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Pony Corral Peter Ginakes, owner and president of Pony Corral, is no stranger to the restaurant industry. Since the 1950s, he and his family have opened up some of the most popular eateries such as the Thunderbird Restaurant, the Rib Shack Restaurant and Lounge, the old Town & Country and of course, Pony Corral Restaurants. Ginakes says, “At every restaurant, we still use the same family recipes we have had for over 50 years and use the best of the best when it comes to our specialties and favourites.” Ginakes’ new venture is the newly revamped lounge area set in his Pony Corral downtown location. After $1 million worth of renovations, the new lounge is decked out with large windows for natural lighting, one large big screen, six 42” HDTV screens, a long curved marble bar area, mood setting candles at every table, florescent lighting, raised leather half-moon style booths, fireplace seating, a red ruched cabaret style curtain that covers the elevated stage behind the bar, a VIP area, disco ball in the middle of the dance floor, and leather seats for 400 guests.
Taking up most of the restaurant, the area serves as a fully-functional cabaret style lounge as well as a sports bar where guests can watch their favourite sports team. “The lounge area is the best of both worlds,” says Ginakes. “We have everything people look for in a lounge, with our dance floor, entertainment area, and seven large screens with surround sound throughout the restaurant.” Ginakes raves about his downtown location and despite initial doubts, he took a gamble and 11 years later, it has paid off. “I needed a venue that had the space for one-night entertainers, but coming from the suburbs, I knew a downtown location was going to be a bit of a concern,” says Ginakes. “But with all the businesses, new residential property being built, and events going on at the Convention Centre and the MTS Centre, our restaurant has become a success because of the wonderful people in downtown Winnipeg.” With this success, Ginakes credits his late father Jimmy who taught him how to keep the ball rolling and how to find new innovative ideas for their restaurants. Ginakes says, “I was very fortunate that my father was always ahead of his time. I had a good mentor, teacher and we were best friends and partners. I was very lucky to have him teach me the ins and outs of the restaurant business.” Much like Pier 7 added extra appeal to Pony Corral’s Pembina Highway location, the downtown location’s new cabaret style lounge brings interest to the building’s classic character and style. |
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