The pandemic has transformed Kal Merkley into a hustling, bustling idea factory. Merkley, co-owner of Babylon Lounge, had a vision to launch a speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Thunder Bay’s downtown core of Port Arthur.
But when lockdowns ensued and shuttered bars and nightclubs, Merkley found himself at a stand still, forced to go back to the drawing board and do some major pivoting.
The result has been Babylon Quick Fix—a modern soda and sandwich shop for the city. Innovative takes on food from perogie waffle pops to Kraft Dinner hot dogs to sandwich options like vegan braised tofu and smoked gouda, are just a few menu highlights. For the restaurant’s soda bar, Merkley says he has around 60 different syrups stocked. It’s where he developed the Scoville Slushie, which is what he describes as the “world’s hottest slushie,” made with the Carolina Reaper pepper.
“We’re a very creative, fun atmosphere. I don’t think I’ve ever had as much fun working anywhere. There’s so much freedom to create,” he says. “We try to make our food very visually stimulating, but also the taste is paramount.”
And while making the transition to this temporary model hasn’t gone without its fair share of kinks and hiccups, Merkley says that he’s been particularly appreciative of the local residents and businesses that have welcomed his new space into the community. He recalls one instance when his kitchen’s oven broke down and Red Lion allowed them to use theirs until repairs were made.
“Being in this city, it’s been such a blessing in so many ways. We lift each other up,” he says. “Small business, it’s what defines a community, it changes the way a city looks and how it feels. And I think that the people that are here truly see the value in that and the good that comes out of supporting local.”
Eventually, the hope is that when it’s safe to re-open that Babylon Quick Fix will morph back into Babylon Lounge and be able to offer what Merkley originally hoped to provide the city with in pre-pandemic days. That will include, innovative cocktails, a full sensory experience, a games room and a small menu of tasting items. But until then, he says they’ll continue to put out unique takes on food, hoping that the city will continue to rally behind their ideas.
