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| Mr. Steak circa 1970s |
But what of the chain restaurants?
In the 1970s, we had Mr. Steak which gave Winnipeggers a first taste of a chain restaurant steakhouse. The location on Pembina Highway beyond the University of Manitoba seemed like one of the last stops before the end of town. We have had Swiss Chalet come and go...twice! The first was on Pembina in 1983. The second McDonald's went on on Pembina as well in 1969.
During the heyday of the Winnipeg Jets, Chi-Chi's at Polo Park used to pack them in. A few locations graced the city but fell one by one over the years. Chi Chi's and Finger's stood where Silver City theatres now stand in the mall parking lot.
Above, McDonald's two story location Polo Park, 1988.
The Country Kitchen restaurant was all over the city of Winnipeg. Even when others disappeared across North America, the one on Queen Elizabeth Way kept ticking along. Eventually prolonged bridge construction work killed it off. Want to know where the last Country Kitchen in Canada is: Winkler.
Winnipeg had both Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses in Winnipeg. In the 1980s, Ponderosa retreated from the Canadian market and many locations in Canada were converted to Red Lobster. Bonanza closed their last restaurants in Winnipeg in the 1990s. Below 1979 Ponderosa locations. And 1973 opening of Bonanza.
Harvey's, a large Canadian chain, has tried to crack the Winnipeg market a few times. It had a location on Pembina Highway, some in Home Depots and the airport. One remains open on Portage Avenue near the University of Winnipeg.
Longhorn's Texas Steakhouse gave it a go on Leila but they didn't do enough to redecorate and even had the old Brannigan's frosted class in place with a B on it after they opened.
Pete and Marty's was a franchise that closed in Polo Park and is where Moxie's is now. Mr. Greenjean's was an old favourite in Eaton Place, now occupied by Boston Pizza.
A few Winnipeg franchise restaurants have failed after many years in business. As just mentioned above Branigans used to have locations all over the city and even had one in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Grape's was around for decades but alas, they are all gone now. Schmecker's used to have a few locations. Below was Portage Avenue near Grace Hospital.
Papa George's closed their last location in Osborne Village. Grubee's was Winnipeg's attempt to create a burger chair to compete with the McDonald's of the world. Several locations closed back in the 1970s. Below was 1977. Grubee's had Star Wars merchandise!
Shakeys on Osborne Street in 1975 is no longer there.
Mayor's Katz's Hu's Restaurants are all closed now.
In recent years, we have seen the slow retreat of KFC from Winnipeg. Quizno's has started closing places. Kelsey's had two locations shut the same day.
I am sure I have forgotten some of the chains that have closed. Some will say we are better off but many places were family favourites.
Edit: Just been reminded that Harvey's has returned and opposite the University of Winnipeg. And also at the airport?
Also Mother's Pizza with two locations on Regent and Pembina Highway. A mainstay in the 1980s till they dashed back to Ontario.
Just remembered Chuck-E-Cheese on Pembina Highway and Fuddrucker's on St. James near Polo Park. If my recollection is correct, it was owned by some Winnipeg Jets.
The Country Kitchen restaurant was all over the city of Winnipeg. Even when others disappeared across North America, the one on Queen Elizabeth Way kept ticking along. Eventually prolonged bridge construction work killed it off. Want to know where the last Country Kitchen in Canada is: Winkler.
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| Country Kitchen in Heartland Inn, Winkler |
Below 1973 Ponderosa.
Longhorn's Texas Steakhouse gave it a go on Leila but they didn't do enough to redecorate and even had the old Brannigan's frosted class in place with a B on it after they opened.
Pete and Marty's was a franchise that closed in Polo Park and is where Moxie's is now. Mr. Greenjean's was an old favourite in Eaton Place, now occupied by Boston Pizza.
A few Winnipeg franchise restaurants have failed after many years in business. As just mentioned above Branigans used to have locations all over the city and even had one in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Grape's was around for decades but alas, they are all gone now. Schmecker's used to have a few locations. Below was Portage Avenue near Grace Hospital.
Mayor's Katz's Hu's Restaurants are all closed now.
In recent years, we have seen the slow retreat of KFC from Winnipeg. Quizno's has started closing places. Kelsey's had two locations shut the same day.
I am sure I have forgotten some of the chains that have closed. Some will say we are better off but many places were family favourites.
Edit: Just been reminded that Harvey's has returned and opposite the University of Winnipeg. And also at the airport?
Also Mother's Pizza with two locations on Regent and Pembina Highway. A mainstay in the 1980s till they dashed back to Ontario.
Just remembered Chuck-E-Cheese on Pembina Highway and Fuddrucker's on St. James near Polo Park. If my recollection is correct, it was owned by some Winnipeg Jets.
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| Bombay Bicycle Club circa 1987 |
I miss Uncle Willy's Buffet.
ReplyDeleteHey Shaun long time no see - those were the days c1992/93. Remember when cobain died
DeleteMojo potatoes at Shakee'e were the best! Still miss them. They even had a place in Grand Forks for a while.
ReplyDeleteI worked at Mothers, they opened August 1979 at 2200 mcPhillips and didn't last long. Good product, lousy management, terrible ad themes. Also, you forgot about Kenny Rogers Roasters. Terrible product IMO.
