SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The owners of the Bayside Bed and Breakfast in Old Town are getting ready to open a restaurant for more than just their lodgers.

Owners John, left, and Debbie Doody are anxiously anticipating tomorrow's grand opening of Old Town's newest cafe, The Dancing Moose. - Kevin Allerston/NNSL Photo

After three years of planning, Debbie and her husband John Doody will celebrate the grand opening of the Dancing Moose Cafe tomorrow.

"It's been an ordeal. We had two years of renovations... and we spent a number with too many zeros to do this," said John.

As for the name, John wasn't huge on it, but decided it wasn't a hill to die on.

"Her sister and her sister's husband came up with the name, and it was an 'ah hah!' moment for them, but not for me ... but hey, a rose by any other name smells as sweet," said John. "It's kind of an eclectic Old Town name, so why not?"

Debbie said there was already a cafe in the building when they took it over.

"It didn't have as much, it wasn't a full kitchen, so we are going to be offering more," said Debbie.

For John, expanding into a full cafe was a logical decision.

"With Mary's Tea Room here before, we looked at the kitchen and decided to optimize the space, and including a cafe seemed logical."

When it opens this Saturday the cafe will serve breakfast with standard fare like pancakes, eggs Benedict and a wide variety of omelettes, while lunch will include western staples like French fries, wraps, burgers and chicken meals. Later in the day, guests can enjoy afternoon coffee and tea.

"Then this summer we will be expanding into the evening, and we are looking to get a (liquor) licence. It won't be like a bar or anything, but beer or wine with the meal," said Debbie.

With the cafe right on the bay on McDonald Dr., the couple is also looking at the possibility of having seating space outside. Currently the cafe can fit 30 people.

The two will operate the cafe together, with Debbie taking the lead managing role, along with three other employees to help in the kitchen and with serving. The cafe is considered a separate business than the bed and breakfast, but lodgers will be enjoying their morning meals in the cafe's space.

When asked if they how they feel about the Wildcat being closed this summer, the Doodys were coy, but admit that it could be good for their business.

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