A search for Saskatoon's oldest, most iconic restaurants

There is no disputing that running a restaurant is tough, especially with the pandemic and the cost of everything increasing.

Eating establishments often don't last long, but that doesn't mean they never do.

CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning went in search of some of the city's oldest eateries. 

1. Saskatoon Club (1907)

Calling something "Saskatoon's oldest restaurant" really depends on how you want to define, but when it comes to the oldest sit-down establishment that serves food, the membership-only Saskatoon Club takes the cake. The exclusive club started in 1907 and moved to its current location in 1912. The menu has been modernized, but back in the day members could request whatever they wanted, including sardines on burnt toast.  

Saskatoon Morning6:20Saskatoon Club may be the oldest sit-down establishment serving food in the city

Saskatoon Morning's Chelsea Cross takes us on a tour of the Saskatoon Club, which may be the oldest sit-down establishment serving food.

2. Winston's English Pub (1908)

The Senator Hotel (originally the Flanagan Hotel) is one of the city's oldest buildings, first opened by James Flanagan in 1908. The Beavis family took over the hotel in 1967. Once called Flanigan's Beverage Room, Barry Beavis renamed the bar Winston's English Pub in 1979. Barry's son Chris now manages Winston's and says his goal is to keep the legacy of the place going. 

Saskatoon Morning4:55A trip down memory lane at Winston's pub

CBC's Chelsea Cross takes us back to 1908 up to present day with the story of Winston's pub.

3. Christies Bakery (1932)

The Christie brothers first opened the doors to the bakery in 1932, delivering bread by horse and buggy, according to current co-owner Tracey Muzzolini. This staple of the Mayfair community has a baked-in following that's been sustained generation after generation, with Muzzolini's parents having purchased the bakery back in 1966. She says the history gives her a sense of pride.

Saskatoon Morning10:19What are the oldest places to eat in our city? We ask people in downtown Saskatoon and check in with a bakery that's been around for decades

Which eateries have lasted the tales of time in Saskatoon? We have been exploring this question on Saskatoon Morning. Our own Theresa Kliem wanted to hear what folks in downtown Saskatoon think, and CBC's Scott Larson visited Christies Bakery which has been producing delicious breads for 92 years.

4. Nutana Bakery (1951)

Well-known for its doughnuts, Nutana Bakery has been family owned and operated since 1951, according to its website.

5. Dairy Queen (1959)

Emma Kemp opened the free-standing, walk-up ice-cream shop on Eighth Street in 1959. Kemp died in 2015 at the age of 94.

6. Gibson's Fish & Chips (1964)

The restaurant opened in 1964, with Jonathan Gibson taking it over from his father about 40 years ago. There's an additional two generations of the Gibson family working there right now, with Gibson's granddaughter Kaily saying it's a fun place to work, full of endless stories.

Saskatoon Morning7:28Gibson's Fish and Chips is keeping fish in the family

There aren't many restaurants that have lasted more than a few decades in the city. One restaurant that has managed to weather the turbulent waters of the business though is Gibson's Fish and Chips. Saskatoon Morning's Candice Lipski stops by to learn more about its history.

7. Coachman Restaurant and Bar (1966)

The restaurant opened in Market Mall in 1966 and has some employees who have been around for decades. Owner Wayne Clement was just 19 years old when he started working in the bar there. "It was just different times, you could do more things," said Clement, whose favourite dish there is the Salisbury steak.

Saskatoon Morning7:13There's a well seasoned restaurant in the city that's been serving food now for decades

Saskatoon Morning has been talking about long running restaurants in the city, and this morning our own Danny Kerslake visits The Coachman, which has plans to pass ownership to a third generation.

8. Taverna Italian Kitchen + Bar (1969)

Anastasios Kangles bought the restaurant from the original owners about 15 years ago and it underwent a renovation back in 2017. Oprah dined at the restaurant in 2016. 

9. Ming's Kitchen (1969)

According to its Facebook page, the Cantonese restaurant opened in 1969. 

10. The Cave (1973)

The Cave's unique, maze-like layout makes for an interesting dining experience. According to its website, the restaurant was originally half ithe current size before expanding in 1985 to include a banquet room and lounge.

11. St. Tropez Bistro (1979)

According to its website, the family-owned and operated restaurant opened in 1979 on Third Avenue S., before moving in 1998 to its current location nearby on Second Avenue S.

12. The Granary (1979)

The Granary was built in 1979 to emulate the classic Sask. symbol, the grain elevator, according to Discover Saskatoon. 

13. Mano's (1981)

The restaurant was created in 1981 by Louis, Manolis and Bill Barlas, according to its website. Manolis's son Taso Barlas now runs Mano's. 

14. Saigon Rose (early 1980s)

The Saigon family of restaurants brought Vietnamese food to Saskatoon more than 40 years ago. Saigon Rose was named after now-retired Rose Tran. She was the first in her family to leave Vietnam by boat and made it to a refugee camp in Malaysia before coming to Saskatoon. Her sister and brother-in-law opened Saigon II. Now Tran's nephew Don Huynh and his wife Rachel have taken over the family business and run Saigon Rose, taking particular pride in making the traditional style of spring roll passed down by the older generation.

Saskatoon Morning4:48A family has been serving Vietnamese food in Saskatoon for decades

What are some of the oldest, most iconic restaurants in our city? We have been trying to answer this question on the show. Our own Theresa Kliem made her way over to Saigon Rose. It's the namesake of the now-retired Rose Tran and has been running for more than 40 years. Tran, her sister and brother-in-law at one point started and ran three Vietnamese restaurants in the city. Now her nephew runs Saigon Rose with his wife Rachel.

We acknowledge there may be restaurants missing from this list. If you'd like to tell us about one, email saskatoonmorning@cbc.ca.