Stratengers Restaurant and Bar celebrates second anniversary

Written By KIRA WRONSKA DORWARD

Stratengers celebrated their second anniversary in Bolton with cake, live music and half price appetizers on Wednesday March 20,

Ward 5 Regional Coun. Annette Groves made a pizza of her own creation. It was featured as the “Groves Pizza” for the rest of the week. 

Co-owners Angie and Nikki Vish were thrilled about celebrating two years in the Caledon community, “As with any business, it's always difficult the first couple of years. But we've had a lot of support- Bolton has really welcomed us here and we have a lot of regulars,” says Angie, the older of the two sisters. “Basically, when we opened, we didn't think breakfast was going to be such a hit, but it really took off. We've had line ups out the doors on Saturdays and Sundays. I think we've been tagged as the best breakfast place in Bolton.”

Stratengers is actually the second branch of a restaurant of the same name started by the Vish sisters' father and uncle. When both men were close to retirement, the girls decided to run their own restaurant, named for an old tavern in San Antonio, Texas where the family lived in the seventies. When asked why they chose Bolton, Angie answers “We were searching for a restaurant to set up a second location. My uncle and father were almost ready to retire and said, ‘OK, we'll help you with that.' So we looked at a few locations in Bolton. We just liked the small-town vibe, while still being close to the city. We liked that the building was located on Highway 50. We saw a lot of potential in the place.”

The Vish sisters' instincts were good, it would seem, as Bolton has embraced the eclectic eatery. Although known for their brunch on weekends, Stratengers' menu reflects the diversity of the Vish's own experience, offering everything from bistro to Indian to Southwest dishes and flavours. Angie Vish describes a moment earlier that day where a mother and her son came in, and both walked away happily with an order of curry and a burger respectively. 

Now that Stratengers has established itself, its owners are looking to emphasize the fun nightlife aspects of the restaurant as well. “Of course, as a business owner you feel proud and excited at the same time,” muses Angie, discussing the success of Stratengers' weekend brunch, “but now we're at the phase where we'd like to show everyone this year where our focus is, and let our patrons know we have an eclectic evening menu. I don't know any place in town where you can get everything under one roof…You have a place where everyone should be able to order something they'd like off the menu.”

In addition to the food, Stratengers offers billiard tables, dart boards, an extensive bar, and live music twice a week on Thursday and Saturday nights. “We also have amazing specials,” says Vish. “One special we have is a large two topping pizza and 1 lb of wings for $19.95 every night of the week. For the price and quality, you can't beat it in town. You will not be disappointed.” Stratengers also has a deal where kids eat for $5 every day after 3 pm. 

As Councillor Groves offered the sisters their certificate on behalf of the Town of Caledon, she echoed the thoughts of the Mayor, Council, and community in saying “Council along with residents would like to congratulate you on two years of success. We wish you all a bright future as a valued member of our Bolton business community.”