Prize-Winning Local Pub
The
East Village Pub Eatery in
Eagle Ridge has been raising the bar in food and service for Fort McMurray’s pub scene because it not only serves its guests – it serves the community.
In 2013, the pub was one of the first commercial spaces to open in Liam Construction’s new Eagle Ridge development area at the East Village – it’s where the pub claimed its name.
The idea for the pub came from a mother-and-son business partnership with Cheryl Desmeules and Mike Lambert. Both have a well-established understanding of working in the hospitality industry.
According to the company's website, Desmeules has 40 years of experience and Lambert “has worked most of his life under the coaching of Cheryl,” after starting as a busboy at 14 and receiving his business degree at the University of Lethbridge at 22.
Together, they made their shared dream come alive. Today, EVP is now celebrating five years of service and received the ‘2017 Business of the Year’ award at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual business awards.
It was a recognition well-deserved for the acts of credible local business and community philanthropy.
On June 3, 2016, the pub was, again, one of the first establishments to open, but this time in a different aspect as it was after the 2016 Fort McMurray Wildfire during the city’s re-enter.
Lambert was quoted in a promotional video stating that because the pub was labeled as an 'essential business' it received early access. He also shared it was an emotional experience with “tons of energy and tons of hugging.”
As for their local initiatives, EVP partners with the Fort McMurray Firefighters Association for the FMFD Rooftop Campout. During the annual fundraising event, the pub hosts a pancake breakfast for the public and a wrap-up party to help raise money for local social profit organizations.
They also team up with Councilor Keith McGrath to host a fundraising event for Father Patrick Mercredi Community School’s annual Santas Anonymous program. The initiative brings in tens of thousands of dollars for those in need throughout the Christmas holiday season.
The overall pub appeal attracts the adult crowd in a relaxed setting during the week, which is ideal for business meetings and on-screen sports watching. It also offers guests a full breakfast and lunch menu – seven days a week – with traditional dishes like the eggs benedict and chicken clubhouse.
At night, the menu options of filet mignons, loaded nachos and steamed mussels are just a few of the many that guests enjoy. As for the brew, the pub offers over a dozen mainstream beer and microbrews, as well as signature and customized alcoholic drinks.
By the weekend, crowds come in for the weekly live entertainment of local musicians and deejays. Past performances have included Amy Hef, Danny Tulk, Dan Gillies and many more. With summer season vastly approaching, the pub has launched its Summer Sundays featuring DJ Q-PiD for a weekly karaoke dance party.
If you’re interested in supporting a local family-owned business with local entertainment and fresh food, the East Village Pub is located at 101-395 Loutit Road and open Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For event listings, visit the EVP website at www.eastvillagepub.com and for regular updates and promotions find them on Facebook.