The New Shilo Inn is completely family-operated and managed. The new team is looking forward to offering their family hospitality to military and families around CFB Shilo.  (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media Advertorial

The new operators and management of the Shilo Inn are putting their best foot forward and making an exciting announcement about the facilities’ modernization and incorporation into the local community.

Cousins, but more like brothers, Jakshil Patel and Parth Patel are excited about the upcoming December opening of the Chicken Chef restaurant they are bringing to the 12-room motel, dining room, bar, and lounge location in Spruce Woods, just walking distance to Canadian Forces Base Shilo.

The pair has big plans for the location after taking over on Sept. 8, but wants to retain the legacy already set by the outfit, so they are preserving the business moniker established more than 30 years ago. Passersby will already have begun to see the exterior aesthetic improvements, with the vivid Turkish blue facelift accenting the building. New signage and lighting will complement the facilities in December, making a bold Manitoba franchise statement.

The family enterprise is passionate about making a difference to the military and surrounding communities, having moved here to grow roots and become an integral neighbourhood ‘go-to’. Jak hails from Ontario and Prince Edward Island, where his career in restaurant management planted the seed for a move to the WestMan area.

“We want to serve our military friends first and support their families in the community,” he said.

The pair of entrepreneurs did their research and invested their love of the area, committing to the business and supporting the community by listening to locals, followed by reviewing public feedback. This helped them make the big decision about what would be most beneficial and popular with residents, Jakshil said.

“We wanted to bring a community-based franchise where families and friends can sit down and spend memorable moments together, sharing a meal. Chicken Chef ticked all those boxes,” Jakshil said.
“Chicken Chef as a corporation is extremely excited to be able to serve the military community,” he said. “Right now we have telephone ordering for delivery or pick up of regular menu items, but very soon, when Chicken Chef opens, we will have online ordering to complement the delivery system, making the end of your workday more relaxing.”

Parth, who made Canada home about a year and a half ago, said that with the new franchise opening in mid-December, the motel will also offer military discounts for family or friends coming in to visit. The rooms, each with two queen-size beds, are ready to house longer-staying guests with individual rates based on occupancy needs. Two rooms even have kitchenettes, making those continual stays a comfortable option and a cozy home away from home with weekly or long-term rates.

“We can offer room rates from $85 a night plus tax, and also coming up soon, we can blend services for long-term guests to include meals, to make a stay as welcoming as possible,” Parth said.

As a beer vendor, cold brews are available by the case for relaxing at home, or the bar and lounge have TVs, a pool table, and darts to chill out with after a hard day at work. The space is even available for private functions upon booking. VLTs are tucked away in a cozy nook for those who are feeling the chance to be lucky.

The new management is looking forward to meeting their new neighbours at planned games nights, trivia occasions, and televised sports matches. The dining room restaurant, with fresh-cooked-to-order meals, offers a comprehensive menu starting with breakfast at 9 a.m. and food service until 9 p.m. daily. Of course, the menu will be developed to include fresh Chicken Chef favourites.

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Parth Patel and cousin Jakshil Patel are proud to be the new operators and management of the Shilo Inn. They have been making improvement since taking over on Sept. 8, including the introduction of a new Chicken Chef restaurant in mid-December.  (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)

Parth Patel and Jakshil Patel, new operators and management at the New Shilo Inn, are optimistic about the facilities and the exciting offerings the complex has, like a restaurant, bar, 12-room motel, and beer vendor. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)

Jakshil Patel has years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, starting in Nova Scotia. He made Westman home and on site at the New Shilo Inn as one of the new operators and management at the New Shilo Inn. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News)