Original Pancake House on Pembina closes after 63 years
A restaurant that has been in operation in Winnipeg for 63 years is no more.
The Original Pancake House confirmed to CTV News that its location on the Pembina Highway has closed, and the land and building have been sold.
The restaurant has been running in its location since 1958.
"The building was not on the market, it was someone that knocked on our door and made us an offer and we mulled it over, and it just was the right decision at the right time," said Terry Friesen, the restaurant's operations manager.
Friesen said the staff will be offered positions at the other Pancake House locations in Winnipeg.
"I can't imagine there's ever another time that I have room in all my stores to move a whole store's worth of staff to the other stores, but, you know, that's part of the COVID labour situation right now. So that's really good for me to be able to go to my staff and say, 'Hey, I've got another job for you.'"
Later on Friday, Vic’s Fruit Market confirmed it has purchased the space. Owner Scott Schriemer said the plan is to build a larger store in the area.
“We're going to be a little bigger, but not so big that we can't be manageable,” he said. “We're going to still try to continue to have that local market feel in Fort Garry, Tuxedo, River Heights, servicing that area, and try to continue to do the things that we've always done well, and improve on that going forward."
He added, “Maybe have a little more offering in our product line, have a little more space, a little more room to move, a little bit better space to service customers, more of our own parking, so that we have to make the experience for everybody that much better.”
Schriemer said the current building will have to be demolished for his new business.
“It has served them well over the years, but everything at some point in time needs an upgrade. So that one will come down the new one will go up,” he said.
“All I can say is, for the residents of Winnipeg, look forward to a bigger, brighter, brand new Vic’s that is going to continue to serve the community for years to come.”
-With files from CTV's Jon Hendricks
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.