Westside Story
I’m Amy, the daughter/granddaughter of the owners. My Mom (Debbie Knobelsdorf) moved to Huntsville with my grandparents (Rose and Armand Blanchette), in 1979. Our family had been cottagers in Huntsville since 1971, and fell in love with the area.
When the opportunity arose for them to purchase Westside Variety at 126 Main Street, they jumped on to it, as it had been a dream to move to Huntsville year round. It soon became apparent that there was a demand for a restaurant in the area and a small take-out menu was started.
There have been many additions and changes over the years with my Dad (Chris) and Grandpa working late into the night behind the scenes. My Dad and Grandpa love this place, but nobody loves it more than my Mom, Grandma and Aunt Sharon who have given everything to make Westside the success that it is today. Of course, they will not take all the credit, as their dedicated employees, some near exceeding my 25 years, play a huge role in making Westside what it is today.
In 1983 a full kitchen was installed and Westside Fish and Chips was born. The decision was made to make the variety store smaller and start the restaurant with 12 seats, which was eventually turned into 48 seats with a fully licensed patio. In 1992 the restaurant out grew the variety store and 128 Main Street was purchased and the store moved over to it’s present location.
Rose and Armand Blanchette, along with one of their daughters, Debbie Knobelsdorf permanently moved to Huntsville in 1979, after falling in love with the area cottaging in Huntsville since 1971.
When an opportunity arose for them to purchase a variety store named Westside Variety, the family decided to join the ranks of local. It soon became apparent that there was a demand for a restaurant in that side of town, and they decided to add a small take-out menu within the store. The menu was basic, but the need was being met in that end of town. Westside Variety was a hot spot for an afternoon snack.
There were two fish and chip shops already in Huntsville; however, in 1982, one closed down. The old restaurant sold the family all of their kitchen equipment. Rose had a dream of starting her own fish and chip restaurant, as she had a beloved old family recipe for English-style batter. With this turn in events her dream finally came to be. Westside Fish and Chips was born.
The decision was made to make the variety store smaller and start the restaurant with 12 seats, which was eventually turned into the 52 seats it is today (plus a fully licensed patio). In 1992, the restaurant outgrew the variety store and a home next door was purchased and the store moved over to it’s present location.
There have been many additions and changes over the years. Eventually the whole family settled in Huntsville. Rose and Armand now enjoy the retired life, while Debbie runs the restaurant, with the help of her dedicated employees, including her sister Sharon. Westside is a small town gem, that is more than the fish and chips that made it famous. The menu boasts a large variety of items, with award-winning dishes, delicious breakfast and freshly baked in house pies.