Blondie's Burgers to close after 31 years
The home of Winnipeg’s nine-pound burger is closing its doors after 31 years in business on Main Street.
Sandy Doyle, the owner of Blondie's Burgers, has decided to trade in her grill for a quieter life with her last day being January 15.
“It’s sad because I have had so many really wonderful people that have supported me from everywhere. All over Manitoba, the U.K., even Australia that come to visit,” said Doyle.
She said many of her customers who came as kids have continued coming, and have brought the next generation through her doors for one of her famous strawberry shakes and big burgers.
The memories are never far away in Blondie's with the restaurant’s walls plastered with images of past customers, events and parties. Before the doors close for a final time, Doyle is allowing those who helped decorate the walls to come and take their pictures back.
All the decorations are for sale including the imitation burgers that decorate the interior. They are currently at the center of a Facebook bidding war.
The reasons for closing are varied, but two years of operating during a pandemic helped put things into perspective for Doyle.
“How I run this place is the customers are friends. I like to sit and talk and I can’t do that anymore,” said Doyle. “It just wasn’t fun anymore.”
Then there is the physical toll of standing behind a grill all day because Doyle was the only cook.
“31 years is a long time… a really long time.”
Since news of the closing was announced, people have been pouring through the doors to get one last meal.
“I’m making so many shakes and big burgers,” said Doyle.
With years of parties and gatherings the memories for Doyle are many, but the burger institution has been used for more than filling bellies.
The restaurant was used in several television productions over the years but one that stands out for Doyle was an Icelandic production that took over the premises for hours but none of the crew spoke English.
Another memory was a bachelor party.
“The guy was all dressed in pink with one of those things wrapped all around his neck. But they had been at a paintball thing so he was covered in horrible bruises. They had so much fun,” Doyle said.
Looking to the future, Doyle looks to spend more time with family and mentioned possibly volunteering at a pet shelter.
“I really just don’t know. Just to not have to worry about coming to work,” Doyle said.
As for getting your last Blondie's fix, Doyle said show up in person and be patient because there are a lot of other people doing the same thing.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
No, a best-selling American writing duo didn't pen a Galen Weston romance novel
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Western University researchers unlock potential 'cure' for ALS
New research out of London, Ont.'s Western University is shedding light on a potential cure for ALS, in which the targeting of the interaction between two proteins can halt or fully reverse the disease's progression.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.