Top Chef Canada winner returns to open Saskatoon restaurant

SASKATOON – Top Chef Canada’s first season winner and hometown hero is licking his chops as he returns to Saskatoon to open up his own restaurant.

After moving away from Saskatoon when he was 15-years-old, Dale MacKay has finally come home to make his mark on the Bridge City’s culinary industry.

He closed both of his downtown Vancouver restaurants months ago and is now eager to open up his own establishment here.

“I feel that I have a very clear style and I did very well whether I was working in New York or working in Vancouver, I don’t think that will be any different in Saskatoon. I think there are some great restaurants and some great chefs here and everything and really just looking to be a part of the city,” said MacKay.

Coming home was something MacKay felt was not only an ideal business opportunity but the right fit for his family.

“It’s the way of life, but also every time I come back I have lots of friends coming moving back and obviously the city’s growing. There’s lots of great things going on and I think this is just a good time to kind of move back into the city and be part of the restaurant industry here,” said MacKay.

Hospitality is key to MacKay’s concept for his new Saskatoon eatery. As for a name, he has chosen Ayden, after his son.

As Souleio closes its doors next week on 3rd Avenue South, MacKay and his team will take over, making upgrades to the downtown space.

He aims to have Ayden open by the end of July.