Community members gathered on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the grand opening of Lil' Schnitzel Shack restaurant in downtown Bradford.
York-Simcoe MP Scot Davidson, Bradford Mayor James Leduc, members of council, and representatives from the Bradford Board of Trade and Office of Economic Development were all on-hand to offer their well-wishes to owners Judit and George Szamosszegi.
"I am really impressed and very grateful for all of you coming out today," said Judit. "This is really nice to have so many friendly people at our grand opening."
The couple is not new to the restaurant industry, having previously owned the Ghoulash House in Newmarket for about a decade before closing last spring due to exhaustion.
"We are getting back to the usual business... and we will continue to make good homemade food," said Judit. "I am very happy to have you all come back and enjoy our services, and again thank you for being here."
Longtime Goulash House customer Dave Robinson came all the way from Newmarket to show his support for the couple's new business venture.
"I have known Judit and George for just over 10 years, I was at their grand opening at the Goulash House, we've eaten there many times and have become friends and I will support them in their new grand opening in Bradford," he said.
Mayor Leduc thanked the couple for choosing to invest in the Bradford community.
"It's always a partnership between the town and business owners and we want to make sure that we are always here to help out," he said. "You bring a tremendous track record of innovation, resilience, and business success and with your great selection of Hungarian dishes I am sure the news of your opening will be greeted warmly by our residents."
MP Davidson thanked the couple for their efforts in opening a new eatery in town, noting the hard work and dedication that goes into running a restaurant, having been a restaurant owner himself.
"Small businesses are what drives Canada forward," he said before presenting the couple with a special plaque of congratulations and a Canadian flag.
The Bradford Board of Trade's Natasha Leskiw presented the couple with a certificate of congratulations.
"Congratulations and thank you so much for coming to Bradford," she said.
Afterwards, guests were invited to sample some of the schnitzel, topped with sausage and lemon.
Lil' Schnitzel Shack is located at 136 Holland St. E.
To learn more, visit their website here.
