Smitty’s in Steinbach specializes in celebrating some of life’s important moments. From children’s birthday parties, to weddings and anniversaries, workplace functions, family get-togethers and memorial services, the restaurant continues to serve as a welcoming space for Southeast residents wishing to mark their special events.
“You serve these people for 20 years,” reflects Myranda Wyndels. “Their children have birthdays and you watch them grow up. You get to see them experience a lot of things.”
Wyndels, who works as banquet coordinator at Smitty’s, knows first-hand the variety of occasions that take place in the restaurant. Just recently, she helped organize a 100th birthday party. She has also seen a band set up on a makeshift stage in the banquet room, which is available for functions involving up to 100 people.
“People are having more fun with the banquet room now,” she says. “They’re playing games; they’re doing karaoke. You can even rent it for a night out with your girlfriends. And we’ll do the dishes!”
It’s around now, between Thanksgiving and the setting in of winter, that bookings tend to increase. Christmas gatherings for families and workplaces are the most popular request, and the Smitty’s staff goes above and beyond to make these seasonal events memorable.
“At Christmas, we have it really nicely decorated,” says Wyndels. “We’ll have Christmas trees in the room, wreaths on the doors and centrepieces on the tables. It’s cozy.”
Smitty’s also accommodates meal requests, whether traditional Christmas dinner buffets to less conventional fare.
“The most popular is always the Christmas buffet with turkey and meatballs, but not everyone wants turkey,” Wyndels explains. “We also have pork; we have beef; we can do lemon chicken. This week we’re doing a steak dinner with mushrooms and mashed potatoes.”
And if the kids want something they’re used to, their parents can always order that can’t-miss substitute: chicken fingers and fries.
Wyndels adds that while there’s still some evening and weekend booking options for Christmas parties, the slots are filling up fast. But making a reservation is easy and quick – no matter the menu, the budget or the number of guests. At the end of the day, the focus is on the occasion being celebrated.
“People like booking with us because it’s a family restaurant,” Wyndels says. “Plus, people get to know our staff when they come here for wing night or weekly get-togethers. I think people are just comfortable coming here.”
Steinbach’s Smitty’s Restaurant is located in the Clearspring Centre, at 145 Park Rd W. They can be reached by calling (204) 326-4468, and further information is available on their website.