On Monday, July 9, a demolition crew made short work of the commercial rental property sandwiched between Country Snacks and Gan’s Kitchen in Niverville. The demolition of 166 Main Street will make way shortly for a significant expansion to Country Snacks.
As previously reported, owners Pete and Rose Friesen have some big plans for the property, including the addition of six new gas pumps, a new entry and egress loop, and an outdoor attached patio.
“I am very excited,” said Rose Friesen back in April following town council’s unanimous vote to approve the development. “You have no idea how long we’ve waited for this. It’s a dream coming to reality. We’ve had a lot of dreams over the years, but this is pretty great because, when you’re independent, it’s a long process to get [to the place] where you can [afford to] do this. But to have the support of the community, we feel so blessed.”
The existing gas pumps in front of the building will be removed and a contemporary six-pump, six-lane island will be installed. This will result in 12 new filling stations, covered with an overhead canopy illuminated by LED lighting. In an effort to reduce congestion and improve safety for pedestrian traffic, the current egress on Fourth Avenue South will be closed off. A new access will be added on the west end of the 166 Main Street property, forming a loop that will connect to the current Main Street entry.
Although many residents are excited about this upgrade to one of the community’s most popular businesses, still others lingered next to the pile of shattered bricks and broken glass, recalling the storied history of 166 Main Street.
The 60-year-old structure served for its first 30 years as The Pines Restaurant, owned and operated by Neil and Helen Friesen.
“As I watched the building come down today, it was with an awareness and some regret,” said Clarence Braun, the former mayor of Niverville who was also a co-owner of 166 Main Street for a period of time beginning in the late 1980s. “The Pines Restaurant building was over 60 years old. There were additions and changes to the original building. Neil and Helen served a few generations. When I bought the building, it was configured to rental space and served another 30 years. Wishing Peter and Rose many years of success as they expand their dreams and vision for Country Snacks.”
Locals stopped by social media throughout the day to share memories. In particular, Neil and Helen Friesen were remembered for their great food and even better hospitality.
“I started working at The Pines when I was 12 years old,” says Lisa Letkeman. “By the time I graduated high school, I had six years work experience and learned a lot of good things about life. I served a lot of Pines Burgers, apple pie with cheese, and Monkey See Monkey Do desserts in my time.”
Another former employee recalled a particular quirk of owner Neil Friesen’s: he would always drop a single toothpick in the restaurant’s infamous Pines Float.
After The Pines closed, the building was home to many tenets, including a long-time hair salon, a health food store, and more recently a chiropractic office and a daycare.
