By Myrina Carter
The Warspite Hotel and Tavern decided to close its doors after over 40 years of service to Warspite and the surrounding communities. The long-running business was a huge staple in the community for patrons to enjoy and has brought in many locals and offered employment throughout its history. Glenn and Cindy George purchased the hotel and tavern from Mike and Pauline Holowaty. The business took on some structural renovations and officially bloomed into a thriving enterprise on April 1, 1983. The grand re-opening offered guests a free beef supper, and the owners requested that farmers bring in their cattle brands to brand the cedar pillars before the rugs were installed and done again in 2016 for new farmers in the area. They were joining many community members together and creating a bit of history.
The Warspite Hotel and Tavern was the “place to go” for all community members and created many jobs over all its years, not to mention many lifelong friendships. Throughout the winter months, many guests gathered around the well-known wood-burning fireplace. The mantel above held many trophies for the local Warspite Eagles hockey team and memorial trophies for drafts.
The Warspite Hotel supported other local businesses with bottle drives, initiatives, and fundraisers to the best of its ability. The most extensive support it shared was the endorsement of Tom and Cathy Bullas, which allowed them to host their annual dart tournament, which was a 17-year-long running fundraiser done for the Smoky Lake Food Bank. They also hosted annual customer appreciation dinners which included home-cooked turkey and ham with Smoky Lake bakery buns. Many guests enjoyed the meal with the George family every year and shared laughs and stories. The business has also held free pool Wednesdays, Grey cup parties, Stanley cup parties, the eve of Christmas eve, and countless birthday parties. The Warspite Hotel and Tavern was also a pit stop for wedding photos throughout the years, after all being a piece of Warspite history.
The hotel and tavern experienced multiple break-ins and vandalism throughout the years, but with the help of staff, family and friends, they made it through everything. Sadness struck the George’s and the community when Glenn and Cindy were hit with illness in 2017. Cindy left this world in March of 2019. But the business continued after their mother’s loss with the help of their three daughters, staff and friends.
With the times changing and the industries growing, the Warspite Hotel and Tavern did its very best to adapt to the new and changing times. Beginning with a large screen projector, replacing shuffleboards with VLTs to finally upgrading and getting wi-fi. Many crib, dart, and pool tournaments had been held as many patrons attended and made memories. Karaoke was a huge hit, as many sang, some being the next big thing and some just having a good time. Free shows supporting local live bands were a huge hit and a fan favourite, bands like Jake Ian, the Northbank Stranglers, PiND, FAK and the most recent Fall into Place.
Tina George said, “Covid has made a major impact on the industry, and after nearly 40 years, Glenn is hanging up his glass. It is the end of an era, but it is the time for someone else to hold onto the reigns. The building will be in its centennial in 2024. Cheers to all of you; all the best wishes in the future.”
The community shares many kind words about closing a long-time running business in Warspite such as it will be a legend in all our hearts, a place that will never be forgotten, nor will the patriots and all the employees.
As the phrase across the back of the bar states, “We’re #1 since Cheers was closed”
So very sad to hear that Warspite is losing its much loved hotel and bar. I have so many memories of Albert and Clifton at harvesting time, Grey Cup Parties and cold afternoons playing the VLT’s in the fall and winter, and the round table that was always a place to laugh and catch up with the local news. Going into the Warspite Bar was going to meet people you love. Especially Cindy who always had a hug and smile when ever we came in, and it was always great to come in and get to talk to beautiful Gina who always made us smile. We will so miss the bar but more so we will miss the George family who we counted as our friends. Good luck for the future and give Glenn a hug from us and wishes for good health.