STORY AND PHOTOS BY BROOKLYN FELL
If you’re looking for a new place to sit and watch the Leafs’ game in Brampton, then look no further – Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill and Bar Brampton is now open.
Wendel Clark himself will make an appearance at the grand opening Feb. 1.
Being the first of its kind in the Peel region, Wendel Clark’s aims to bring together the world of fine dining and hockey memorabilia much like Wayne Gretzky’s eatery in Toronto.
Located in the downtown Brampton core formerly International Furs on Main St. just north of Queen St., the now two-storey sports bar backs on to the Rose Theatre and Garden Square, which has quickly become a hub for events and entertainment.
This is the fourth Wendel Clark’s franchise with other locations in Vaughn, Hamilton and Burlington.
“I think the downtown core has a different face now this year. It’s a game changer down here for restaurants, the people in the downtown core don’t have to go to the Lonestar, Jack Astors or Moxies or The Keg to get the feel of one of those restaurants. You can get that down here now,” says Wendel Clark’s Brampton owner Adam Valenti.
“Hopefully it brings other brands like this closer to the downtown core, it wasn’t easy to do this and it may take a while to work, but it will definitely pay off at the end.”
Wendel Clark is considered to be a Leafs nation legend.
Being the 1st overall pick of the 1985 NHL entry draft and playing 13 out of 15 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Clark has achieved rock star status by being named in the Top 50 Toronto Maple Leaf players of all time.
“Ever since I saw the signs go up a couple of months ago I’ve been so excited for opening day,” says Brampton resident and former Sheridan student Justin Darling. “My friends and I have been so hard pressed to find a solid bar to sit, relax and watch the Leaf game at, and what better than the restaurant of one of the greatest Leafs of all time.”
Wendel Clark's Brampton menu.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is laid back with television screens everywhere.
The first floor has a restaurant feel, while the upstairs is more open concept with less seating and a bigger bar.
When the warmer weather comes the restaurant will open its doors to a patio that backs on to Garden Square and is just seconds away from the Rose Theatre.
“I think that it’s a great environment. You’re going to have your younger crowd and your older crowd in one place to just sit and watch sports and I feel like that is something downtown Brampton has definitely been lacking,” says Wendel Clark’s employee Kaitlin Irving. “There is plenty of excitement surrounding the opening, it should be a fun day for a lot of people.”
For more information regarding the grand opening visit the event Facebook page here.
