Celebrating 100 years in business 2011!!
Certificate Presentation. Councillor Jeff Wesley (left), CK Mayor Randy Hope (back), James Bolos (middle), Councillor Sheldon Parsons (right). Photo courtesy of Brent Foster Photography.
Although Fiesta Restaurant has been deemed the “Longest Running Restaurant in Southwestern Ontario”, it hasn’t always had this name. Established in 1911 as the Sparta Café, the walls of the two-storey brick building at 504 James St (downtown Wallaceburg) has played host to a number of owners and different names in its near-100 year history.
Fiesta serves a wide range of guests ranging from the tiniest of toddlers to our cherished seniors – some celebrating their 90th birthday’s in a place they have dined at for decades. The restaurant has been a staple in the downtown area since its beginning which helped create valued customers into monthly and weekly regulars. They also have quite a few daily customers, some showing up multiple times throughout the day. Fiesta also caters to their downtown neighbours offering 10% off takeout orders and free foot delivery for lunches to businesses in the downtown core.
Fiesta prides itself on having a long history with its customer base. When current owner James Bolos took over the restaurant in May 2006 he knew there had to be some changes. The experience that is now felt when you dine at Fiesta is part of the vision Bolos first had upon his return. “We get complimented on a daily basis on the décor, food, service and progress. It means so much to me to hear all feedback, good or bad. However, when the majority of it is positive it is very reassuring that I am on the right path with the Fiesta”.
In April 2008 the Fiesta took on another major renovation – one that would change the entire atmosphere of the restaurant. The drop ceiling and support system was removed to add another three feet of height to the already tall ceiling.
New ducts, fans, lighting and a fresh coat of paint complimented the near-century old original stamped tin ceiling that was exposed during the process. All of this was completed at night as to not disturb the business during open hours.
New guests or ones that haven’t been inside the Fiesta over the last couple years are easy to spot. “It’s amazing to watch people walk through our door, stop and gawk at the ceiling and their surroundings”, said Bolos. “New and returning guests often become regulars
after their dining experience and their presence is always appreciated”.
There are quite a few projects on the bench for Fiesta in 2010. New Breakfast Menus are on the way followed by a brand new Liquor Menu and bar program. There will be some overhaul work on the outside of the building to clean up some damage and protect it from the elements. “My mind never stops generating ideas. I’m working on implementing some of the things I know will work and I am really looking forward to the rest of 2011.
- Spring, 2010. Photo courtesy Peter DeBurger
