Rain may have cancelled the outdoor fun, but the spirit of celebration was alive and well inside Hopkins Dining Parlour on Sept. 13, as the local landmark marked its 46th anniversary with warmth, laughter, and live music.
Originally planned as a one-block street party, the event quickly pivoted indoors due to soggy weather, with four hours of live entertainment and anniversary specials moved inside the storied restaurant. The cozy, Victorian-style dining rooms provided the perfect backdrop for the occasion — a relaxed, welcoming space filled with regulars, new faces, and a few surprises.
Among the guests was none other than former owner Gladys Pierce, who ran Hopkins for 40 years and whose legacy still lingers in every antique-filled corner of the building. True to form, Pierce was in high spirits and full of her trademark humour, mingling with guests and cracking jokes well into the evening.
At one point, she turned to me, slapped my arm and grinned, asking, “Why are you still up so late taking pictures?”
Despite retiring years ago, Pierce’s instinct for hospitality clearly remains sharp. When the anniversary cake arrived — a multilayered dessert with a pudding filling and classic icing — she immediately took hold of the knife and began cutting slices for guests. The crowd chuckled and reminded her she was off duty, and current owner Linda Lin, smiling, gently took over the task.
“You don’t have to do any work tonight,” someone told her, but Pierce’s initiative reflected the same hands-on spirit that helped build the restaurant into one of Moose Jaw’s most unique dining destinations.
The cake was shared among long-time staff, former servers, honoured guests, and curious customers who’d stopped in to celebrate. Many lingered well into the night, soaking in stories, music, and memories.
The Hopkins Players — a rotating group of regular performers who usually play on Saturday nights — came together as a full five-member band for the first time, filling the parlour with a blend of genres and styles. The music may have stayed inside, but the atmosphere was just as lively and heartfelt as any outdoor bash.
Founded in 1978, Hopkins Dining Parlour remains one of Saskatchewan’s most distinctive restaurants, known for its Victorian décor, antique furniture, and haunted-history charm. Today, Lin continues that legacy, blending tradition with fresh energy — and throwing a good party, rain or shine.
Hopkins Dining Parlour is located at 65 Athabasca Street West. For more information, visit HopkinsDining.com or call 306-692-5995.