ReplyDeleteHow about Gondola Pizza?
ReplyDeleteThey are still around
DeleteNeat! I had no idea you worked at one. The Pembina location lasted a few years at least.
ReplyDeleteI vaguely remembered Kenny Rogers Roasters. Where was it?
And did we not have a Don Cherry's as well?
Kenny Rogers Roasters was on Portage where the George Richard Big & Tall is now:
Deletehttps://goo.gl/maps/D2AG3jwnZET2
Kenny Rogers Roasters was on Portage Ave wesW of Wall Street.
DeleteDon Cherrys is still around in bc to this day in Vernon.
DeleteUsed to work at Kenny Rogers anyone else ?
DeleteWas grapes not owned by don cherry?
DeleteTheir were 5 locations in 1989 to 1991 and then they tried and failed to grow to vancouver, granville island.
Just learned no more in winnipeg, sad!
My first restaurant in canada 31yrs ago on mcphillips.
Kenny was south side of Nairn/Regent a block before Lag - web cafe also failed there
ReplyDeleteI for one miss The Great Canadian Bagel Company. I remember a time when every neighbourhood in the city had them, then they disappeared as fast as they came. Where else could you get a chocolate chip bagel topped with strawberry cream cheese for a snack?
ReplyDeleteYes me too. Great bagels but was badly managed by the owner. So it went under.
DeleteI worked for them, the owner from what I remember poorly managed the places, he wasn't the best boss. But bagels were definitely delicious!
DeleteI worked at the one on Broadway from the day it opened to the day it closed. The franchise pulled its support causing every individual location to go under in Winnipeg. Some locations are still open in Ontario and Saskatchewan to this day
DeleteOr the chocolate chip banana bagel which was my fave growing up
DeleteI just added Chuck-E-Cheese and Fuddrucker's as well.
ReplyDeleteChuck E Cheese became Coyote's
DeleteKenny Roger's Roasters is now the Big and Tall Clothing shop across from Advance on Portage.
ReplyDeleteThe Fuddruckers was located where Smitty's is now on St.James.
Harvey's is in the Airport on the arrivals level. It is also going into the old Chicken Delight location on Corydon.
I would also add the slow demise of Pizza Hut, Arby's down to three locations (2 mall, 1 restaurant), Country Style Donuts exodus and Earl's finally shutting down that horrible location on Pembina this past spring.
Arbys now has only 1 location and that's at Kildonan place
DeleteKenny Rogers was short lived in the old A&W location on Portage Avenue...now a big & tall store.
ReplyDeleteWhat was the name of the cowboy themed restaurant where hooters is now on st. Matthews ave?
There was a bonanza at one point, but that might have been where Silver City is
DeleteTrapper Johns
DeleteYou could add Shakey's, Juniors, Great Canadian Bagel, Robin's Donuts(on life support)
ReplyDeleteJuniors is still on st Mary's and fermor
DeleteAnd on Portage at Young
DeleteAlso on McPhillips just north of Mountain Ave.
DeleteJuniors is still around. 2 locations that I know of. St Mary's at Fermor and the one on portage near furby I think.
DeleteI'm also thinking of Shakey's Pizza and Country Style Donuts.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to recall where the old Butcher Block restaurant was.... someone said Donald and York but I can't recall it being there....not saying it wasn't..just a poor memory of it. Was a staple place for dinners out in the mid-late 70's for me....I don't think it was a chain restaurant but perhaps you or someone recalls it.
ReplyDeleteI was a cook at the Butcher Block in the mid 70s. The first one opened on Donald and York. It's now a parking garage. The second one was on Pembina Hey. There is a strip mall there now. Plaza Dr and Pembina. They opened a third one in Calgary on 4th ave. They were all owned by Champs Food Systems Ltd.
DeleteGarry near Broadway it is now the Keg
DeleteI am trying to recall where the old Butcher Block restaurant was.... someone said Donald and York but I can't recall it being there....not saying it wasn't..just a poor memory of it. Was a staple place for dinners out in the mid-late 70's for me....I don't think it was a chain restaurant but perhaps you or someone recalls it.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to recall where the old Butcher Block restaurant was.... someone said Donald and York but I can't recall it being there....not saying it wasn't..just a poor memory of it. Was a staple place for dinners out in the mid-late 70's for me....I don't think it was a chain restaurant but perhaps you or someone recalls it.
ReplyDeleteIt was on York and Donald south of York east side
DeleteI sure miss Shakey's..we always went there when our kids were small..like 40 yrs. ago..lol..looove those MoJo's!!!..thx for he memories..Gail
ReplyDeleteHarvey's now has locations on Portage Ave, and in the airport. They may have others.
ReplyDeleteKenny Rogers Roasters used to be in Nairn Ave, which is now Chicken Chef. 7-Eleven is across the street.
Harveys only has 2 one portage at langside..the other is at the airport
DeleteI haven't seen a retreat of any kind from KFC...I don't believe any closed.
ReplyDeleteBut a number of Wendy's locations have closed in the last 10 years. Pizza Hut as well.
