– a chance to keep memories alive for generations
Main and Matheson Salisbury House in Winnipeg to be Sold, Providing a Chance to Make Memories Last for Generations
An iconic holdover from a popular Manitoba restaurant chain is now on the market.
The Salisbury House Express, located at 1545 Main Street on the corner with Matheson Avenue, has been listed for sale on the MLS real estate website.
The small, red-roofed restaurant — the last of its kind in Winnipeg — is available “as is, where it is” for $421,500.
“Price is for a quick sale with no chance of rezoning,” the MLS listing reads.
“It is unfortunate that this decision was not an easy one to make,” said Earl Barish, former President and CEO and current Chairman of Salisbury House. “We certainly appreciate our guests and customers who have come to this place over the years.”
Barish said many factors played into the decision to sell the building, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the restaurant could barely open when public health restrictions are in place. “Even if you could open it up to some capacity, it’s too small, you’d have (only) two or three tables, you’d have to keep your distance and all the things that would be required, you couldn’t open it,” Barish said .
Rising food prices, inflation and Manitoba’s recent increase in the minimum wage also played a role in the decision.
Barish said it’s also the only Salisbury House location in Winnipeg that isn’t a full-service restaurant.
The restaurant was first built in 1963 when the company developed smaller, coffee shop-style restaurants that were popular at the time.
“That’s the kind of service where cafeteria style is used, you take a tray, push it, take some food away, maybe place an order and then pick it up when the order is ready,” said Barish.
But he said a certain type of service level was becoming less popular and all other locations of that type were shutting down.
“This particular location no longer fits the profile and cannot be converted to full service or renovated, it is too small,” he said.
Barish added that the building needs significant work — primarily on its HVAC systems — and the bathrooms are non-compliant. But he said he would love it if the new owner kept it as a restaurant.
“It would be nice if someone did that. There are some challenges in terms of physical condition, it needs to be improved. But you never know,” Barish said.
Regardless of who buys the restaurant, Barish said it will live on in the memories of those who dined there.
He said that often after celebrations like weddings and bar mitzvahs, people would come for a late meal: “And there you were in your suit, or maybe even your tuxedo or your dress. But you were hungry so you went there was Salisbury House.”
He added that the Main and Matheson locations get very busy after midnight as there weren’t many late night restaurants at that time.
“People throughout this North End area and even beyond have often ended up at Salisbury House after these celebrations. And those are memories that will stay with you for a long, long time.”
Barish said the restaurant will remain open at least through the summer months or until the sale is complete.
“For those still nostalgic and in town, give it a try!”
Source: winnipeg.ctvnews.ca
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