Cheeks Bar & Grill made history with hard work, good food

Written By MARK PAVILONS

You can learn a lot by watching someone prepare a family meal.

Just ask the Bertone brothers.

The owners of Bolton's iconic restaurant, Cheeks Bar & Grill, say the secret to longevity is simple – good, homemade food at reasonable prices.

That mantra has been keeping the downtown restaurant going for three decades, one of the longest running businesses in the community. Cheeks marked its 30th anniversary earlier this month, and a celebration for the public is in the works.

Bruno Bertone noted their staples – their trademark homemade burgers, wings and salads – re what customers want. In fact, the original name of the popular eatery was “Cheeks Homemade Burgers.” Their chicken fingers are “the best on the market” and all the pasta sauces are made fresh with hand-picked ingredients.

The menu has evolved but customers and the Bertones themselves never tire of the classics. What's the secret to the best burger in town? It's simple, Bruno said. He gets his meat fresh every day from a local supplier. The ingredients are basic and the toppings are made to order. Maybe it's TLC, maybe it's a knack shared by Bertone family members. The only way to get a similar one is to make it at home, tailor-made to your own taste.

Over the past 30 years, Cheeks has served up a ton of burgers, but created an equally large amount of friendships and loyal customers. When you've been around this long, you've not only made history, but contributed to it.

The backbone of the business – runo and Robert – worked hard to create and maintain the restaurant's solid reputation.

Looking back, even the very beginning was a challenge. There was a recession in 1989 when they opened in the Courtyards. In 1990, the government brought in the GST. Another recession followed in the 1990s. Talk about a baptism of fire.

They survived by adapting and increasing their clientele with the very food that made them popular.

Several renovations and the addition of a rear, courtyard-facing patio has made Cheeks the perfect spot for a family meal or special occasion. the 60-seat restaurant is often host to celebrations and parties with visiting sports teams.

What's better than the “All Canadian Banquet” burger? Well, they offer three seasonal specials, some of which you'd find in high-end restaurants. Bruno's son Paolo created an amazing strawberry salad, duck and even jerk chicken tacos. Robert's son John-Paul also helps with the family business, sharing the philosophy – eating is what brings people together.

While the food industry is one of the most challenging, the Bertones have learned to make sacrifices. Backed by determination and a solid staff, they've weathered the storms and learned in those lean years. One thing that was never sacrificed was quality. Their prices have been consistent, and lower than most competitors.

Being in business for 30 years has some interesting rewards. Former staff members have returned with their own families. Familiar faces, regular customers and local business owners, continue to frequent the establishment. These are bonds you just can't make any other way.

While the Bertones' concept of providing great food at great prices may be a simple one, there's nothing simple about their longevity.

At Cheeks, the owners do know your name, and pull out a chair for you anytime.

For more, call them at 905-857-0115.