Chez Denise: A slice of home in downtown Wallaceburg….

153 Nelson Street, Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada
519-627-1020
hatfield2005@kent.net

Denise and Mike Hatfield want you to feel at home when you visit their restaurant, Chez Denise, in downtown Wallaceburg, And it’s not just the great food and friendly service, it’s the atmosphere and the whole package – it’s what they do to make Chez Denise an extension of their own home.

“Relatives and friends have always just referred to our home as Chez Denise,” said Denise. “We just love to cook and we both like to entertain so the restaurant really is an extension of our home.”

Both Mike and Denise have experience in the hospitality industry but it’s the ambiance of the little restaurant at 153 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg that makes it so special. Fresh sticky buns, homemade from-scratch soups, everything natural and fresh – it’s like you’re home with your Mom again.

Mike explained that Chez Denise came about because local realtor Betty Tack saw an opportunity and set it in front of them. “She said, ‘Think lunch’, and we did and it’s just worked so well,” he said.

Once the idea had been hatched, Denise went to work researching it from a business standpoint to make sure it was viable. Both she and Mike liked what they saw – an opportunity for a luncheon bistro/deli in downtown Wallaceburg – a community currently repositioning its economy.

“Anytime there was a family function or any other type of event, we’d cook and have everybody in,” said Denise. “And we both have sales in our backgrounds and like to meet people,” added Mike.

“We offer good healthy food,” said Denise. “We offer everything fresh – there’s no deep fryer. It’s a neat fit for people – especially downtown. Their only option before was a burger and fries.”

Chez Denise officially opened on March 17, 2009 and it’s been going great. “It’s been overwhelming,” said Mike. “We just flipped on the “Open” sign and the place was full. I think the town was really ready for this.” Wallaceburg has been waiting for an upscale atmosphere where they can enjoy specialty coffees, great lunch in an environment that fosters art and culture.

The Hatfields gave the location at 153 Nelson Street a full makeover – the building underwent a complete restoration. “They were depressed times,” said Mike, “and people in town were wondering who was crazy enough to sink all this money in.”

They’ve brought a simple philosophy to their business. “We treat people the way we’d like to be treated,” Denise said. “We try to create a really relaxing atmosphere.”

“Everybody who comes through that door gets a hello,” said Mike. “This really is an extension of our home.” We are happy to host special evenings on the 4th Friday of each month which feature an artist or musician and even an occasional poetry slam! while offering a chefs choice menu tailored to the evening.

In summary Mike and Denise would like to thank all their customers for the amazing show of support and appreciation. Wallaceburg and its citizens are worthy of appreciation and investment, we hope to be a small part of a great town during its rebirth as a town known for fine art, culture, and tourism appeal as offered by the serene stillness of the Sydenham.