When entrepreneur Janna, better known as "Ms. J," was searching for the perfect location to bring her vision to life, an opportunity in Georgina stood out. She wasn't just looking for a storefront. She was looking for a place with potential, a strong sense of community, and an opportunity to create a gathering space that residents could call their own.
"When I drove up here, I felt like this corner had so much opportunity," says Janna Erichsen. "It's a 10-minute walk to the beach and I thought maybe we could help create a hub, a place where people say, 'I'll meet you at the corner.'"
That vision became Ms. J’s Five Corners, a new destination bringing homemade comfort food, ice cream, local products and renewed energy to one of Keswick's most recognizable intersections.
Before opening the business, Janna spent more than 15 years in the education sector. While she enjoyed her career, she had always dreamed of creating a community-focused hub. The nickname "Ms. J," which her students affectionately called her over the years, ultimately inspired the name of the business.
"I've always loved country stores and homemade products. I'm the person who walks around asking, 'Who made this? This is so cool?' I wanted to create a place that celebrated that sense of community."
Today, Ms. J’s Five Corners is quickly becoming exactly that. Visitors can stop in for homemade comfort food at the Corner Eats food truck and purchase locally made products and ice cream in the store while enjoying a welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to gather and connect.
Everything served from the food trailer is made from scratch whenever possible. From homemade gravies and coleslaw to crowd favourites like meatball sandwiches and smash burgers, Janna is focused on serving quality comfort food while adding her own creative touches to the menu.
Ms. J’s Five Corners proudly showcases products from numerous local vendors, allowing customers to discover and support small businesses all in one place. Visitors can shop products made by more than 17 local businesses, including To The Moon and Back Cheesecake, EddyBee and Tootsie's Jams, Hiveshare Honey and T's Freeze Dried Treats, to name a few. The location is also home to Hayley Ann Dance Academy, adding an additional flutter of activity and bringing more families through the space each week.
The response from the community has been positive.
"So many residents have memories tied to this location, and they love seeing it come back to life."
Although the business has only recently opened, Janna is already thinking ahead. She hopes to expand seasonal offerings, continue building partnerships with local businesses, and introduce new experiences that keep people coming back year-round.
What started as one entrepreneur's vision is quickly becoming a destination where residents can gather, discover local products and experience a familiar Georgina corner being brought back to life.
To learn more about starting a business in Georgina, visit choosegeorgina.ca and to explore the many places to visit and enjoy, visit exploregeorgina.ca.