Cathy Dobson
It’s not unusual to wait 45 minutes to be seated for dinner at Sarnia’s new Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill. It’s that busy.
Chuck’s opened in early May at Lambton Mall and is one of Canada’s fastest growing restaurant franchises.
Sarnians know the brand and are anxious to try it, says franchise owner Suganthie (Sue) Vaithylingam. When waits are lengthy, pagers are handed out that can signal customers if they choose to shop in the mall, she said.
Chuck’s is billed as a modern BBQ roadhouse serving up AAA steaks, lobster, ribs and burgers at reduced prices. Chuck’s aims to cater to the workingman looking for a meal and to watch some sports, as much as families and seniors looking for a friendly meal.
The Obsidian Group based out of Mississauga started the franchise four years ago. Obsidian also franchises Crabby Joe’s, Union Burger and Coffee Culture and now has about 40 Chuck’s Roadhouse locations.
This is Vaithylingam’s first foray into the restaurant business. She tutored math students for the past 20 years in Toronto and says she decided to buy the Chuck’s franchise in Sarnia to be closer to her husband, Pillai Vaithylingam, who owns a Crabby Joe’s in the Town of Essex.
Her husband has a food and beverage background and is doing some of the cooking at Sarnia’s Chuck’s while continuing to operate his own restaurant in Essex.
Why Sarnia? “The main reason is the proximity to Essex. I can be closer to my husband and it’s better for my family,” said Sue Vaithylingam.
In fact, her sister, Priya Umachandran, also moved to Sarnia in January to purchase the local Crabby Joe’s franchise.
“It’s a huge challenge, both physically and mentally,” she said. “But the franchise helped by teaching the kitchen staff how to cook and teaching me how to interview and do the accounts.”
She says she was drawn to the Chuck’s brand because of its food and pricing.
“I’ve had people say they’ve never seen prices like ours,” she said.
Steaks range from $11 for a 7-ounce top sirloin to $25 for a 20-ounce porterhouse. Burgers served with fries range from $6 - $15.
Appetizers are half price after 9 p.m. and Wednesday offers rib specials with a half rack priced at $9, rather than the usual $16.
Diners should note that every menu item at Chuck’s is subject to a 3% fee.
Vaithylingam admits there have been complaints about the fee because customers have never seen a restaurant surcharge like it before.
“But I explain it’s there because we get the best quality and our prices are phenomenal,” she said.
She said the surcharge is prominently posted on every menu and called the “honest to goodness” fee.
“It’s new to me too, but people mostly understand once I explain”
The new Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill has seating for 228 and an outdoor patio for 56 more. It has created 50 jobs and Vaithylingam says she is still hiring for part and full-time positions. Resumes should be dropped off in person.
Chuck’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill is located at 1399 Exmouth St. Open 11 a.m. daily.
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