Our Story
Jen Christie and Chris Shaw in their newly renovated restaurant in Paisley, Ontario. (April 2020)
THE BELOW ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN APRIL 2020 EDITION OF THE PAISLEY ADVOCATE.
Bonfire on Queen Aims to Bring a Social House Back to Paisley
April 2020 - Bonfire on Queen owners Chris Shaw and Jennifer Christie never had a chance to visit the former Paisley Inn during its glory days, but they’ve heard stories.
“My great-aunt worked at the hotel, and my mom has hinted more than once it was the place to be. When we moved to town, we quickly realized this is a social place without a social house,” said Jennifer.
Jennifer has deep roots in Arran-Elderslie, growing up on a grain and dairy farm south of Tara in a very community-oriented family. After meeting Chris in Ottawa and bringing him home to the farm a few times, they started making plans to move back and pursue their dream of opening a restaurant.
Chris, a professional chef, has experience with many different styles of cuisine and has managed kitchens and restaurants in Europe, Australia and Canada. He came to Canada in 2009 and after working on the west coast and in Ottawa, he’s excited to open his own restaurant in Paisley this spring.
“The town has been so supportive so far, and we have tried to listen so we can give people something different but also something they have been wanting.” Said Chris
Chris and Jen say they have tried to marry the pub culture of Chris’ British upbringing with an italian-inspired menu made with local ingredients that showcase the area’s farmers. The aim is for a casual, laid-back place people can gather for a drink, good pizza, and good times with live music on some weekends.
Renovations have converted the former Dos Rios Pizza location into a full, dine-in restaurant with an outdoor patio. Chris and Jen are grateful to former owner, Rita Cenitagoya, for her kindness through the sales process and welcoming attitude.
The name, Bonfire on Queen, is a nod to both the popular summer social activity and Chris and Jen’s own story. Chris and Jen were both born on November 5th, which is a notable date in British history when English Catholic rebel Guy Fawkes tried to blow up parliament in the failed Gunpowder Plot. It’s come to be known as “bonfire night” in England.
After months of renovations, the pair are excited to open in April. Of course, they certainly didn’t anticipate a global pandemic to coincide with opening, so they are evaluating the best options to provide Paisley with great pizza as soon as possible.
Once finalized, opening details will be posted on their website www.bonfireonqueen.com. You can also follow them on Instagram @bonfirepies or like “Bonfire on Queen” on Facebook to get the latest updates.
