Longtime Saskatoon restaurant Mr. Rizo's closes its doors

Al Sestak has served the likes of Gordie Howe, Eddie Shack and The Guess Who at Mr. Rizo’s restaurant since it opened in Saskatoon in 1979.

“I asked Shack to go outside to see how tough he was compared to me,” he joked. “I saw his fist was an inch and a half wider than mine, so I said ‘maybe we’ll pass on this one and do it another time.”

Sunday night Sestak served his last rack of ribs at the Greek restaurant that’s been in business for over 35 years.

“That’s our most popular dish because we have the best ones,” he said. “I’ve had them in Vegas and they don’t compare, it the secret dressing we use that make them great.”

The Nazarenko family has closed the doors on Mr. Rizo’s so they can retire.

“I was sad, but they’re in their 70’s and deserve to go have some fun,” Sestak said. 

Mr. Rizo’s broke the news on their Facebook page back in January.

Since the post, the restaurant has been full every night.

“It’s like Valentine’s and New Year’s every single night,” he said.

Sestak said he’s really going to miss the people the most.

“There’s been a lot of emotional nights with customers, but I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to be emotional,” he joked.

Sestak doesn’t plan on retiring just yet, but said he doesn’t know what the future holds.

Waiter since 1979 Al Sestak is getting ready to serve his last meal at Mr. Rizo’s wants to give a shoutout to @JohnGormleyShow #yxe pic.twitter.com/UPcNe35lyg

— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) February 26, 2017