The People Behind the Plate - East Village Pub & Eatery
“We’re passionate about making guests feel welcome through great experiences,” said Mike Lambert, owner of East Village Pub & Eatery.
“We like to provide the inviting atmosphere of a pub, while having the best food and service. Our promise to our customers is to expect the best. We make our food in-house daily using high quality ingredients and lots of tender love and care.”
Now in its 7th year, East Village Pub & Eatery has proven the potent staying power of putting good food and great service first. Accolades abound: recently awarded Best Burger in Town, the restaurant has won YMM Magazine’s Best Breakfast and Pub Food in 2019, was previously crowned the 2017 Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce, and Mike himself numbered among Fort McMurray’s Top 50 under 50 in 2018.
Unlike every other owner we’ve so far featured in the series, Mike is a McMurray native. Born, raised, worked and graduated here, Mike left town long enough to attain a business degree at the University of Lethbridge before circling back home to put his education and expertise to work at the place that would become “EVP”:
“We started construction at the end of 2013, and opened in March 2014. I was the general contractor on the renovations. We contracted a lot of stuff out, but did the flooring, tile, and stone work ourselves,” he said. “A lot of work, but truly happy with the result.”
“I’d always wanted to run my own business, and always knew it would be a restaurant,” Mike said. “This is my home. I’ve got close ties here, and I’d never considered starting a business anywhere else. I love how welcoming and receptive this community is. The sense of opportunity here is amazing, really energizing!”
Mike works alongside his mother, Cheryl Desmeules -- an industry veteran herself, with nearly 40 years in restaurants and hospitality. “We work well together and, with the rest of our team, work hard to deliver on those great experiences.”
East Village Pub & Eatery is open daily for dine in, take out and delivery.
Be sure to check out their website or Facebook page for a good look at all the great food they offer for every major meal time or smaller moment in between.
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About the Author:
Hey there, I'm Devon.
I'm a content writer and web coordinator for Explore Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.
Originally from Friendly Manitoba, I've lived here since 2006. I came for the hills and a bit less humidity, but stayed for the people.
In writing this series, I'll strive to showcase those great people, their passion, and the good work they do here. I'm focused squarely on folks in the food sector for this series, but hope to explore others from all walks in later projects, too.
If you are a restaurant owner and would like to be featured in this series, please let me know! If you're not, but have someone in mind, let me know that, too!
You'll find me at devon@explorewoodbuffalo.ca. I look forward to hearing from you!