KFC ferry road at portage became a pizza pizza..
DeleteWendys closed at portage and cavalier and reopened a few years later in the old a & w location closer to sturgeon.
KFC on Pembina closed
DeleteI am trying to remember the name of the steakhouse restaurants at the corner of st James street and st matthews where the Hooters is now. My husband and I went for our first date ther thirty five years ago
ReplyDeleteTrapper John's I was a manager there.
DeleteLate reply but yes it was Trapper Johns. I worked their too. They had a signature drink served in a boot glass. What was it?
DeleteYou can also add Uncle Willy's: one on Fermor and one on McPhillips!
ReplyDeleteI seem to recall a Butcher Block on Pembina Hwy as well around where the interchange is with Bishop Grandin...but cannot picture it in my head....
ReplyDeleteMother's also had a location near St Vital mall.
ReplyDeleteKelsey's also closed their only other Winnipeg location to make way for Finn's.
Pizza Place is another local chain that was everywhere then disappeared.
East Side Marios, a big chain out east failed here after trying several locations including Madison Square and Gio's final location.
Country Time, Coffee Time and Robins have all tried to make inroads into the Winnipeg coffee and donut business only to be seen retreating.
At one time Winnipeg was also home to three Red Lobsters. With Leila and Pembina both now closed Polo Park is left as the only outlet.
More recently Wendy's has been making a retreat from the market leaving closed building behind in just about every corner of the city.
The most notable one is that Boston Pizza famously opened in Winnipeg in the pizza boom time of the 80s only to make a complete retreat from this market. We went a good ten years with no Boston Pizza even with a Brandon location remaining open before the current success launch here. For bonus points: the current Boston Pizza is the exactly same location as where Mother's Pizza was back in the 1980s so the idea wasn't necessarily out of place there.
Still a few pizza places around I think
DeleteThere was a hotdog place in 1976-77 where St Mary's meets River Road. The wieners' skin popped when you bit into them. Mr. Mustard? Something like that.
ReplyDeleteYup that was the name
DeleteLove those! They're known as "European style weiners" but my brothers and I called them "snapskins".
Deletemerq's on portage
ReplyDeleteTim Horton's on Dakota across from St Vital was a Blimpies some years ago. Dunkin Donuts was here for a time on Graham & Kennedy or Edmonton. Would love to read and reminisce about local faves like G Willakers, Trapper Johns, Garden Creperie et al!
ReplyDeleteThere was a fast food BBQ place on Notre Dame and McPhillips back in the 1980's. For the life of me I cannot recall the name of the place. Any idea?
ReplyDeleteGrubees. Changed to something else iirc and then Burger King. Yes I know this is old, just building on the list.
DeleteKamps on Norte Dame now Burger King. Downtown Lindys. Main and Marion became a cafe.
DeleteWhat was the name of the slightly upscale Italian restaurant on the ground floor of Eaton Place in the late 90s?
ReplyDeletePasta la Vista
DeleteI think you mean Pasta la Vista at Eaton Place.
ReplyDeleteThat's totally it!
DeleteNotre Dame and McPhillips? Grubee's
ReplyDeleteAnyone remember a Don cherry's one the corner of 59 and regent?
ReplyDeleteAnyone remember the Don Cheery's on 59 & Regent. Where the current Moxies is?
ReplyDeleteHey, he has rarely been "cheery", it's Cherry!
DeleteIn the same neighborhood there was Kavanaugh's on Regent near Chateau Lanes. Before that it was a different drive In restaurant with a clown name - anyone remember??
At Eastwinds shopping center in the 80s?
DeleteHow about jim's fish and chips in the viscount gort.
ReplyDeleteI worked there in like 1994-95. He expanded to 1 or 2 other locations and overhauled the menu adding seafood pasta and other dishes nobody wanted. I think that's what led to the business closing. Too bad, he had a monopoly on the classic fish and chips crowd.
DeleteAnyone remember the name of the really quirky restaurant that was at 588 Broadway in the 1990a? It's where Wasabi is currently located.
ReplyDeleteI remember Venice House, beside the Marion Hotel (sort of), before it burned down. Portage place mall used to have Great Canadian Bagel, Baskin Robins, Partners delicatessen, Branigans. The Beefeater on Sherbrooke and Osborne. The Dairy Maid on Osborne as well. Bonanza in St. James. Country Style Donuts was in the Village as well. Edohei on Ellice closed a few years back. Mother Tucker's on Donald. Garbanzos used to be a little more prevalent. Also, nobody has mentioned anything about KFC being under the Champs banner initially, which was owned by the guy who started Grubees.
ReplyDeleteBanana Boat on Osbourne. Best friggin ice cream in the city I think at one point imo
DeleteThat was Oscar Gruberman.
DeleteVenice House had really good deep dish pizza. The two owners were real shysters though.
DeleteWasn't the name of Winnipeg's fast food chain, intended to compete with Macdonalds and the like, called "Rooney's"? I recall going to their location at or near River and Osborne many times in 1969, 1970 or so. If I'm wrong about the name, can someone please correct me? Either way, does anybody know who owned the company and sold the franchises, assuming they were franchises?
