Gazebo Grand Opening, Dinner Specials, Free Ice Cream & More!
Happy June, friends!
Summer is finally settling in on Amherst Island, and we couldn’t be more excited about everything coming up at the BK. This is a big one — so grab a cup of coffee (more on that below) and settle in. We’ve got a gazebo grand opening, weekly burger and dinner specials, Father’s Day, a Canada Day heads-up, and a few thank-yous to share.
For anyone new to the island or just discovering us: The Back Kitchen is a volunteer-led, not-for-profit community café and gathering spot — the island’s only public restaurant. We’re open seasonally, we’re cashless, and we’re powered by the kindness of this community. Welcome. We’re glad you’re here.
Gazebo Grand Opening — Saturday, June 20
We’re celebrating the grand opening of our brand-new backyard gazebo, and you’re invited.
Join us at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 20 for a community celebration to mark the completion of our new outdoor dining space. We’ll have a ribbon cutting with Mayor Hegadorn, the Deputy Mayor, and members of Council on hand, and someone from the BK Board will say a few words about the project and the grant that made it possible.
There’ll be free coffee, tea, and donuts for everyone who comes out, plus a few extras to make a morning of it:
- 🛎️ Silent Auction — featuring loads of great items generously donated by the Amherst Island community and Back Kitchen supporters. Come browse, bid, and take home something special.
- 🍦 Games & free ice cream prizes for the kids — bring the little ones for some fun.
Got something to donate? We’re still gathering items for the silent auction, and we’d love your help. Every donation supports our volunteer-led, not-for-profit café — all proceeds go right back into keeping the BK running. Get in touch and we’ll take it from there.
This is an open invitation to the whole community. Come celebrate a wonderful new spot to gather, eat, and enjoy the island summer.
Make a Day of It: Doors Open Ontario
Here’s a happy coincidence — Saturday, June 20 is also Doors Open Ontario in Loyalist Township! It’s a free, province-wide celebration that invites you to explore the buildings, hidden gems, and spaces that shaped our community, and to connect with our rich local heritage.
Several spots right here on Amherst Island are taking part:
- The Amherst Island Agricultural Society’s Saturday Market & Social
- The island’s historic dry stone walls
- The Gallery at Rossland Gardens
- The Neilson Store Museum and Cultural Centre
- Topsy Farms
The Back Kitchen isn’t an official Doors Open site, but with our gazebo grand opening at 10:00 AM that same morning, it’s the perfect day to explore the island and swing by the BK to celebrate with us. Make a day of it!
More about Doors Open Ontario in Loyalist Township
This Week’s Specials
Thursday Night Rotisserie Chicken Dinner
Dinner for the whole family, sorted — just $13.75 a person.
Every Thursday we’re roasting whole chickens, seasoned to perfection, served with your choice of sides, dinner rolls, gravy, and 4 drinks. It feeds four — a complete, fuss-free family dinner for $13.75 per person.
Pre-order online at thebackkitchen.ca for pickup, or just walk in and grab one. Quantities are limited, so don’t miss out. Pickups run 5:00–7:30 PM on Thursdays.
Sunday Dinner Special
A different home-style dinner every Sunday — keep an eye on social media for the weekly special.
This Sunday, June 7: Quarter-Chicken Dinner. A quarter rotisserie chicken with your choice of side, a roll, gravy, and a drink for $18.25 (with fries or coleslaw). Want to upgrade? Onion rings, sweet potato fries, or poutine are available for a small additional charge.
Burger of the Week
We’re running a new Burger of the Week all season long, and they’ve been a hit — so far we’ve done bacon double cheeseburgers, our three-slider “Baby BKs,” and this week a returning fan favourite:
🍍 The Hawaiian Burger is back! A grilled pineapple slice, Swiss cheese, sautéed onions, and bacon piled on our signature smash patty and an Ace Bakery bun. It was a huge hit last year and we’re thrilled to bring it back.
Next week? Who knows! Follow us on social media or stop by the BK to find out our next crazy-delicious concoction.
Our Spring Hours
We’ve been dialling in our spring schedule, and here’s where we’ve landed for now:
- Monday – Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM
- Friday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
These hours are subject to change — we have hired staff and are ramping up toward our busy summer season, so we’ll be adding days and extending hours soon. For the latest, follow us on Facebook and Instagram or check thebackkitchen.ca.
