From Whitehorse to Yellowknife to open a new Ricky’s

The sign outside Yellowknife’s downtown Quality Inn already has locals’ attention. The new Ricky’s All Day Grill is set to open on February 4.

Franchisees Sweets Dhillon and Amritpal Dhaliwal have come from Whitehorse to set up the restaurant.

Dhillon says she was the general manager of the Whitehorse location for four years before the opportunity came up for a switch to Yellowknife.

“I just moved here like two days ago,” she said by phone on Tuesday.

Her mission? Help rejuvenate Yellowknife’s Centre Square Mall by adding a new restaurant to the middle of the upper level.

For years, some residents have considered the upper mall emblematic of downtown Yellowknife’s economic struggles. Stores have closed and units lain vacant.

Dhillon said the chance to open a Ricky’s arose because the Quality Inn hotel, which occupies some of the broader complex around the mall, wanted a new restaurant. L’atitudes, the restaurant that previously occupied the central unit opposite the hotel foyer, shut down in 2017.

“They wanted to open a restaurant in the mall, so that is the reason they approached us, and we want to give a new life to that mall,” Dhillon said.

“That is the reason I’ve moved over here, and I’ve got a very big opportunity.

“I feel great about it and very positive. I will make sure that I fulfill all those hopes of the people, right? I will try to do my best to create a very good environment and bring a very nice atmosphere and food for people in Yellowknife.”

Ricky’s might not be familiar to all Yellowknifers.

The chain began as a pancake house reputedly named after the owner’s son in 1960s Vancouver. Now, the company says it has more than 80 locations. Its website lists one in Yukon, one outside Winnipeg and the rest in Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC.

“I love working there. I love their food, that is the reason I wanted to go ahead with this franchise,” said Dhillon, listing the company’s all-day breakfasts, chicken tenders and kids’ menu as highlights.

In one sense, Ricky’s has large shoes to fill and a business opportunity to capitalize on: the franchise will open just weeks after the city’s A&W, situated on the outer edge of the same mall, closed down to the anguish of some residents.

Dhillon said the restaurant is waiting on some equipment and in the process of hiring staff before its planned February 4 opening day. (You can email the franchisees if you’re looking for a job, she added.)

After that, the plan is for Ricky’s to be open from 7am till 9pm, seven days a week.

As for how Yellowknife is treating her after two days here, Dhillon said the NWT’s capital is “kind-of similar to Whitehorse, but it’s awesome.”

“Very nice people, very friendly and helpful,” she said. “I’m looking forward to making new friends in Yellowknife, going out, doing some outdoor activities and all kind of stuff.”