ReplyDeleteWhat was the restaurant called that is now Asia City on mcphillips?
ReplyDeleteArby's
DeleteI believe Rooney's was owned by A & W. Went there may times for a Rooney burger!!
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember a restaurant called the Fireplace "something" on south Pembina Highway near the University.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget the Wagon Wheel off Portage on Hargrave I think. Best clubhouse sandwiches in the city
ReplyDeleteNick's in broadway has awesome rhubins if you like those. Think they have great clubs too
DeleteGrapes still has a restaurant in Thompson. Ate there once. It was nowhere near the same as the Winnipeg locations we used to go to. Still, it is the old Grapes with no soup bar like they used to have, but the menu seemed similar. Not dead in Manitoba yet, but deffinately petering out. Oh and one other in downtown Winnipeg just down the block from The Met and Capitol Theatres on Donald street... "Mother Tuckers Food Experience" some of the best prime rib in the city!
ReplyDeleteGrapes still has a restaurant in Thompson. Ate there once. It was nowhere near the same as the Winnipeg locations we used to go to. Still, it is the old Grapes with no soup bar like they used to have, but the menu seemed similar. Not dead in Manitoba yet, but deffinately petering out. Oh and one other in downtown Winnipeg just down the block from The Met and Capitol Theatres on Donald street... "Mother Tuckers Food Experience" some of the best prime rib in the city!
ReplyDeleteRemember the Cheesecake Factory? It was on portage avenue, where the Big and tall is now. There was also Pharo's restaurants, one in westwood and can't remember where the other one was. They were the home of the sizzling steak in the 70's 80's. There was also a fast food burger joint called Kavanaugh's in the early 70's. It was located by the Village Inn in Westwood. They tried to outdo Mcdonalds. Didn't work.
ReplyDeleteLoved Pharo's. The other one was where the Santa Lucia Pizza is now on Main & St. Mary's
DeleteBurger Factory was another good one
DeleteDoes anyone remember the name of the HUGE ice-cream dessert (for 10) that was on the menu of MR. GreenJeans in Winnipeg (way back in the 90s)? Many thanks.
ReplyDeleteWas on Osbourne where the antique store is now. The ice cream platter I think that made them famous was called The Zoo. I believe if I remember right had 24 scoops on it. They had what looked like over sized wine glasses that they served the ice cream in.
DeleteThe place was called Dutch Maid
Does anyone remember the original pizza place opening in st James 1961-1962 -tossing dough in the window by singer sewing machine. How about the paddock? How about marvels from red boot? What about the donut house on portage and berry in the 60's
ReplyDeleteI miss Mother Tucker's Food Experience. It was downtown in a mansion/house across from the United Army Surplus store and next to the Capitol Theatre on Donald Street.
ReplyDeleteIt had "MTFE" on the door handles.
I enjoyed many meals @ "Grapes" ..."Grapes Kenaston", "Grapes Main" and "Grapes Pier 7" over on Pembina Hwy .. good times wearing my grey Miami Vice boxy sport coat! :)
ReplyDeleteSuzie Q's on portage!
ReplyDeleteTim Hortons tried having cold stone creamery in there main street store and that closed...
ReplyDeleteThere was also the chocolate shop on portage that had physic readings
Also Zoratti's restaurant on portage ave where portage place is now....
And there was a Greek restaurant in Charleswood that has closed but I can't recall the name..
Also what was the restaurant just west of bedson just past the Boyd where river city ford has built there expansion?
That was a Ponderosa I believe
DeleteTim hortons has one in Manhattan
DeleteGreek restaurant in Charleswood was Matheos.
ReplyDeleteI remember Fuddruckers on St.James. It had it's own bakery and butcher. You could see them work behind the counter.You created
ReplyDeleteyour own burger by adding a variety of toppings. What happened to it?
I have not read all the posts but I grew up in Elmwood in the 1960's, and before McDonalds opened up on Nairn, a restaurant called KAVANAUGHS was on the site and had big horns on the Marquee. After they folded, the same restaurant was known as KAMPS. Myself and a friend used to ride our bikes there and get fries. After that was gone, McDonals moved in. That is going back to the early 60's!
ReplyDeleteKavanagh restaurant..used to go there all the time. Loved it.
DeleteThink I was 18 at the time.
Kavanaugh and Kamps were owned by Oscar Grubert who also owned Champs, Mother Tuckers and the hotel on Osborne (amongst other things). Quite the Winnipeg entrepreneur.
DeleteI was recalling Kamps today. Back in the 70's I lived on Notre Dame close to McPhillips. There was a Kamps just about a block OP McPhillips from Notre Dame. Got burgers and fries there often. I remember the one burger had loads of their sauce on it like Thousand Island or something. I once heard they were a good test market site, but I also heard the city of Winnipeg is that.
DeleteThis may be a longshot, but does anyone remember a burger joint in the early to mid 70s in St. Boniface? It was in the little strip mall on the corner of Provencher and Des Meurons,on the south east side. It had one of those clown mascots with the big white smile around the mouth. Probably died VERY fast, but can't remember?
