Beefing up Portage and Main Steakhouse opening patio at downtown street corner By: Kevin Rollason Posted: 7:00 PM CDT Monday, Jun. 28, 2021

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This article was published 28/06/2021 (1532 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

An iconic steakhouse is adding a little sizzle to an iconic street corner.

Hy’s Steakhouse is celebrating Canada Day by opening a patio outside its Winnipeg location at Portage and Main.

“It’s an amazing day to open up a fantastic patio,” said Karen Byrne, Hy’s director of marketing and communications.

“A lot of people have made reservations,” said Megan Buckley, Hy’s chief operating officer.

The patio, outside the main floor of the Richardson Building, faces north towards Lombard Avenue. It will have 64 seats, but will only allow up to 25 under Manitoba’s current pandemic public health restrictions.

“People will be well spaced out,” said Byrne. “It’s a very lovely space. Folks in Winnipeg will really enjoy sitting out there.”

Buckley said Hy’s — established 66 years ago and in Winnipeg since 1958 — “always plans” for the long term.

“This was planned and we’ve been working with our landlord pre-COVID.”

Hy’s in Whistler and Calgary have patios, while the Toronto location has set up a few tables on the sidewalk outside the restaurant. Only the Vancouver location is dine-in only.

“This was planned and we’ve been working with our landlord pre-COVID.” — Megan Buckley, Hy’s chief operating officer

Buckley said the menu will remain the same, regardless where a customer chooses to dine.

“We want our guests to enjoy our Hy’s favourites whether you’re indoors or outside.”

Kate Fenske, CEO of Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, said the new patio gives a welcome shot in the arm for an area that has been hit hard during the pandemic.

“Having new outdoor space downtown, where people can safely connect, is key to bringing life back to the neighbourhood this summer and gives businesses a fighting chance,” Fenske said.

“I’m thrilled Hy’s is giving Winnipeggers a chance to dine outside at the iconic intersection of Portage and Main.”

Byrne said the patio and restaurant will open July 1 at 3 p.m., closing at 10 p.m. After that, regular hours will be Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 3-10 p.m., and Sunday 3-8 p.m.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca

Kevin Rollason
Reporter

Kevin Rollason is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He graduated from Western University with a Masters of Journalism in 1985 and worked at the Winnipeg Sun until 1988, when he joined the Free Press. He has served as the Free Press’s city hall and law courts reporter and has won several awards, including a National Newspaper Award. Read more about Kevin.

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