Staff at The Fringe restaurant located at CFB Shilo golf course are ready for business and preparing the patio for summer services. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag Media)

K-J Millar
Shilo Stag Media

It’s with more than 10 years of experience in the food and hospitality industry that Roy Benedik has breathed life into the new Fringe Restaurant at CFB Shilo golf course.

The name comes from a golfing term, the owner said.

“I derived it because we are so close to the green. There’s a huge practice green, and it feels like we’re just on the fringe of that. So it’s a golf term where your ball lies, and you’ll see the [picturesque view] in the front, which is exactly what we feel,” he said.

“I want people to know it’s a comfortable space to come and hang out, have beverages and watch a game. We want to create that zone where people who want to get out for an evening dinner or an appetizer and a few pitchers can come here.”

Benedik describes the menu as “elevated pub food” or comfort food and said he wanted to simplify the menu but still offer quality items.

“… Still have the main go-to’s that people enjoy, but also give them some other new options like homemade lasagna, homemade meatballs or chicken legs.”

With fresh interior decorating, large-screen televisions, beer on tap, and undergoing extensive patio renovations that Benedik said would be the nicest in the Brandon area, he and a silent partner purchased the restaurant previously known as Rick’s after the owner retired in December 2023.

Buckling down to complete the renovations during the slower Christmas period at CFB Shilo, the new owner said the highlight of opening has been the people.

“To be honest, it’s been a lot of work. But if it doesn’t seem like work and you’re enjoying it, well, it’s where you are supposed to be … The people have made it and the transition that much better.”

“It’s quite a bit different than in Brandon and even quite a bit different than Winnipeg. I think the community and people here want it to succeed and would do anything to help you do that.”

However, as with any new endeavour, it hasn’t been without its bumps in the road, Benedik said, explaining that staffing has been a challenge.

“I think that’s a given for anywhere in the area due to the population size. But I think with what we’ve built and created, people now want to work here. We’re getting a few more resumes than we did at the beginning.”

He said that once golf season gets into full swing and warmer temperatures allow patio service; they hope to be open until midnight. Currently, The Fringe is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday until 11 p.m., and Friday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“We are so much closer and more convenient for the residents in the area. We want to mirror the hours other establishments have so [guests] can come out and enjoy it.”

Restauranteur Roy Benedik, welcomes PSP Manager Craig Ethelston, CFB Shilo Base Commander LCol David Cronk and RSM CWO Eric LeClair to the eatery on April 11.  Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag News

CFB Shilo Base Commander Lieutenant-Colonel David Cronk welcomes Roy Benedikm, owner of The Fringe, a new restaurant next to the golf course and Shilo Country Club. (Photo: K-J Millar/Shilo Stag Media)