ReplyDeleteAnyone remember Pomadori's by poli park where Madison Square is now? Used to go there all the time! My fave! SO good!��
ReplyDeletei believe the steak house at the corner of St James and St Mathews was called trapper johns
ReplyDeleteKRB the greek restaurant in charleswood tha closed was Matheos.
ReplyDeleteKamps lasted into the late 60s and they also had a location on Notre Dame
ReplyDeleteClancys on Regent ??
ReplyDeleteClancys on Regent ?
ReplyDeletecarnival restaurants (order by phone), kavanoughs in westwood, grandma lees, caesars palace, plush puppy and hot dog factory in polo park, sorrentos, the hefty burger, t-j's, eatons 5th floor(valley room?)...and 3rd floor cafeteria, myers ....
ReplyDeleteMr. Sub(marine) got down to only one restaurant out on Henderson Hwy. There's a second one now at the Garden City food court.
ReplyDeleteCrock and Block Restaurant was in the Silver City spot prior to Chi Chi's.
I was sad to see Kelekis go. It became a flower shop and the last time I looked in the window there were caskets in there!
CC Biggs on Regent
ReplyDeleteManhattan Restaurant - Corner of Grant & Pembina
Truckers Lunch - McPhillips near Alexander
CC Biggs in Transcona was the old Garbonzos
DeleteI worked at Caesar's Palace Restaurant in 1980 in St.Vital center. There was also one in Polo Park.
ReplyDeleteWe can't forget the long lasting Shanghai Restaurant. It seemed the same staff worked there all 40 years I had gone there!!
ReplyDeleteCan't believe nobody has mentioned Arnold's on west portage where the Hakim Optical is at Portage and Cavalier.
ReplyDeleteWasn't that a Wendy's?
DeleteI'm looking for the name of a restaurant on Pembina in the 80's that I think was by the Tim's close to McGillvery that had stain glass fixtures and tons of copper for décor. They went bankrupt and had an auction. Anyone know what that one was called?
ReplyDeleteOh thank goodness someone else remembers Rooney's in Winnipeg in the late 1960s. I have fond memories of that restaurant ... their menu was virtually identical to McD's but the food was much better IMHO. And Rooney's had a much longer list of yummy milkshake flavours. I think it predated McDonald's in Winnipeg but when they started to go head-to-head, McD's began to underprice Rooney's and that was the beginning of the end for them.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember the name of the german restaurant on Ellice Ave?
ReplyDeleteGerman restaurant on Ellice...Happy Vineyard?
ReplyDeleteKavanagh restaurant had a price war around 1970 in Westwood when Mcdonalds opened.
ReplyDeleteit was 10 cents for a hamburger 12 cents for a cheeseburger. McDonald's still won
These have got to be some of if not the most notable restaurants I remember in Winnipeg and small town Manitoba that I remember ... Some may still be open I'm not sure but here's my list anyways lol ...
ReplyDeleteCopa Cabana in Transcona
Frank's Pizza in Selkirk Manitoba
Pizza Place at Winnipeg Beach and in Gimli
Pete's Place at the end of Portage Ave
The Olde Spaghetti Factory in the Exchange District
Chi Chi's on Regent Ave
C Kelekis on Main Street
Burger Factory on Portage Ave
Gondola Pizza on Henderson Hwy
KFC Drive In on Henderson before it became a KFC/Taco Bell
Shanghai Restaurant on Ellice or Stradabrook can't remember exactly
Skinners Wet N Wild in Lockport
Cynthia's Caribbean Delites on Notre Dame(one I miss most of all,best damn Roti and pepper pot on the planet not to mention home made ginger beer and mango drink)
Salisbury House on Henderson
The restaurant in the old Zellers on Henderson where Penners foods used to be
The old A&W drive in on Portage Ave
Le Petit Dejeuner in St Boniface
And last but definitely not least ... A famous Winnipeg landmark of home made staple Ukrainian food now re located in Gimli John Candy himself ordered perogies and cabbage rolls from ... Alycia's
I also remember a deli owned by two Jewish brothers on Main Street. When you walked in they had a giant wooden barrel of dill pickles and the best damn shredded pickled herring on earth. And of course Gunns Bakery for locks and cream cheese on a fresh bagel and no true Winnipegger will ever forget California Fruit Market. There were also many delis in the North End famous for their rye and corned beef and Reuben sandwiches. One last place ... Years ago there was a man named Joe who had a small unknown restaurant in Seven Sisters Manitoba called Smokin Joes BBQ. Found it on facebook but not sure if hes still running it or not ... Best damn ribs I've ever had in my life and his home made BBQ sauce was out of this world !!!
That was either Simon's or Oscar's. My dad used to go to both all the time. Loved the corned beef.
DeleteEverybody forgets what was right beside Chi Chi's at Polo Park that is long gone. Fingers, The Place for Ribs.
ReplyDeleteRe: Texas Longhorns on Leila.
ReplyDeleteMany people have forgotten that that location was originally an Olive Garden and the Sunova Credit Union next door was a Red Lobster. Olive Garden closed unexpectedly (which was always puzzling as it was nearly always packed just like every other location). It converted to a Branigans and that lasted for years until the owner ran into financial trouble. He rebranded the restaurant as Texas Longhorns and the location at the Forks became a seafood restaurant.
