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ACHO DENE KOE/FORT LIARD - When it comes to fast food John Gonet knows what makes mouths water in Fort Liard.

"Fort Liard loves cheeseburgers and fries. That's the number one seller," Gonet said.

John Gonet serves up an order of poutine, a dish that's gaining popularity in Fort Liard, at his business, Sister's Takeout. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

He caters to these tastes at Sister's Takeout, a chip stand located in the front yard of his house on Diamond Willow Drive in the hamlet. This is the second season Gonet has run the business.

He opened the stand last July and kept regular hours until September when he closed it briefly to go on the fall hunt. Gonet said he realized how popular the food had become when he returned and had lots of people asking if he was reopening.

To keep out the fall chill, Gonet covered most of his takeout window with plywood leaving only a small window to serve food through. He continued serving up his takeout menu until late October.

Back in Sister's, a 128-square-foot trailer, for another season, Gonet said he wouldn't have it any other way.

"It's great," he said.

He said he enjoys interacting with his customers and meets lots of people.

"I've got a lot of new little friends," he said referring to the hamlet's children, some of whom are regulars at Sister's.

From the takeout window Gonet said he can also watch the comings and goings of the residents of Fort Liard.

Running a takeout stand is a considerable career change for Gonet. He spent 25 years working at the Fort Liard airport, first as a maintainer and then as the highways foreman for Beaver Enterprises Ltd.

Although he misses the guys he worked with, Gonet said he's doesn't mind the change.

"I enjoy cooking," he said.

Before opening the business Gonet's only real culinary experience came from cooking at home and often being designated cook while out in the bush. Despite his lack of formal training, Gonet thinks he's doing OK.

"I've never heard anyone say we make a bad burger," he said.

Burgers are something Gonet makes a lot of. His menu includes chicken burgers, plain burgers, cheeseburgers, monster burgers and buffalo burgers. The biggest of the lot, and the largest item on the menu, is the monster burger.

"It's big," he said.

The burger includes two patties, one with mozzarella and one with cheddar cheese, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, onions and mayo. The only way to make it bigger is to order the monster buffalo burger.

So far only two people have been brave or hungry enough to order the monster buffalo burger and both were so full afterwards they said they were ready for a nap, Gonet said.

Business at Sister's varies daily. On June 3 three students were the extent of the lunch hour crowd while other times there's a line of people waiting to be served.

Around the supper hour is usually Sister's busiest time.

"There's a lot of people especially on the hot days," Gonet said.