Scott’s Family Restaurant reopens with a fresh look but same beloved traditions

The Scott’s Family Restaurant team is excited to welcome diners after a three-month long renovation. Owner Rana Ahluwalia is pictured in the middle, red hat and plaid shirt. Rana purchased the business from Kim Dammeier, centre (camouflage jacket) who ran it with longtime partner and business founder Scott Dammeier. Scott passed away in 2023. 

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

After three months of extensive renovations, one of Paris’ most cherished dining spots, Scott’s Family Restaurant, is ready to welcome customers back with a refreshed atmosphere, a few new menu twists and the same warm traditions locals have loved for decades.

New owner Rana Ahluwalia officially took over the restaurant from former owner Kim Dammeier in December 2024, following the passing of longtime operator Scott Dammeier two years ago. Scott was the heart of the restaurant for more than 20 years, known for his commitment to quality food, consistency and community spirit.

“I respect that Scott ran this place for 20 years – he built this place, and he loved this place,” said Ahluwalia. “It was important for me to keep that and for people to remember Scott.”

Elevating the Experience

Ahluwalia, who also operates restaurants in Barrie and Brampton and runs a construction company, saw an opportunity to match the restaurant’s reputation for delicious food with an equally appealing dining environment.

“The restaurant was in bad shape,” he said. “We wanted the restaurant’s customers to have a good experience in a place with nice, fresh look.”

The renovation included a complete rearrangement of the seating area to make better use of the space, adding 10 to 15 more seats. A new patio, expected to open within the next two months, will seat 20 guests and be accessible through French doors opening onto the frontage on Scott Avenue. Plans are also in the works for a mural inside that will make a subtle nod to the restaurant’s roots in Paris.

The kitchen received a major overhaul, including deep cleaning, repairs to existing equipment and the addition of new fridges, a dishwasher, coffee machine and pop dispenser to keep pace with demand.

“It was a big job,” said Ahluwalia, who led a 20-person renovation team using his industry expertise.

The Menu: Familiar Favourites with a Twist

Scott’s will continue to serve its signature breakfast dishes – including eggs Benedict, Scott’s Omelette, loaded hashbrowns, pancakes and waffles – alongside some new breakfast offerings inspired by Ahluwalia’s Indian heritage. Breakfast will run until 2 p.m., followed by a lunch menu that blends customer favourites with traditional Indian dishes.

New to the restaurant will be a dinner menu served until 10 p.m., featuring healthier options and Canadian classics such as steaks, burgers and wings, alongside authentic Indian cuisine.

“Paris is going to be amazed,” said Ahluwalia of the variety. “We’ve kept the menu the same but added some value on top of the already popular menu.”

Evenings will also feature a more vibrant atmosphere with televisions for sports viewing and a liquor license in the works.

Growing the Scott’s Legacy

Ahluwalia’s vision for Scott’s extends beyond Paris. He recently purchased a second location at 199 Brant Avenue in Brantford, which will also carry the Scott’s name.

“We are making a franchise of Scott’s Family Restaurant,” Ahluwalia said. “Scott and Kim did a great job of building the brand through delicious food and consistency, and I plan on building on that. People in town know and love the Scott’s Family Restaurant name.”

Soft Opening and Community Celebration

The restaurant opened its doors to a soft opening on August 5, with a grand opening celebration planned in about a month. Ahluwalia is calling the event the Scott Food Festival, centred around the Sikh tradition of Langar – a community kitchen offering free meals to all, regardless of religion, gender, status or ethnicity.

“We appreciate the community,” Ahluwalia said. “There will be a tent outside where people can come and have a taste.”

In keeping with Scott’s spirit, Ahluwalia also plans to sponsor local sports teams and support community campaigns.

As the doors reopened on this family favourite restaurant, many familiar faces were there to greet customers, including longtime staff members Sarah, Kim and Tina.

“It’s going to be the same restaurant people love, it will just look different,” said an excited Ahluwalia.