The Red Lobster finally closed and sat vacant for years until Sunova converted the space into a credit union. The Olive Garden/Branigans/Longhorns is now a Sals.
Harvey's has combined with several Swiss Chalet's. There is one on Corydon.
ReplyDeleteWhat about Garbonzo's Pizza. Pembina hwy and a few other locations from what I remember.
ReplyDeleteAny on remember gracies it was on portage ave now it's red lobster, i worked at jim's fish and chips next to the viscount gort, remember a & w on ellice and roseberry
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/grubert_o.shtml check this link out, “Oscar Grubert”
ReplyDeleteWhat was the name of the Mexican restaurant at Logan and McPhillips in the 1960's owned by one of the Bomber players?
ReplyDeleteOriginal Beachcomber was best restaurant for food & ambiance ever.Chinese(polanesian) and steaks were out of this world especially when -30C. just north of convention center,just tore Hotel down
ReplyDeleteHaha! I was reading through all the posts and couldn’t believe nobody had mentioned the Beachcomber! Glad someone else remembered it!
DeleteGood times!
The new Beachcomber at the Forks closed this past year, it was no relation to the old one downtown. And yes the old one was really great.
DeleteHarvey's is very much still in Winnipeg - there's one downtown (by the U of W at 600 Portage) and one on Corydon (as a combo Swiss Chalet/Harvey's)
ReplyDeleteOne back in Brandon now.
DeleteWhat was the name of the chip and burger joint on main across the street from the CN station north of Broadway?
ReplyDeleteVJ's, it's still there.
DeleteA few years ago when I was getting lunch there a fellow ahead of me told the counter person he had just had quadruple bypass surgery, and the workers exchanged funny looks at each other as he ordered burger and fries. Lol
Does anyone remember the name of the restaurant that chi chis changed its name to after it lost the right to use chi chis?
ReplyDeleteWho remembers the name of the fancy restaurant (Winnipeg) between Carlton and Hargrave, north side of Portage Ave, lower level, circa 1980? #GreyMatterFail
ReplyDeletePantages.
DeleteWho remembers the name of the fancy restaurant (Winnipeg) between Carlton and Hargrave, north side of Portage Ave, lower level, circa 1980? #GreyMatterFail
ReplyDeleteThe restaurant was Pantages Restaurant and Lounge closed in 1989. It is in what is now the APTN building and studio.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds familiar. Merci!
DeleteAnyone remember Clancy's Roadhouse restaurants when did they leave the city?
ReplyDeleteCan anyone name ALL of the names of the restaurants that eventually ended ( now torn down ) up being The Palamino on Portage. It's a tough one ! LOL...
ReplyDeleteBefore the Palomino it was Blue Jeans. Before Blue Jeans it was Avenue. Before Avenue it was Gabby's Steakhouse and Lounge. Before Gabby's it was Jayson's Bistro and Bar, Before Jayson's it was Thomas Button's. Before Button's it was Koko's. Before Koko's it was the original Pierre's built in 1954.
ReplyDeleteWell Done John Dobbin !
ReplyDelete~
05.010.2018
010/05/2018
2018-010-05
#1World1Date1Day
#1Mundo1Fecha1DÃa
Hey Anonymous if you liked Clancy's Roadhouse, maybe give Big Guys Ranch & Saloon. https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g154954-d702036-Reviews-Big_Guys_Ranch_Saloon-Winnipeg_Manitoba.html
ReplyDeleteDoug L ... the burger and chip shack is called VJ's ... and it is still going strong.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember Ellet's Restaurant in Winnipeg. Last I was there was 1970.
ReplyDeleteWhat was the name of the restaurant in Polo Park where you used a phone at you booth to place your order?
ReplyDeleteIt was called Purleys
DeleteThe Chi Chi's on Regent ave. changed their name to Gringo's and closed shortly after. I enjoyed the endless tortilla chips and salsa.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone recall King's Food Host, which was just south of Point Road on Pembina. It was a supermarket-sized American chain restaurant where diners ordered by phone. They knocked it down to put up a Ponderosa in the mid 70's. That building existed later as Swiss Chalet, then The Rib Shack. Now that property is occupied by a strip mall featuring Starbucks, and a parking lot for the adjacent Shopper's Drug Mart (because Pembina Highway needs three Shopper's locations for some reason).
ReplyDeleteBased on the advertising on cable TV way back then, I believe Fargo had a King's location as well.
yes loved King's, ordering by phone, we always went for the ice cream.
DeleteThere were over 100 King's Food Host restaurants in 1972 with only one in Canada. That was Winnipeg. There are was one Bismarck and Fargo as well. By 1978 they had dropped down to 35 and by 1979 there none left.
