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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
The opening of Xih Shetsetih has given Fort Simpson residents and visitors a new option for eating out during the summer months.

Darlene Sibbeston, a Fort Simpson resident, opened the snack shack in the village on June 12.

Reflecting the type of food that she serves, the business's name means One Eats Quickly in Dene Zhatie.

The snack shack can be found open nightly from 6 p.m. to 9 or 10 p.m. in front of the Roman Catholic Church on the village's main street. There is often a number of vehicles parked by the trailer as people place their food orders.

"The reception has been very good," Sibbeston said.

June 15 was the first Friday that Xih Shetsetih was open.

"It was chaos," she said. "It was non-stop for literally three hours."

The chicken pesto panini and the chicken caesar wrap have been best sellers.

The items, along with the ham and brie panini, are not usual snack shack fare, but Sibbeston said she kept her own palate in mind while designing the menu.

"I didn't want straight deep-fried food, I wanted other things," she said.

Sibbeston has no previous background in running restaurants or short-order cooking. Her primary experience comes from cooking at home although she and her co-worker, Cheryl Sibbeston, have done catering together in the past.

With little room inside the fully equipped kitchen trailer, Darlene and Cheryl have developed a routine to avoid bumping into each other.

Darlene said the Chip Shack's success wouldn't have been possible without the support from her family. She plans to remain open until the end of September before closing for the winter.

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