The chef who couldn't leave
Restaurateur's stays in Yk after dream deal evaporates

by Janet Smellie
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 28/97) - It's good news for diners used to the hearty helpings served up to by Dennis and Vivian Squires.

The owners of the Airport Restaurant were all set to jump in their station wagon a few weeks ago for a cross-country trip that would eventually find them back in Newfoundland. But their plans fell apart on the eve of departure.

So they're sticking around.

"We had sold the restaurant, but it turned out the guy didn't have any money," Squires (left) said Thursday.

While the couple had another candidate interested in acquiring the operating licence, they decided to "stay put for another year."

"I guess we're not ready to leave," he said, noting that with five turkeys on the go, the restaurant will continue to offer daily specials and home-made bread, a menu that's definitely a rare offering in most airport diners.

Squires, who made headlines last year when RCMP Insp. Gary Barnes and other friends challenged him to a meatloaf bakeoff (he lost the contest), also said a re-match would be impossible as Barnes has been transferred to Cornerbrook, Nfld.

"He's now in charge of half of Newfoundland -- from Clarenville to Cornerbrook," laughed Squires. "There won't be another contest."

Emmett Crossman, another entry in last year's contest, welcomed the mixed news.

"I wished it had worked out so they could go and enjoy themselves, (but) I'm also personally glad to see them stay. I'm sure the rest of their clientele will agree on that one."