Maple Creek business celebrates 50 years serving the region; more have major anniversaries

Posted on October 28, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

Maple Creek News

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

Round Up Food Bar

Celeal fixture, the diner has served for years as a core community hub on Pacific Avenue. Built in 1973, The Round Up Food Bar was started by Ellaine Hawrylak and Ellwood Sawby.

In 1986, local entrepreneur Howard Wong bought the business. This purchase was a full circle moment as in his youth Howard was an employee and had now become owner. In 2014, Sunny Ji took over the Round Up and continues to run it today.

The Round Up is a cozy homestyle diner and café that serves the local fare, including bannock and bison burgers. Many people will have memories of going to the Round Up as children and are now taking their children there. Many memories have been made.

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS

The Rockin’ Horse Cookhouse

Long before the building was a restaurant, it was the first Government-owned liquor store, from 1954 to 1980. In 1980, the transition from liquor store to restaurant was founded by Barry Dean when he opened Sidekicks Steakhouse and Sports Bar. The unique wood bar was constructed using salvaged hotel doors from Govenlock, and the original display cases came from Maple Creek’s very first historic jewellery store; they were repurposed and placed behind the bar to hold the establishment’s liquor selection. Owned by Ed & Sherie Sustrate, the restaurant changed to Jenni’s in 1992. In 2002, Andy Brown and Dean Smith bought the business and ran it as Fred and Barney’s until 2008.

In 2008, Ralph Saemann and Laurie Leigh bought the business and the Rockin’ Horse Cookhouse & Market was born. Ralph’s 40-plus years of culinary knowledge and Laurie’s 15-plus years of food and beverage experience were a recipe for success, from being featured on the hit TV show Still Standing to being a Saskatchewan Tourism finalist for excellence in customer service. The cookhouse sources ingredients from Maple Creek and Saskatchewan farmers first and remains deeply involved in the community.

Red Apple Stores

In 1984, a popular Canadian discount department store and family clothing chain “SAAN” department store opened its doors focusing on clothing, footwear and accessories. Its involvement in small communities is best understood through its roles as an affordable retail anchor, a local employer, and a community hub. In 2005, the SAAN Chain of Stores closed, and the building was sold to The Bargain! Shop, a Canadian discount variety store chain for 21 years. In September 2026, The Bargain! Shop was rebranded Red Apple Stores.

Schafer Electric

Ron Schafer opened the doors in 1983. Schafer Electric is a trusted residential and commercial business, offering electrical services, general contracting work, and local infrastructure support across Southwestern Saskatchewan. In 2018, Justin McFarlane took over active operations of the company and in 2020 became the owner. During the April storms of 2022, under Justin’s guidance, Schafer Electric received community praise for its emergency response and keeping local facilities and farms powered by hooking up generators.

Lansdall IDA Pharmacy

It was founded and operated by Robert “Bob” Lansdall, a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan’s pharmacy program. The pharmacy officially opened its doors on April 3, 1982. Bob operated the pharmacy with a signature personal touch and immense compassion for more than 32 years. Locals knew they could call on him at any hour for emergency prescriptions or health advice. Beyond health care, Bob served on the Maple Creek Town Council and was a well-known philanthropist until his sudden passing in September 2014. Rubicon Pharmacies took over in 2014, but kept the Lansdall name to honour Bob’s legacy. Rubicon owned Pharmasave (purchased Duncan Drugstore in 2009) and at the time Jason Williams was the managing pharmacist. In 2017, Jason was asked to oversee both stores, which were amalgamated into one pharmacy in 2018. Jason still operates the pharmacy today.

Willowbend Hotel

Built in 1980, the original two-storey prairie motel “Cypress Hills Motor Inn” was opened and operated by Russell and Lola Currah. They managed the inn for decades as a staple roadside stop for travellers exploring southwest Saskatchewan and the Cypress Hills. In 2017, it was bought by Darcy & Joan Chmilar, who did a complete renovation and changed the name to Willowbend Motel. The Sohi family bought the property in September 2025. Under their leadership, they upgraded the property into a family-run boutique destination. They officially dropped the word “motel”, rebranding the property as a hotel.

A & B Hardware

In 1979, Tom Flanagan constructed the building and started the business, A&B Hardware, bringing Terry Opsal and Dale Sheldon as partners. Through the years, Terry and Dale took over the business, with Dale eventually taking on sole ownership. A fixture on Pacific Avenue, A&B Hardware has been deeply tied to the community’s agricultural and retail history. The “Ag Supply” portion of the business has historically kept Maple Creek’s prominent farming and ranching community moving. They secured vital local contracts, serving as the town’s certified Husqvarna Sales & Service provider and acting as a central node for regional shipping and agriculture. Over its history, the store expanded its community reach by joining Canada’s homegrown Bumper to Bumper/Auto Parts Plus Network. This integration allowed local mechanics and farmers to source parts directly in town rather than driving hours to major cities like Swift Current or Medicine Hat. The business has long been a foundational training and employment ground for local figures. Notably, long-time Maple Creek Town Councillor, Betty Abbott, spent part of her early career working at A&B Hardware before entering real estate and public service. Another unique fact is the physical building at 742 Pacific Avenue acts as a small ecosystem. A&B Hardware shares its footprint with Kelli Dee Floral.

