A hub in the community

North Kildonan

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This article was published 30/04/2025 (349 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

For the last 40 years, Jeffrey’s Restaurant and Lounge, though not always by that name, has been a fixture on the North Kildonan landscape.

And for the last 15 of those years, co-owners Mauro Felicioni and Don Mackenzie have been busy evolving the business into what they are proud to call a community hub.

To celebrate the landmark anniversary, Jeffrey’s — which is located at 1420 Henderson Hwy. — will be offering customers a slate of specials throughout May, each one costing $15.

At press time, the $15 specials included a burger, fries and draft; a large one-topping pizza; and a pitcher of draft.

Felicioni said part of Jeffrey’s appeal stems back to before the social media era when folks had to meet up in-person to have a social connection.

“We’re not a chain, and we’re independently owned — we’re a neighbourhood gem,” Felicioni said.

“We have great food, great drinks, and fabulous staff.”

Noting the business has undergone extensive renovations in the last decade-and-a-half — including the purchase of a former florist next door that allowed the owners to extend the size of the lounge — Felicioni noted Jeffrey’s has had good crowds for the Winnipeg Jets’ current playoff run so far, including being almost fully booked for the third game in the series on April 24. Regular patrons like to book their favourite tables, whenever possible.

“We’ve had a good run, especially considering the COVID-19 years,” Mackenzie said. “Especially considering so many restaurants have been opening and closing, including longtime ones that have been closing in recent times, and I think this is testament to how well we’ve done.”

Mackenzie said when the pair took over, the only immediate rivals to the business was the Nor-Villa Motor Hotel to the north and the Curtis Gordon Motor Hotel to the south. Now there’s a Boston Pizza and a Leopold’s Tavern across Henderson not far in either direction.

The fact the owners are always on-site, Mackenzie said, chipping in and lending a hand in doing everything their staff does, as well as the fact the business is entrenched in the community, makes a significant difference.

The businesses’ involvement with the community includes supporting socials and fundraisers, hot lunch programs for schools, and a golf tournament in support of different causes including the Never Alone Foundation.

“We want to give back to the community because they support us,” Felicioni said. “They come in and support us, so we want to support them, in turn.”

In keeping with tradition, the business still offers a Blue Bombers bus that attends home games, which is now operated through a third-party company.

When asked about the secret to the business’ success, Felicioni said passion is at the core of the answer.

“We’re hands-on, and we work day and night. It’s about being on-site, and the work being in your blood,” he said.

Felicioni and Mackenzie are also co-owners of Johnny’s Maples Pizza Restaurant & Lounge pn Sheppard Street.

Go online at jeffreysrestaurant.ca or call 204-338-5000 for more information.