Yellowknife (May 24/06) - Creating a welcome atmosphere at any restaurant takes time, but the new operators at the Wildcat Cafe feel they have already established that.

"There is a real homey atmosphere here," said co-operator Brad Morrissey.

Brad Morrissey, the new co-operator at the Wildcat Cafe, gets ready to open the doors to customers in Old Town. Morrissey hopes to provide quality dining, great music and a relaxed atmosphere at one of Yellowknife's oldest buildings. - David Ryan/NNSL photo

Morrissey and Kris Johnson have teamed up to lease the establishment from the City of Yellowknife for the summer months.

"We want the Wildcat to be a great place to have a reasonably-priced meal from a diverse menu," said Morrissey.

The cafe will feature dishes ranging from homemade butternut squash ravioli, to a variety of caribou dishes.

"Our chicken and pasta dishes will run between $16 and $23 dollars," said Morrissey.

He worked as a server at the cafe for the past three years and hopes to see a mixed clientele, ranging from tourists to long-time Yellowknifers.

Morrissey encourages people who don't know each other to sit together and strike up a conversation at one of the wooden dining tables.

"One of our goals is to get our staff involved with the clientele," he said.

The cafe will have three full-time chefs, with a total staff of 15 part- and full-time workers.

Morrissey said he's proud to keep the tradition going in one of Yellowknife's oldest buildings.

"We want to help educate tourists and Yellowknifers about the Wildcat's interesting history," adds Johnson, who will take on the management part of operation. Morrissey will provide the know-how in the kitchen.

The Wildcat Cafe expects to continue its popular Friday night jam nights, and a weekend brunch will also be available.