Thank You, Spring Cleanup Crew
Huge thanks to the incredible crew who came out for our Spring Cleanup Day on May 9th. The sun was shining, the energy was high, and the BK is looking ready for the 2026 season thanks to all of you.
Hats off to: Andrew, Donnie, Ian, Lucy, Diane, Michele, Ali, Vicki, Jacqui, Chris, and Lynann.
Look at what this crew tackled in just one morning: picked up sticks in the backyard, hauled brush piles to the dump, weed-whacked the “no mow” area and around the building, edged the three new native gardens at the back, did a high mow in the backyard, tidied up the east patio, washed down all the outdoor furniture and set it back out, washed the windows, and more!
As a volunteer-led not-for-profit, The Back Kitchen depends entirely on the kindness and generosity of our community. Every set of hands that shows up — for cleanups, events, or just to share a coffee — is what keeps this place running. Thank you. 💛
Father’s Day — Sunday, June 21
Treat Dad to breakfast at the BK! On Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, we’ll be serving up breakfast platters — eggs, bacon, sausage, and all the fixin’s. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for all the details to come.
And if you’re still hunting for the perfect gift, a Back Kitchen gift card makes a great one (more on those below).
Our Survey + A Free Scoop
Help us improve your experience at The Back Kitchen — and we’ll buy you an ice cream!
A few weeks back, we launched our 2026 Customer Insight Survey to make sure the food, hours, and experience at the BK actually match what our community wants. We’ve already had a fantastic response — 116 of you have shared your thoughts so far. Thank you! Your feedback is directly shaping decisions about our menu, hours, and events for the year ahead.
Haven’t done it yet? It only takes a few minutes, most questions are optional, and as a thank-you we’ll treat you to a free ice cream on your next visit.
Take the survey and claim your free scoop
Heads-Up: Canada Day Is Coming!
Mark your calendars — Canada Day is Wednesday, July 1st, and the Back Kitchen will be open.
Spend the day and evening on Amherst Island and enjoy the festivities. Hang out at the BK for food and friends while you watch the parade, then head over to the school for fireworks. More details to follow, but consider this your invitation to make a day of it!
What’s Happening on the Island
Did you know the Back Kitchen website now hosts a community events calendar for everything happening across Amherst Island? It’s chock-full of live music, fundraisers, Saturday markets, gatherings at the church and the public school, backroom talks at the Museum, and more — and we’ve made it easy to add events straight to your own calendar.
We’re always looking for new events to add. Hosting something on the island? Add your own event or get in touch and we’ll add it for you so neighbours and visitors can find it.
Physical Gift Cards Now Available
By popular request, physical Back Kitchen gift cards are now available right at the café. They’re perfect for birthdays, thank-yous, hostess gifts, Father’s Day, or just brightening someone’s week.
And since we’re cashless, they’re a handy way to send the kids or grandkids down for lunch on their own — just preload a card, hand it over, and they’re set.
Stop by during open hours and pick one up at the till. (Digital gift cards are still available on our website too — same gift, instant delivery, and you can convert it to a physical gift card on your next visit; just ask our staff when you arrive.)
Now Pouring: Local Coffee & Tea
We love sharing the good stuff made right here on the island. Two local makers you’ll find at the BK:
Amherst Island Coffee Co. — family-owned and operated, roasting specialty single-origin coffee right here on Amherst Island. We’re brewing it fresh all day long — come on in for a cup or two.
Island Tea Co. — functional tea blends, hand-blended in small batches on Amherst Island by a holistic nutritionist. Each organic blend is thoughtfully crafted to support well-being — one intentional, healing cup at a time. On our menu now:
- Coconut Chai — higher caffeine
- Jasmine Green Tea — light caffeine
- Vitalitea — fruity, antioxidant-rich herbal blend
- Puritea — digestive-support herbal blend
That’s a wrap on a busy June! Whether it’s the gazebo opening, a Thursday chicken dinner, or just a coffee on the patio, we hope to see you at the BK soon.
See you soon,
The Back Kitchen Team 💛 🍔