Winnipeg has renamed a stretch of Main Street in honour of Kelekis Restaurant.

This afternoon, Mayor Sam Katz announced Main Street between Aberdeen and Redwood will be designated "Kelekis Way."

The designation is strictly honorary, and will not affect street addresses on Main Street between Aberdeen and Redwood avenues. Small Kelekis Way sign toppers will be added to street signs in the area.

The move acknowledges the 81-year-old restaurant, which was founded by the patriarch of the Kelekis family, Chris, back in the 1930s, with a chip stand in the back of a Model T.

The restaurant is closing today.

"Eighty-one years for Kelekis is pretty phenomenal," Katz told reporters following this morning's city council meeting. "I believe no matter where you live in the city of Winnipeg you've travelled to Kelekis. I certainly have on many occasions. It used to be a regular haunt for me."