One of Sidney's oldest and most well-known restaurants, Mary's Bleue Moon Cafe, is preparing to reopen shortly after renovation work is finished.

And when they do, they're looking to do something for the community that has supported them since they took over the business on Jan. 31, 2020.

In an online post, owners Nick and Ditza Hopkins announced, "Hold on to your Sea Glass gift cards. When we open, we will give one free meal per gift card you bring."

The post referenced the many patrons of Sea Glass Grill in Sidney who were left wondering what would happen to their gift cards when the restaurant abruptly closed on Dec. 28.

"We felt like it would be a little bit of pressure off of their backs because those gift cards are gonna go away now and they won't be hassled for those anymore," added Ditza. "We understand the industry because we have experienced highs and lows running our businesses."

In the post, the owners also addressed why they wanted to give the gift cards to their patrons.

"The community supports you, pays your bills," Nick said. "Restaurateurs get a bad name when we do things that are maybe not the best for the community. It's a small gesture of good faith to the community who maybe got a slight sour taste due to a recent closure (of another restaurant)." 

The Facebook post garnered hundreds of likes and comments: "What a wonderful gesture to offer to the community, you are awesome," one person said.

Even Canora Liquor Store owner Steve Weller chimed in and offered to give the Hopkins $5 for every meal they give out for the gift cards.  

While the community awaits the restaurant's reopening, finishing touches are being made after weeks of renovation.

"It went way longer than we thought it would," said owners Nick and Ditza Hopkins. "Our initial timeline was 6 to 8 weeks; you lift the skirt on an 85-year old building, you're gonna find a lot of things in there that need to be replaced...the electrical systems basically had to be redone."

The renovation, which focused primarily on expanding the kitchen and adding a permanent patio outside, began in September 2024. It was done with an eye on retaining the building's unique history B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·” originally opened in 1939 as Mary's Coffee Bar, it has become a beloved local restaurant and bar on the Peninsula.

About 50 square feet of space has been added to the kitchen, which required pushing out the back wall and replacing rotted studs and joints that had been cut over the years. The Hopkins also made sure work was carried out without disrupting the ground with heritage trees.  

"There are a lot of engineers on board," Nick said. "Our crew can now move around the kitchen more easily because it has doubled in size and is much more functional."

New air conditioners, a new hood vent system and old heat pumps were installed to improve airflow while the kitchen crew works.

Except for the carpets and a few lighting fixtures that have been swapped out, everything in the aviation-themed dining area remains the same with one special addition B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·“ pictures of Nick's great-grandfather, a First World War military pilot.

Along with daily and monthly specials that change every month, the menu will still feature all of the original Mary's Bleue Moon Cafe favourites that customers have grown to love. 

Although they are almost ready to open, theyB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™re leaving nothing to chance and will only announce an official opening date once everything is in order. 

Mary's Bleue Moon Cafe is at 9535 Canora Rd.