ReplyDeleteSouth St. Vital in the 60's and most of the 70's was dull...or perhaps quaint might be the word. When the family ventured over to Pembina Highway or Portage Avenue west of Polo Pars, to my young eyes, we might as well have been in Vegas. Those cool neon signs at places like Ringer's Drugs and the adjacent Automatic Car Wash, or Holiday Chev, or the Silver Heights Restaurant made a big impression on me
ReplyDeleteRemember the Pizza Place on Donald St. about 2 blks n. of Eaton's.My first pizza ever 1962 (been an addict ever since) Also the Ellice Inn 'Happy Vineyard' where I took my girl (German heritage) in '65 (upscale joint) Worth it tho.We've been married since '66.How about Champ's on Henderson Hiway or the Oxford Grill in Transcona? Oscar's Deli on N.Main best corned beef!Coffee house on Pembina Hiway (was it The Fifth Dimension?) My memory's going...
ReplyDeleteI seem to recall a Red Lobster on North side of Almey near where the Olive Garden is opposite the Taxation Centre? Anyone remember if it was there or am I losing my marbles?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember the name of the HUGE ice-cream dessert (for 10) that was on the menu of MR. GreenJeans in Winnipeg (way back in the 90s)? Many thanks.
Sorry, I didn't look to see if this was answered yet, but the name of the dessert you're looking for is the "Hat's Off". I also remember watching in horrid fascination as a friend of mine ate one of the damn things by himself in one sitting. That guy had the metabolism of a hummingbird on crack . . .
I miss Mother's Pizza, Shakee's but we have some very good replacements...just more money. Joeys & Moxies seldom disappoint.
ReplyDeleteThe Chicken chef on Nairn was originally a burger joint in the 70's...does anyone remember the name?
ReplyDeleteHow about Dionysus on Nairn as well. Delicious Greek menu
ReplyDeleteBoondoggles. The feast. Ponderoastsa. Bonanza. Any great buffet place like that.
ReplyDeleteMiss those.
Was there a burger joint on the north side of Broadway between Sherbrook and Maryland back in the late 60s? My dad remembers something being there, and cruisers or a car club gathered there on Sundays.
ReplyDeleteWho remembers the Millionaire drive-in on McPhillips? When did it close?
ReplyDeleteNot sure about that location. Does anyone remember the Millionaire’s St. Vital location. It was on the space now occupied by the parking lot of the Dakota Motor Hotel. The drive in probably closed in like 66 or 67.
ReplyDeleteHi John. I just stumbled upon this as I tried to google an old favourite recipe. It reminded me of the Swiss Chalet that you and I use to go to.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Laura
Can’t forget Suzie-Q’s on Portage, Copa Cambana in Transcona, great Pizza unique and haven’t had anythin like it since, Clancy’s, Chi-Chi’s, Bonanza, Zellers Cafe, Malt Stop 🛑, C.C Kelekis, Winona Restaurant, Retro McDonald’s on St. James, Santa Lucia Transcona, Sbarro’s Italian Eatery in Polo Park Mall....etc
ReplyDeleteAnyone remember Monty's warehouse , mother tickets food experience or DonEls all you can eat buffet.
ReplyDeleteThe blue moon on nairn
ReplyDeleteThe blue moon on nairn
ReplyDeleteI need help... what wss the name of the restaurant on Grant and Kenaston, not Grapes but the one next door in the strip mall circa 1990s?
ReplyDeletePeppers and Backstage Peppers.
ReplyDeleteTyty!!
DeleteYes, I remember Monty’s Warehouse. In 1972, Monty Guberman had imported a double decker English bus to Winnipeg. He used it to ferry restaurant customers to the Blue Bombers games. On that November day, Winnipeg was playing the Western Final against Saskatchewan Rough Riders. I took the bus ride, sat in the nose-bleed end zone and witnessed the dramatic last plays of the game. Ironically, just a few minutes ago, today, Rough Riders loss on a dramatic last play of the game too!
ReplyDeleteHaha… 47 years for the revenge? :-)
Remember the Paddock on Portage next to Viscount Gort. or Angelo's Pizza chain
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteThe Paddock was memorable.
My Date at Grade 9 Junior High Graduation Dance in 1959 was Carol McNish.
She left with Wayne Bachinski.
I needed A Drink.
So....I walked from Sargent Park School to The Paddock.
It was where CKY's Doug Burrows broadcast The Man About Midnight.
The Entertainment was Kokomo Wellington https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE9RwjwHk3I
The Drink was a Virgin Mary.
I never went back again.
Where are you, Carol?
ReplyDeleteI was 14 when my steady beau and his 1960 Pontiac Bonneville convertible took me to my very first drive in restaurant. The car hops wore short skirts and roller skates!!! The other kids in their cars looked older than me. I had my first ever hamburger that wasn't homemade, along with a strawberry milkshake, because that's what all the cool kids ordered. To this day I've never had a burger that could come close to those from that Millionaire Drive In on McPhillips. The Thunderbird Drive In, the competition half a block down and across the street marked the end of civilization on McPhillips back then. It's been many years since I've been back to Winnipeg. Anyone know if the 'Mill is still around?
ReplyDeleteI haven't looked through all the posts, but how about the Dionysus Restaurant that was on Nairn beside the old Canadian Tire(now a Canada Post), my wife's parents had their 50th there in 2001.
ReplyDeleteI also remember going to Dutch Maid Ice Cream on Henderson(now Ricks Hot Rod Diner) & the one on Osborne of course.
