Famous Winnipeg restaurant Kelekis is closing
Kelekis Restaurant is calling it quits.
The iconic family-run restaurant on Main Street near Redwood Avenue, will close on Jan. 30, 2013.
The announcement was made on the website for the restaurant, which has been in its current location for 81 years and has a wall of photographs featuring famous customers.
There is also a mural along one wall that depicts the history of the family and its business.
"So many friendships have been forged with customers that this is a very hard thing to contemplate. We will miss all the contacts and the conversations with all of you," states the announcement on the website.
"But times have changed and Mary will soon be celebrating her 88th birthday and she finally deserves a break from the daily routine."
Mary Kelekis and her sisters took over the restaurant's operation from their dad, who started his business from a pushcart prior to the 1920s.
In the 1930s, the sisters began working alongside their dad in a remade Model T Ford from which they sold food at outdoor events and fairs in the city.
Mary Kelekis said they had a difficult staff meeting Thursday night.
"The tears and everything else, because some of them have been with us for many years. Some have been with us for about 30 years, 20 years, 25 years, you know?" she said, choking up with emotion.
"I've seen one girl from high school become one of the best servers I have.
"But it's come to one thing — I turn 88 next month, December. And I think it's just time, and there's no one to follow through."
