Southdale restaurant is a home from home

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 23/05/2014 (4390 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Small businesses and communities have a relationship that depends on each other. Small businesses are the scattering of seeds from courageous entrepreneurs that germinate in our communities  to provide goods, services and employment. The community in return supports the businesses with loyalty.

It is not uncommon to find a small business becoming a focal point for a community. The local eatery with good food and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere exists in every community as the place to meet, have a bite to eat and enjoy company.

Southdale Village Family Restaurant, at the malls on Lakewood Boulevard, has been in business for 26 years. Perry and Kelly Verot have been the proprietors for the past 6 years. They employ 25 staff and provide warm, friendly service and work to ensure their customers re satisfied with their meals. The people that help run the restaurant have been critical to the business’ success.

The staff at the Southdale Village Family Restaurant have worked there for anywhere from one to 21 years. This diverse group of high school students, university students, parents and grandparents pools its individual skills on a daily basis to bring customers the best eating experience in Southdale.

Whether studying for exams, dealing with frozen water pipes, inclement highway driving conditions or everyday family crises, they are always able to put those issues aside.
The restaurant is tuned to social events. Meals focused on seasonal holidays such as Christmas and Easter are the norm. Days such as Valentine’s Day are made especially important. (Just remember, guys, you need to plan ahead —  a reservation will keep you out of the dog house.)

In turn, the community supports the business. Breakfast, lunch or supper seems to bring a crowd. Industrial workers, bluehairs or a young couple holding hands can all be seen taking up spots to sample the menu. For the proprietors, the staff and customers are not just people, they are family coming home for a meal.

Sean Conway is a community correspondent for St. Vital.