Fond memories of customers, friends for Chuckwagon

When the lights go out and the door is locked behind them for the final time at Kingsville’s Chuckwagon Restaurant on Sunday, February 25, Julia and Ron Mucci will be saying ‘so long’ to a world they’ve known for many years.

The amiable owners of the Chuckwagon will hang up their aprons and put away their ladles and coffee pots this weekend after 37 years of service to the community of Kingsville.

Julia’s father — Socrates Triferis — had owned the Chuckwagon since 1987, but the restaurant dates back to about 1970.

Julia spent many years  working in the business and as her father prepared to retire, she and husband Ron took over around 2010.

“It’s not just a meal here,” said Julia. “It’s an experience. People connect over what they’re eating.”

Ron says there are regular customers who come in every day to enjoy a meal, coffee or the atmosphere inside the spacious restaurant.

The restaurant has had less than five owners over a 53-year span and Julia’s family has been involved for the majority of those. It’s like a second home to her.

When Sunday rolls around, it will surely be bittersweet as the couple says goodbye to their long-time staff and customers.

“We have a great staff who’ve been with us — and loyal — for years,” said Julia. “They have all stuck with us.”

Even through the COVID pandemic, the Muccis thought so highly of their staff that they continued to pay them and keep them on the payroll.

“They are too valuable to replace, so we made a decision to keep them on,” said Ron.

They are grateful to a community that has always been there as well, many of whom come once a week to get their regular order.

“We even have a family that loves our lasagna and they have pre-ordered a large order to freeze it for when we are no longer here,” said Julia.

The relationship between customers and owners is an important one and Julia says they have thrived on that familiarity with their regulars, plus many customers they haven’t seen for 20 years.

“Even after a long time, I may not remember their name, but I’ll remember what on our menu they like,” she said. “Our menu hasn’t changed much in 30-plus years.”

All of those old favourites are a staple when ordering from the Chuckwagon and people come from out of town when visiting their parents just to get a taste of that hometown comfort food.

When the deal closes at the end of the month, the Chuckwagon will be turned over to the new owners, who coincidentally will be Chuck’s Roadhouse, which will reopen as such in the near future.

As for Julia and Ron, they are ready to have some time to themselves.

“It’s time for us,” she says, although she indicated that she’s too young to completely retire. “I may just turn up somewhere around town and try to put some love back into this world.”

Indicating that they don’t golf, “but may take up pickleball,” Julia chuckled at the thought of having a little time on their hands.

“I still want to see people,” she said. “The restaurant business is physically and mentally taxing, but we’ve loved our time here.”

They will miss their staff and customers but are grateful for the many years they’ve put in as owners.

“Thank you to you all,” said Julia. “It’s been a pleasure.”