Nothing can stop the Paddlewheeler Pub. As the only original tenant to make it through, the pub's story reflects the resiliency of the Quayside neighbourhood as office manager Janet Lucarino says, they stuck around thanks to the loyal clientele.
"I just love it down here on the water," she said. "I love the people. I love the atmosphere."
Lucarino has worked with the pub for eight years, but she was no stranger to the area; before that, as she worked as an administrative assistant for the previous property owners.
"It's such a great location, and there's such a great group of people that lives on the Quayside," she said. "We have a real regular clientele, and they're awesome."
When the River Market closed for nearly two years between 2008 and 2010, the Paddlewheeler was the only tenant to not only stay, but to also remain open throughout the construction.
"We ended up closing for two months, but it worked out all right," she said, noting the closure was to renovated the kitchen. "The liquor store had to be shut down."
Lucarino said the city as a whole has undergone many changes - all for the better.
"New West itself has really cleaned up," she said. "The new set of owners have really put a lot of money into the market to get it all freshened up again. It was in need of a big overhaul."
The pub also changed its dining and drink menus to keep the customers happy - and there are about 300 seats ready to be filled, at capacity.
"We've installed a new heated patio and that's helped," Lucarino said. "People are enjoying that."
Another thing that's kept the pub going is its quintessential wings.
"Kitchen manager Mike Stott is renowned for his wings," she said. "He and his staff offer mouth-watering favourites such as the fish and chips, burgers, salads, soups, steaks, as well as daily features."
The pub is now getting ready for the upcoming football season, and there's family seating available both on the patio and a small section inside, Lucarino said.
No matter how busy the pub gets, the regulars who come every day and sit around the bar are always there to claim their seats. Then the lunch-time regulars get replaced by the dinner-time regulars, she added.
Gail Saunders has been working for the pub for the last 24 years - despite wanting to quit at least once week during the first two months she started.
"They wouldn't let me," she added. "They said, 'Nope, just give it one more week until I really liked it.' I don't know, it just grew on me, and I got to know so many people. A lot of these regulars I've known for over 20 years, 25 years some of them."
Saunders was a single mother with four boys when she first started at the pub.
"I was working a night job, one of the ladies I served ... said, 'You should come and work where I'm working,'" she said.
Saunders said she was lucky to get the hours she wanted so she could be with her boys more often. "They've treated me really well here, so I feel lucky," she added.
Back in 1989, Saunders said she remembers how busy the Westminster Quay Public Market was with visitors.
"When I first started, the market was absolutely booming," she said. "It was absolutely packed with vendors and little kiosks everywhere, but unfortunately it slowed down quite a bit."
Saunders said she hopes the River Market brings back more merchants and vendors in the future.
"It would be nice to see some merchandise, like merchants with homemade things in here," she said. "Because there are a lot of people that bring guests from out of town to shop."
The pub intends to have a big party to celebrate Saunders' 25th year at the pub, according to Lucarino.
"There is no better place to be in the sun than our patio, enjoying the views of the mighty Fraser River and now a new heated section for your evening enjoyment," she said. "It has become the place to be for holding fundraisers for many charities, sports teams and private parties."
The pub often works with the Purpose Society, as well, to support young people in the community, Lucarino added.
The pub also features 11 televisions and two big screens.
For more information about the pub, visit www.paddlewheelerpub.ca.
