commercial real estate.

From a real estate perspective, these types of openings are small signals that add up over time. They don’t change the market overnight, but they do confirm direction.

If you’re watching Windsor closely, this is another one to pay attention to. Scaddabush is expected to open in the coming weeks, and based on early interest, it will likely be busy right out of the gate.

If you know someone who’s always looking for new spots in Windsor or follows what’s happening locally, share this with them.