Chicken Chef has been a go-to restaurant in the heart of Virden, serving customers their special chicken recipe for nearly 40 years. It’s an anniversary they’ll celebrate in 2021.
Chicken Chef first opened in Virden in 1981 and had several owners until, in 1996, Brent and Rose Mary Plaisier purchased the restaurant.
After 21 and a half years of successful operation the Plaisiers went into business with their long-term manager, Bruce Barkley.
Barkley has been the onsite owner/operator for about three years, in what has been a seamless transition. Chicken Chef is always in a state of creation and Barkley says, “We are very proud of our local attractions menu, with many items developed right in the kitchen of Chicken Chef - Virden. Now that summer is upon us, we look forward to being able to showcase our signature salads.”
During the mandatory closure of the dining room for COVID-19, take-out business stayed strong.Barkley said, “The community’s support has been phenomenal.”
Now, it’s time to open the dining room. “People are missing just sitting down at a table, relaxing, having someone wait on them instead of having to take meals home.”
Chicken Chef has always taken pride in providing personalized service in a clean and inviting restaurant. The new COVID protocol will only reinforce this new business environment with a clean setting.
“The new COVID related protocols also means a reduction in seating capacity and may affect how quickly we can serve our family of customers, but we are looking forward to serving our regular dine-in patrons whom we have missed so very much.”
Chicken Chef has catered many events, large and small – business meetings, weddings, reunions – and the business looks forward to continuing that service. Find more about Chicken Chef hours of operation and online ordering at www.facebook.com/ChickenChef-Virden or visit the website at www.chickenchef.com and select the Virden location.
A proud supporter of the Virden Oil Capitals, local youth groups and other community organizations – it’s Chicken Chef’s way of giving back to the community that supports them.
One thing never changes - the favourite dish on the menu is “chicken, by far!” says Barkley.
