The Chickadee Café to land at Mulock Park
The vision for Mulock Park was born from the voices of thousands of residents who participated in a community-wide engagement process in 2020. Together, they imagined a destination that would bring people together through culture, recreation, nature, and community connection. Among the strongest and most consistent themes was a call for food service to help make the park a community destination.
Today, the Town of Newmarket announces a partnership with A Million Mouthfuls Catering, a local company rooted in the community, which will operate the Chickadee Café within the historic Mulock House, a key feature of Mulock Park.
The Town conducted an extensive open and competitive bid process to secure an independent operator to run the café within Mulock House, a Town facility.
“The Town reviewed applicants from across Ontario as part of the procurement process, with A Million Mouthfuls being the successful proponent,” says Ian McDougall, Chief Administrative Officer. “By partnering with a local catering company, we're investing in local entrepreneurship while creating a warm and inviting gathering space that complements the natural beauty and community spirit of Mulock Park.”
The Chickadee Café will be situated on the main floor of the Mulock House, with seating inside and outside on the veranda, overlooking the great lawn. Mulock House is equipped with a full kitchen, a café counter and the capacity to support catered special occasions at the park.
“We're thrilled to be a part of the Town's monumental Mulock Park and to have the opportunity to bring the Chickadee Café to life, to create a space where the community will flock, where every season is celebrated and everyone is welcomed with warmth,” says Anne-Marie Millions, owner of A Million Mouthfuls Catering.
The storied private residence has intrigued the community for generations and will soon be open to the public to enjoy. Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, the former home of the Mulock family is being preserved, updated, and re-imagined with a café, lounge in Sir William Mulock’s library, gathering spaces and an art gallery in partnership with the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO).
The café’s name is inspired by the Black-capped Chickadee, a familiar bird found year-round in Newmarket’s parks, trails and neighbourhoods. Known for its curious nature, cheerful call and adaptability through Ontario’s changing seasons, the chickadee reflects the warmth, community and welcoming spirit envisioned for the café experience at Mulock Park.
The Mulock Park Project is the town’s most significant capital project and will become one of Newmarket’s largest parks and public gathering spaces, delivering much needed greenspace and amenities to a growing community. Mulock Park is expected to open late this summer with grand festivities for the community to take part in. Stay tuned for an announcement with the opening date.
