Fancy's reopening delayed but owner 'not throwing in the towel'

There's still no firm date set for the reopening of Fancy’s Fish and Chips in Barrie's north end, but owner Mike Chanko says he's optimistic to reverse his fortunes to start 2023.

A water pipe burst on June 23, causing significant damage to the popular restaurant at St. Vincent Street and Bell Farm Road. It has been closed ever since. 

“Not even take-out has been possible because our freezers and coolers were compromised," Chanko told BarrieToday. 

Chanko said they have encountered delays, adding to the frustration. 

"By the time we found someone to do the work for us, how long it was going to take to order the equipment, it is just always a little bit of wasted time," he said. "It just held everything up, but as of now the coolers and freezers are on order and I’ve hired a contractor and we are starting to put the place back together.”

The original plan was to reopen about two months ago, but that changed as time went on and the hope now is that Fancy’s will be back in business sometime in mid- to late-January.

Chanko previously told BarrieToday that the plumbing is above the mezzanine and water was coming down through ceilings and then spread to the entire restaurant. With staff not back to work until 2 p.m. the next day, the damage grew and became more extensive, spreading through 90 per cent of the restaurant.

The damage that has been done carried a heavy price tag. 

“We’ll easily be at $200,000 by the time we’re done,” Chanko said.

But he says he has no doubt that once reopened, the support from customers will be just what he needs.

“I haven’t been able to answer the phones, but I see the messages and I am very grateful. We get messages from regulars asking how we are and looking forward to the reopening,” Chanko said. 

As for the future of the restaurant, which has been around for more than 35 years, Chanko was forthright.

“I’m excited to get back at it. I’m not throwing in the towel.”