Frosty's enjoying favourable response
Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services
Inuvik (Jan 12/01) - People have reacted favourably to a newly opened pub here.
Manager Anna Mae Fairley explained part of the reason may be that Frosty's Arctic Pub was designed to help patrons relax.
"We wanted to make it more like a home base, so people can feel like it's their living room," Fairley said.
She said a wide range of clientele, from the unemployed to government and oil workers, have stopped by. Fairley said those who don't drink alcohol are encouraged to drop in, and noted that there is no charge for coffee or pop.
The pub also features live entertainment. Six days of the week Tyrone Weekes performs from 5-9 p.m. and John Proctor performs from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
"By having a live entertainer it gives the place atmosphere," Fairley said. "If you want to listen to them you can, or if you want to have a conversation you can."
She noted that carvings and artifacts representing many cultures scattered along the walls also contribute to the atmosphere.
Fairley came to Inuvik to manage Frosty's, which opened Nov. 19. She has managed, and owned, bars for 30 years. Bob Fontaine owns Frosty's along with Andre Ouellet.
"Bob came to see me and said they were building a bar and knew absolutely nothing about it. He needed to hire somebody that knew what they were doing and asked if I would be interested."
Fairley said she was here about 15 years ago when she filled in as manager at a bar while a friend went on vacation.
She said that for the past 15 years she's always given her customers a free meal over the holidays to thank them for their patronage. She did so at Frosty's on Boxing Day, and again on New Year's Day.
