The Last Fry: Oakwood Cafe Closes Its Doors, Ending Decades of Heartfelt Service

You know, there are some places that are more than just a restaurant; they're like a second home, a constant in a world that never stops changing. For generations of Winnipeggers, that place has been the Oakwood Cafe. And honestly, hearing that it's closing its doors for good after 77 years? It just hits different. It's not just a cafe disappearing; it's a piece of local history, a gathering spot, and a whole lot of cherished memories.

At the very heart of this bittersweet farewell is Eva Tountas, the woman who’s poured her entire being into the Oakwood Cafe since 1978. That's a lifetime, isn't it? Her father, Peter, bought the place back then, though its story began even earlier, way back in 1946. "It’s my whole life," Eva shared, her voice thick with emotion, and you can truly feel the weight of those words. For over four decades, seven days a week, often from the wee hours of the morning until late evening, she's been there, cooking, serving, chatting, creating a genuine connection with everyone who walked through the door.

What made the Oakwood so special? Well, it wasn't just the amazing Greek food or, as many regulars would attest, "the best fries in the city." It was the warmth, the unwavering consistency, the feeling that you were stepping into a place where you belonged. Customers like Darlene Johnson, who's been a patron for over fifty years, remember bringing her children there, and now her grandchildren. It’s a multi-generational legacy, a testament to the kind of establishment Eva and her family built.

Rob Wilson, another longtime regular, perfectly summed it up when he spoke about the cafe's incredible consistency. "It’s always been the same, always great food," he noted, highlighting that special comfort only found in places that resist the urge to change what's already perfect. Imagine that, a restaurant where the coffee tastes just right, the conversations flow easily, and you're greeted with a familiar smile, year after year.

So why close such a beloved institution? It really boils down to one simple, human truth: Eva is tired. After all these years of tireless dedication, the physical demands of running a restaurant, day in and day out, have simply taken their toll. It’s a decision born not of desire, but of necessity, a quiet acknowledgment that even the most dedicated among us need rest. "I just need to take a break," she explained, though you could tell it was an incredibly tough call to make.

As the final plates are cleared and the last cups of coffee poured, the Oakwood Cafe leaves behind an indelible mark on the community it served so faithfully. It’s a poignant reminder that while businesses come and go, the memories forged within their walls, the human connections made, and the sheer dedication of people like Eva Tountas, truly last forever. It's a sad farewell, no doubt, but also a moment to celebrate a lifetime of service, good food, and genuine heart.