Sirkel Foods celebrates 20 years in business

Mel Lang and Kelly Ballantyne of Sirkel Foods are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the beloved lunch spot.

There are always a bunch of customers popping in and out of Sirkel Foods to grab lunch or dessert.

Known for its delicious sandwiches and salads, and for giving back to local charities through sandwich sales, Sirkel Foods is celebrating its 20th anniversary in business this year.

“It’s crazy,” owner Kelly Ballantyne said to the Times. “Twenty years is a long time, especially in the restaurant industry. We are pretty proud of ourselves for how far we have come.”

Ballantyne said that running Sirkel Foods was going well at first until her ex-business partner had left. She then became overwhelmed.

“Taking on all the business debt and other business stresses was a lot,” she said.

Then, her wife Mel Lang quit her full-time job to run the restaurant with Ballantyne, and it was a change for the better.

“We were more consistent with our product. I think it shows now more than ever with how long we have been around and how much busier we keep getting,” Ballantyne said. “It was a real turning point for us. We could both put 100 per cent of our focus on our business.”

Up until the COVID-19 pandemic, Sirkel Foods offered dine-in and weekend service. Although many restaurants offer both dine-in and take-out without the restrictions, Sirkel Foods stuck to take-out only service Monday to Friday, along with catering.

“I know some people miss the dine-in, but it’s been a real positive move for us,” Ballantyne said.

For the future of Sirkel Foods, it’ll be business as usual.

“If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. We are a perfect size to do what we do and do it well,” Ballantyne said. “Someone is always trying to give me advice of what could make Sirkel better, but I think we are doing just fine the way we are. People love it here.”

Pop in to Sirkel Foods on 20 Wellington St. or visit their website online https://sirkelfoods.com/ for more information.