Gazebo Grand Opening Party, Fish Fryday’s Are Back + Longer Summer Hours & More!
Hello, friends and neighbours!
What a week to be on Amherst Island. Our summer hours are back, our summer team is here, and this Saturday we’re throwing open the gazebo for a community celebration. Here’s everything happening at the BK — grab a coffee and read on.
You’re Invited: Gazebo Grand Opening — Saturday, June 20 at 10 AM
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 marking the completion of our new outdoor dining space. We’ll have a ribbon cutting with Mayor Hegadorn and members of Council on hand, and members of the BK Board and volunteers 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 for the kids — bring the little ones for some fun.
This is an open invitation to the whole community. Come celebrate a wonderful new spot to gather, eat, and enjoy the island summer.
About the Silent Auction
The silent auction is a fundraiser for the BK — every dollar raised goes right back into keeping our volunteer-led café running. We’re grateful to feature donated items from the Amherst Island General Store, the Weasel and Easel, Amherst Island Freeze Dried Goodies, Island Gold, Amherst Island Coffee Co., and MacKinnon Brothers Brewing, along with many individual gifts from friends and neighbours across the island.
Want to contribute? We’re still gathering items, and we’d love your help. Anything at all — large or small — would be hugely appreciated. If you or someone you know would like to donate something to the auction email us at backkitchenai@gmail.com
Make a Day of It: Doors Open Ontario on Amherst Island
Saturday, June 20 is also Doors Open Ontario in Loyalist Township — 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!
Doors Open on Amherst Island — Saturday, June 20, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Free event.
Summer Hours Are Back — Now Open Thursday to Sunday 11am - 8pm
Our summer hours are officially here! We’re now open Thursday through Sunday, 11 AM – 8 PM — made possible by our wonderful summer team coming on board this week. We can’t wait to welcome you back for more days, more meals, and more time together this season.
Fish Fryday Is Back! 🐟
Fish Fryday is back! This Friday, June 19, our island-favourite Fish & Chips returns to The Back Kitchen for the summer.
Every order comes with golden beer-battered haddock (choose one or two pieces), fries, tartar sauce, and our house-made coleslaw.
Fish & Chips are served Fridays from 5 – 8 PM, dine-in or pickup. Pre-order online at thebackkitchen.ca.
And remember — you can enjoy any meal at the BK in our new backyard gazebo and picnic areas. A huge thank-you to our volunteers who keep the property looking beautiful all season long!
Father’s Day Breakfast — Sunday, June 21 11am - 1pm
Treat Dad to breakfast at the BK! On Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21 from 11am until 1pm, we’ll be serving up breakfast platters — eggs, bacon, sausage, and all the fixin’s.
And if you’re still hunting for the perfect gift, a Back Kitchen gift card makes a great one (more on those below).
Canada Day on Amherst Island — July 1
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 and free hot dogs in the evening. The Amherst Island Agricultural Society will also be holding a farmers’ market at their new Pavilion, just a short walk from the BK.
Plus, free ice cream at the Back Kitchen (until it runs out!) thanks to the Amherst Island Women’s Institute and Handy Fairies for sponsoring the event and making it possible.
Calling All Chefs: Guest Chef Sunday Dinners Are Back
Our much-loved Guest Chef Sunday Dinners are ramping up to start this summer at The Back Kitchen! Every Sunday through August 30, we’re inviting Amherst Island residents, cottagers, and BK regulars to step into the kitchen and share a favourite meal with the community.
You don’t need to be a professional chef — just someone who loves to cook and wants to share their food (and maybe a story or two) with friends and neighbours. Whether you’re known for your family’s secret recipe, a dish from your heritage, or something new you’ve been wanting to try, we’d love to see what you can bring to the table.
This is a great opportunity to:
- Share your favourite recipes and food traditions
- Introduce new flavours and ideas to the island
- Meet new folks and get to know your community in a whole new way
- Enjoy the fun of cooking for a friendly, appreciative crowd
Interested? Email us at backkitchenai@gmail.com, or talk to Terry at the restaurant or one of our Board Members. Spots fill up quickly, so let us know if you’d like to take part — or if you’d just like to learn more before deciding.
Not sure about cooking a full meal but still want to help out? Let us know! We’re always happy to match volunteers with a guest chef or put together a team.
We can’t wait to see (and taste!) what our community cooks up this year. Thanks for helping make The Back Kitchen such a special place to gather, share, and celebrate our amazing island.
Meet Your Summer Team
Our summer team had their orientation this past Saturday — and what a great group it is! They spent the afternoon in the kitchen getting hands-on at every station: making food, learning the layout, and getting to know one another before their first shifts this week.
We were genuinely blown away by the response when we were hiring this year — so many talented, enthusiastic applicants from right here in our community. This is the team that’s going to make your summer at The Back Kitchen one to remember.
Come on out, grab a bite, and say hi. These are the friendly faces you’ll be seeing all season long. Here’s to a great summer! ☀️
And More...
- Burger of the Week is back all season long — follow us on Instagram and Facebook to find out this week’s burger.
- Survey & free ice cream: Help us improve your experience at the BK, and we’ll treat you to a free scoop on your next visit. It only takes a few minutes, and most questions are optional. Take the survey and claim your free scoop »
- Community events calendar: Did you know the BK website now hosts a community events calendar for everything happening across Amherst Island? See what’s on »
- Gift cards: By popular request, physical Back Kitchen gift cards are now available right at the café — perfect for birthdays, thank-yous, hostess gifts, Father’s Day, or just brightening someone’s week.
See you soon,
The Back Kitchen Team 💛