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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The owner of Fuego International Restaurant plans to shake things up on 50 Street - with the installation of a split-level deck in front of his restaurant.

Kaven Paradis said the deck, which he has been planning since opening his restaurant late last summer, will be ready by the middle of June. The outdoor patio will accommodate around 24 people.

Kasteel Konstruction owner Trevor Kasteel, left, and Fuego International Restaurant owner Kaven Paradis stand at the entrance of Fuego, which will be home to a split-level deck this summer. - Guy Quenneville/NNSL photo

"People have been telling me they've always wanted to have a deck - a real deck where you can enjoy a meal in the sun," said Paradis. "Before the street was very calm."

Along with the patio, Paradis is also planning to open a new establishment on the second floor above Fuego, which will house an additional 76 patrons. It will operate under a new name and lead onto the outdoor seating area.

When it comes to the hush-hush menu, Paradis has only one rule, which he voiced with a great deal of passion: "Nothing fried!"

Besides that, Paradis is keeping details behind the expansion very quiet.

"I think the best way for (diners) to experience something is to find out for themselves," he said.

Kasteel Konstruction started building the deck on Monday, with work expected to wrap up in two weeks, said owner Trevor Kasteel.

His company was also busy prepping the interior of the second floor room, with S.L. Painting, DT Electric and Capital City Carpets doing subcontract work.

"It's going to be something unique in the downtown because there isn't anything like it right now," said Kasteel, adding he admires Paradis' drive. "Not many people would do that, especially with the economy."

Wayne Guy of Guy Architects designed the deck.

"When Kaven and I brought the concept to Wayne to do the drawings, Wayne was just rubbing his hands in glee," said Kasteel.

Guy said Kaven's project brought back memories of the terraces and patios lining the streets of downtown Montreal (his former home) - something sorely lacking in Yellowknife.

"It needs more activity on the street, and not just an internalized street like in a mall," said Guy. "This was a wonderful opportunity to set the standard for what outdoor spaces can be like in Yellowknife.

"Hopefully we'll (see) other establishments follow suit."