11/10/2025
A New Chapter for Bistro Dansk
A Final Message from Paul, Pam, and the Bistro Dansk Family
To our beloved customers, friends, and extended family,
It’s hard to believe we’re writing these words - the kind that close the final chapter of a book we never quite imagined ending.
Over the past few months, since the Winnipeg Free Press shared our story, we have been blessed with an outpouring of love that left us completely humbled. So many of you reached out - with memories, laughter, tears, and above all, gratitude. And now, it is our turn to say thank you - and to share some beautiful news.
After more than 36 years of ownership, and over 40 years of Bistro Dansk living within our family, we are proud to share that the time has come for us to step back and pass the torch. While this decision has been one of the hardest of our lives, it has also become one of the most hopeful - because we’ve found someone to carry on what we’ve built.
We are overjoyed to introduce Chef Grant, the new owner of Bistro Dansk.
From the moment we met him, we knew he shared the same passion and respect for this little restaurant that has meant everything to us. Chef Grant understands that Bistro Dansk is more than a menu - it’s a memory. A place where generations have gathered to celebrate life’s highs, find comfort during its lows, and share everyday meals filled with warmth, laughter, and connection.
While this moment is bittersweet, we feel an incredible sense of peace knowing that the Bistro is in caring and capable hands - someone who will honour its legacy while bringing his own energy and vision to the table. Just as we once took the reins and built upon a dream, now it’s his turn - and we know he will continue to serve you, the Winnipeg community, with pride and love.
This transition isn’t just about retirement - it’s about making space for moments we’ve missed. It’s time for us to be parents first, and now grandparents most of all. We look forward to bedtime stories, holidays unhurried, and simply being present - something this beautiful, demanding journey rarely allowed us to do.
We want to thank each of you - for your trust, for your loyalty, and for letting us be part of your lives. Over the decades, we’ve celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, proposals, baby showers, first dates, and final goodbyes with you. You’ve brought your families to our tables, and in turn, became family to us. What a gift it has been.
We also want to recognize and thank our children - who were raised in this restaurant, who worked by our side, and who made this truly a family business in every sense of the word. And to our daughter, Carley, who helped manage and grow Bistro Dansk for the past 17 years - your strength, dedication, and heart are woven into every corner of this place.
To those who may be wondering - this is not a farewell to Bistro Dansk, just a farewell from us.
We will remain in the background for a little while, helping with the transition and ensuring everything flows smoothly - but you’ll soon see new faces, familiar flavours, and perhaps a few fresh touches, as Chef Grant begins his chapter. Without your unwavering support, Bistro Dansk would not have become what it has, and it is our parting wish, that in true Winnipeg fashion, you all will continue to support the Bistro Dansk legacy and in turn Chef Grant and his team in the weeks, months and years ahead!
What will never change is the heart behind it all: a place that feels like home.
From the bottom of our hearts…
Thank you.
Thank you for walking through our doors.
Thank you for every shared laugh and quiet conversation.
Thank you for allowing us to live out our dream, one plate at a time.
We will carry these memories with us always.
With endless gratitude and love,
Paul & Pam Vocadlo
And the entire Bistro Dansk Family
