Catering at Winnipeg’s Confusion Corner

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This article was published 09/12/2013 (4344 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Thousands of people drive and bus past the Masonic Centre at Winnipeg’s Confusion Corner without realizing that it’s home to Stanroy Catering, owned by Roy Switzer of Sanford.

Switzer has been in the restaurant business for the past 25 years, having bought his first business — a Robin’s Donuts location in Winnipeg — two years before he retired from the Air Force. After operating a few other restaurants, he moved into catering in 1990. He started working out of the Masonic Centre, owned by the Freemasons, 17 years ago. As well as offering catering within the building, he also acts as building manager, and he caters in other locations.

It’s a family business, with his daughter-in-law Sherie employed as manager, and his wife Shirley, two sons and even grandchildren pitching in when needed. They offer breakfasts, lunches and dinners, served sit-down and buffet-style, and food for socials and meetings.

Switzer said his busy times are March to June and September to December.

“We have a very large (repeat customer) list,” he said, adding that he’s already about 90% booked for next December.

The centre’s main floor banquet room can hold about 375, with three smaller rooms available.
Switzer said they typically cater about 15 weddings a year. Although they are in a very competitive market, he feels that the building itself is a unique, well-maintained facility. Even though it’s located at one of Winnipeg’s busiest intersections, there is parking space for about 150 cars.

“We’re a one-stop shop,” he said, adding that he also handles arrangements for wedding decorations and music.

He’s seen banquet menus change over the years, and now offers vegetarian and vegan choices.

He’s thought about retiring, and even moved to Sanford seven years ago to enjoy a quieter lifestyle, but doesn’t have a date set for hanging up his chef’s hat.

Whenever he decides to leave, his hope is that the business he’s built will be carried on by familiar hands.

“I hope that the business will stay in the family,” he said.

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