12/20/2024
Hi there; my name is Wayne Mallet, and I am the sole owner of Winners Chinese Restaurant, located at the Exhibition Grounds.
I want to address the rumors and mostly speculations spreading around town regarding the restaurant and the Warming Centre opening in the old lounge (former legion). As usual, Charles Leblanc has been posting complete and utter nonsense about the situation and the happening (NO SURPRISE).
1. The fire marshal in no circumstance asked us to vacate; nor has the Exhibition Grounds Ltd, the Province, or the city.
2. The Exhibition Grounds and its board Member Duncan Gallant have been nothing but professional in handling this situation. He has been in constant contact with me since the start of the conversation with the Fredericton Shelters and the Exhibition Grounds.
3. The Warming Centre organizers and their representatives have also constantly contacted us regarding the situation and our concerns.
4. After our concerns and those of the fire Marshalls regarding the washrooms brought to the organizer's attention, we began negotiations to resolve the impasse
5. After several weeks of discussions, Joe and I decided the best for all would be to agree to close until the end of April and be properly compensated for our shutdown—this today has been agreed to and signed off on.
6. Therefore, our restaurant will be closed temporarily from December 25th, 2024, to April 30th, 2025. Our Christmas Eve orders that have been taken with some spots still available will all be fulfilled (Joe and I thank you for your business)
Finally, this decision has not been made lightly; I have discussed this with Joe and feel that our clients will understand that this decision is the best for all concerned. When I bought Winners from John and Emily over three years ago, I did so because I couldn’t leave the best Chinese Food Restaurant in Fredericton simply close. I asked Joe and Danny (from Jubilee) to come to work for me and was delighted when they both said yes. Three years later, I still think we have the best Chinese food in the city (yes, I'm biased). Our biggest concern is that we may lose some of you, which is distressing to all of us at Winners, but I have faith that you will all return when we do in May of next year. From myself, Matthew, my son, Cathy, my wife, and of course, Joe, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Wayne P. Mallet
