Pick the operative C word:聽 care, community, customers, commitment. Select them all and you鈥檙e looking at Sylvia and Robin Garchinski and the Fired Up Grill that dining emporium and lounge just off Souris Avenue.
The couple broke away from a franchised restaurant operation a couple of years ago, which speaks volumes to their independent spirit.
鈥淲e鈥檙e invested in this business, in this community, in these people,鈥� said Robin who shares management and administration duties with his wife, each having their own areas of responsibilities.
It wasn鈥檛 always smooth sailing, it never can be when faced with unprecedented growth and the need to employ a staff of at least 25, including some very dedicated senior staffers, who have made the journey a lot less stressful, even under the current economic conditions.
鈥淪ure, we see increased costs, groceries alone have gone up over five per cent just recently, but we can鈥檛 change menu prices just like that, so it鈥檚 a challenge, but then, it always has been,鈥� said Robin who has a background in the butchering business, having been involved in the family operation of Big Bob Butcher Shop in Regina. The couple, in their previous lives, have also been food brokers in the Queen City, selling to restaurants there.
When their circle of business friends informed them of the potential sale of the Houston Pizza outlet in Estevan, they moved their family here in 2005 and never looked back, never regretting their decision.
The spirit of independence, though, was strong. So, when the contract agreement with the franchised operation expired, they took a flyer on themselves, did the necessary re-branding steps and emerged with the Fired Up Grill moniker.
鈥淲e don鈥檛 have to answer to franchise operatives,鈥� said Sylvia, referring to the new freedom to provide their own menu selections while retaining popular items like pizza.
Doing their own beef and other meat selecting and cutting using Robin鈥檚 expertise, has given them additional room to expand their offerings to customers.
鈥淓very day is a challenge,鈥� said Sylvia who prefers to greet each day with a smile and optimism within the 6,200 square foot restaurant, lounge and VLT parlour along with the added-on outdoor patio that was introduced three years ago.
鈥淲e鈥檙e both from small town/small cities in Saskatchewan and Manitoba,鈥� said Syliva, commenting on the partnership arrangement. 鈥淲e each have our strengths and we respect the other one鈥檚 role. We鈥檙e both business minded, so it has worked well.鈥�
The two are acutely aware of the community they work in and serve. In fact, they laughed and said they鈥檇 love to help each and every group and organization, but they have to be selective, just like any other local business.
鈥淲e never take anything for granted and certainly not our customer base. We鈥檙e in for the long haul,鈥� said Robin who, along with Sylvia, takes to outdoor pursuits when they find some time. They鈥檒l do some fresh air camping, a little ATV and motorcycling and sledding in the winter and hiking in the summer. Robin has a passion for vehicles; Sylvia enjoys crafts.
Fired Up Grill is versatile and it has expertise in menu selections whether the customer wishes to dine in, take out or experience their catering offerings. They also continue to maintain their famous Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They cater to sports teams and their aforementioned menu provides a selection of AAA Canadian beef, appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, burgers, seafood, pizza, pasta and sandwiches for all ages and that includes seniors鈥� and children鈥檚 menu items.
鈥淲hen we decided to move to Estevan, 11 years ago, we moved on a hope and prayer that we were doing the right thing for ourselves and our four children. We are so happy to say that was the best move we ever made. It has been rewarding and we met and continue to meet incredible people. We appreciate their support and friendship,鈥� Sylvia said.
Robin added that as the reputation grew, so did their customer base with new friends coming in from surrounding communities to dine and visit, while enjoying the friendly atmosphere that is felt immediately when you enter the Fired Up Grill and meet their restaurant family.聽
