Famous Winnipeg restaurant Kelekis is closing

A Brief history of the Kelekis family

The Kelekis Family has a long tradition in the city of Winnipeg. Chris and Magdalene Kelekis emigrated to Canada in 1913 and subsequently settled in Winnipeg in 1918 after living in Montreal and briefly in Edmonton. Chris and Magdalene's family was very important to them and their children were integral to their success in business.

Chryse, Fotina, Sophie, Evelyn, Isabel, Mary, Leo and Becky represented their dreams in this new world. Chris began his business in the food industry with a pushcart from which he sold popcorn and peanuts. In the 1920s he owned and operated various fruit and confectionery stores in the city's West End.

In the 1930s he redeveloped a Model T Ford into a wagon and with his daughters' help, they covered many outdoor events in Winnipeg such as sporting events and fairs. From this wagon, he developed others and "Kelekis Chips" were a fixture in the city wherever there was activity.

The 1940s brought the opening of his two restaurantsthe first at Main and Selkirk and then the present location at Main and Redwood. Chris was one of the first restaurant people to feature "take out" food in Winnipeg and it was an instant success.

In 1955, he saw the realization of his long time dream to expand the Main and Redwood location where his proud traditions of quality, value and service have been upheld by his family.

Kelekis's remains one of those rare unique experiences one can only have in Winnipeg. People still return to have that hot dog, hamburger, or "chips" they dream about in far away locations.

SOURCE: Kelekis Restaurant