Since I lived on Regent until 1978 across from where KP now is, I remember these neighbourhood classics: Bonanza on Regent near Plessis, Ponderosa on Regent at Lagimodiere (NW corner), Mister Steak on Regent near Crossroads SC, Pizza Place in Crossroads SC mall, Kamps & Swensens Ice Cream on Nairn (now Chicken Chef), Shakeys on Nairn (now Pony Corral), The Starlight Drive In on Regent where all the car dealerships sit now, I could go on...
Here's a couple more to add to my list:
ReplyDeleteThe Red Grill Restaurant inside Woolco at Crossroads SC on Regent(my wife's sister worked there in the early 70s),
Chi Chis at the SE corner of Regent & Lagimodiere, LOVED that place!
Kamps was located just to the west of Gambles department store on Nairn & Panet back in the early 70s,
Jeez, almost forgot about Grubees that was on the North side of Regent where Burger King is now.
Back in the 70s, the Gay Cavalier Hotel(now just The Cavalier) was located across from Gambles & Economart at Nairn & Panet
I'm probably forgetting some, but that part of the Peg has changed a lot in 50 years...
I have similar recollections of St.Vital and Fort Garry. Anyone remember the Millionaire at the corner of Dakota and St. Mary’s? Or the Bonanza at that same corner?
ReplyDeleteHow about those old mom and pop motels along Pembina, like the Flamingo and Motel75? I think the Capri is the last of those still standing.
My folks had a match book from the Bombay Bicycle Club. Dont recall where it was located in Winnipeg though.
ReplyDeleteBombay Bicycle Club was located where Pony Coral was at Grant Park.
ReplyDeleteHot dog drive in had various dog names for their hot dogs. Portage avenue around Westwood Drive. Going back to late 1950’s.
ReplyDeleteCalled?????
What was the name of the very obscure restaurant chain that used a likeness of Emmett Kelly’s sad clown as its logo? There was a location on Portage across from the CBC where juniors is now and maybe one at Polo Park. I think it was another of those places where you ordered by phone from your table. It might have been at that Portage location around 1968-69?
ReplyDeleteRemember The Old Swiss in downtown ? There was a restaurant on Mcphillips,close to Northgate Shopping Centre. I think it may be where the TD bank is now. It was around 1985 to 1990. It was a multi level restaurant. Some of the seating was the half circular booths. Family restaurant that was popular for its buffet. Does anyone remember the name of that one ?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember the name of the HUGE ice-cream dessert (for 10) that was on the menu of MR. GreenJeans in Winnipeg (way back in the 90s)? Many thanks.
ReplyDelete***************
Sorry, I didn't look to see if this was answered yet, but the name of the dessert you're looking for is the "Hat's Off". I also remember watching in horrid fascination as a friend of mine ate one of the damn things by himself in one sitting. That guy had the metabolism of a hummingbird on crack . . .
***************
Regarding my old post about the "Hat's Off" . . . I was talking with another friend that used to frequent Mr. Greenjeans, and he's pretty sure that the aforementioned dessert was actually called the "Top Hat".
Here comes the fudge was their massive brownie sundae in a glass.
DeleteAfter the Happy Vineyard on Ellice closed, it became a Romanian restaurant that served Chicken Dracula. They were originally in EK or Elmwood. Does anyone remember this? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMother's Pizza had a location at Unicity Mall as well.
ReplyDeleteI worked at Unicity and after work we always went to Father's Lounge (connected to Mother's)....and there was the Smitty's right across from the entrance.
DeleteHappy Vineyard brings back good memories
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember rootbeer milkshakes at A&W? The one at Garden City mall sold them, every other location would say they didn't sell them whenever I would ask.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone listed Pizza Place with the leaning tower of Pizza in red as their logo. They had the place behind the York Estates that became Pizza Hut which is now something else. I worked there with a crew of about 9 or 10 cooks, all teenagers and the antics were out of control. They had management that NEVER entered the back of restaurants. We had staff eating off of Pizzas, food going out the door, delivery drivers destroying cars, staff members leaving for half their shifts, great food fights. Never let 9 teenagers run a kitchen unsupervised. I feel deeply for the poor owners who were trying so hard to make a go of it. They could not possibly have made a profit on those restaurants.
ReplyDeleteThe old salisbury house, I know they're still around by they're not the same at all. Remember the oily buns and fried onions. Nothing like that exists now, it had a taste all it's own. They had a half circle location under the parkade just off of Portage avenue and one at Portage and Stafford among many others.
ReplyDeletePizza Place had those great jingles to the tune of “Finniculi, Finnicula”. Does anyone recall RJ’s Pizza. I worked for one summer at the St. Boniface location on St. Mary’s.
ReplyDeleteBanana Boat has moved to a new location at 166 Meadowood.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember Moore's Restaurant on the North side of Portage Avenue. I believe it was before Eaton's. Their specialty was burgers, but they were incredible -- more like sirloin steak burgers. It was a classy place, and their prices were great for teenagers.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the Barbecue Restaurant after The Met and just before Holy Trinity Church, and all the good things they served.
The Paddock across from Polo Park was one of the best restaurants in the city. Their meals were good and their desserts even better. It was comfortable and had wonderful historic pictures of the race track which filled the area at one time.