Hi Kick MC

Penny Drury and Erick Hauk opened the property in 1979 as The Red Hen. Wes and Trish Wambolt were the second owners, eventually selling to Diana Mund. In October, 2003, she sold to Guy Huang. In 2016, Guy renamed the business, Hi Kick MC, and in 2022 it was rebranded Hi Kick MC (Red Hen Homestyle Deli and Convenience Store).

A general convenience store selling everyday essentials, snacks, and drinks, its true reputation in Maple Creek is built on its homestyle deli counter and the “best banana bread ever” as reviewed on Yelp and Trip Advisor.

The store’s dedication to its community was heavily cemented during the 2020 pandemic. When local residents faced isolation, the Red Hen adapted its entire business model to provide free grocery and hot-meal delivery across the Maple Creek area for orders over $10, ensuring high-risk individuals and seniors had direct access to fresh food.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

Hill Country Clothing

Hill Country Clothing is a family-owned business founded in 1986 by Francis “Frankie” Horton, alongside her daughter Patty, to bring quality tack and western wear to the community and surrounding area. A true champion for the community and western way of life, Frankie took deep pride in creating a warm, welcoming environment for her customers. Following her passing, her son Garth and his wife, Renée, took over ownership of Hill Country Clothing and kept her passion for the people and the community alive. In 2018, they purchased the building they are in now and expanded the business. Their team prides itself on superior customer service, serving every client with kindness and integrity. Always being supportive of many groups, rodeos, and agriculture community events, exemplifies their passion for keeping western heritage alive in the community.

Cypress Pizza and Chicken

Known for its “made from scratch” fresh items, including house-made pizza dough and a secret pizza sauce, the establishment has built a steady community legacy since being opened in early 1990 by entrepreneur Brenda Yanke. In late 1990, Jon and Li Ming bought the business and sold it in 1994 to family friends. In 1996, Ray Broderick bought the business. Ray owned it until 2004 when he sold it to Pat and Virginia Mason. In 2006, the Masons sold it to Diana Mund, who owned it until 2011 when William Yang bought the business and still owns it today. Cypress Pizza and Chicken has established itself as a beloved comfort-good institution in town, reflecting small town resiliency.

Maple Creek Endless Tubing

Maple Creek Endless Tubing Services Ltd. began from humble beginnings as a one truck-operation owned and operated by Danny Holmedal in 1987. It has now grown into western Canada’s premier coil tubing services provider company in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. With ownership being handed over to Dustin Steinke, Blaine Schwab, Derek Holmedal and Joel Holmedal, the great service everyone has come to expect from Maple Creek Endless Tubing Services Ltd. has continued.

Community support has been important to the team, including the annual donation (30 years) of three compressor units on Thanksgiving weekend to the Maple Creek Golf Course to blow out the lines, and bacing for charity golf tournaments, local Minor Sports teams and leagues.

Alongside their community contributions, Maple Creek Endless Tubing has maintained an industry-leading focus on safety, holding a consecutive WCB Achievement Award since 1995.

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

Triple 7 Carwash

Triple 7 Carwash was built in 2005 by Daryl and Chryle Bascom and was originally called Heritage Truck and Carwash, later rebranded to Triple 7 in 2020, which included new services such as dedicated dog washing station. In 2022, Jacci Migowski bought the carwash, which she ran until October 2025, selling to current owner Jason Lee. The business acts as a proud local sponsor for major town events, and collaborates with the local Chamber of Commerce to back community tourism.

C & G Collision Ltd

The long-standing local auto body repair shop was started in April 2003. Guy and Cheri Drever were primary founding partners and proprietors when the business was established. Guy was heavily involved in the day-to-day operations and building the initial clientele for the shop as a licensed automotive refinisher/technician, guiding the company through its first decade in Maple Creek.

Over the years, the business continued to organize local SGI insurance claims, and the workshop tools were updated.

In 2023, Nisha Garg bought the corporate shares and facility. Nisha brought her 15-plus years as a senior claims and risk specialist within the Canadian insurance sector. 
   She has modernized the storefront’s digital footprint, and kept the traditional local staff in place. She has also maintained the high standard of work that originally founded C&G Collision Ltd.

C&D Pure Air

C&D Pure Air is a locally owned and operated heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing company established in 2001 by Colin and Dawn Orr. Under Colin’s leadership, the company provides a wide range of services, including heating, cooling, residential and commercial HVAC maintenance, plumbing, furnace and duct cleaning, and agricultural equipment/vehicle air conditioning. 
    As a company, C&D is heavily involved in the community, sponsoring regional initiatives such as the Maple Creek Golf Club Junior Golf Program, the Murraydale Stampede, and the Maple Creek Childcare Cooperative. 
   It has become a family business with Colin’s son, Jared and nephew, Tyree, working alongside Colin.

Magnum Fabricating

The company’s story began when founder Richard Ehret started a small welding operation inside an 8×20 garage on his family’s dairy farm. Initially, he set out to build stronger cattle panels for his own agricultural use. 
    After local neighbours noticed the quality and began buying them, Ehret recognized a market opportunity and expanded his operations. In 2001, Magnum Fabricating Ltd. moved into the building that was formerly Ranch and Farm machinery dealership. Over the decades, the business transitioned from agricultural equipment into heavy-duty oilfield solutions, notably designing innovative wellhead fencing.  Today, Magnum Fabricating has evolved into a highly specialized manufacturer widely known for building certified above-ground storage tanks and Transport Canada-approved mobile fuel tanks used across North America.

• The above profiles were read out by Councillor Len Barkman at Saturday’s Legacy of Success awards ceremony.