The Heights celebrates 60 years of business

On the weekend of June 2-4, the Silver Heights Restaurant and Lounge hosted a bash like no other.

They were celebrating 60 years of blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice by the Siwicki family.

My husband and I joined good friends to partake in the festivities on Saturday afternoon, which got off to a great start as the City of Winnipeg Police Pipe Band marched throughout the establishment, resplendent in with red kilts — they were outstanding!

For a mere $10 ticket, we enjoyed a burger, fries and a small drink and we were even sent home with a party-favour — a very cool shot glass. 

Members of the Siwicki family gave entertaining speeches that left us laughing and, at times, with a tear in our eye. MLA Scott Johnston (St. James) and Coun. Scott Gillingham (St. James-Brooklands) both gave heartfelt speeches and mentioned how "The Heights", located at 2169 Portage Ave., is an important St. James establishment. The family was presented with a plaque in recognition of that fact.

Brothers Tony and J.C. Siwicki (along with family and great staff) work tirelessly to ensure their customers enjoy their visits.

Many customers have been faithful to The Heights for many, many years and feel more like an extended family, which Tony mentioned in his speech — talking about the restaurant playing host to the engagements, showers and anniversaries of his patrons.

Friendships new and old were the common theme of the weekend and that was certainly true for my husband, who ran into an old hockey teammate he had not seen in over 40 years (in the beer gardens, of course). Gerald and his old pal Ray Van Houle reminisced about a game they played for the St. James Canucks when they were 15 years old, recalling how they helped their team come back and win in the last few seconds — at least that’s how they remembered it.

Tony Siwicki said that the real secret to the restaurant’s success is that their employees and their customers feel like one big family.

In the cut-throat food industry, it’s so refreshing to see a family owned restaurant not only survive but lead the pack.

Congratulations Silver Heights Restaurant and Lounge! We wish you many more prosperous years in our neighbourhood.   

Virginia Sperl is a community correspondent for Silver Heights.