International pub opens here

It had been their dream when they we just 18 years old, and now Pat Gartshore and Dan Onichuk have turned that fantasy into a reality by opening Gartch’s International Pub here.
“It wasn’t in the cards then, but we’re not getting any younger so we decided to go for it,” chuckled Gartshore, who is the owner of the establishment while Onichuk takes the reins as general manager.
Located at 298 Scott St. (on the corner of Scott Street and Portage Avenue), Onichuk noted they had a lot of renovations to do to the interior of the building, but that they are pleased with how it turned out.
“It gives a welcome atmosphere and people have said they really like the decor,” he remarked.
“It’s a place where you can talk to your friends and you are able to hear them,” Gartshore added.
Although they haven’t had their official opening (that likely will take place this weekend), the duo stressed things are off to a great start.
“We don’t have the full kitchen up and running, so the menu is small right now, but we’re adding a couple of items every week,” Onichuk noted.
Currently they are offering items such as salads, wraps, toasted subs, sandwiches, and soup. And like any pub, they have on hand a range of wine, liquor, coolers, as well as domestic, premium, and imported beer.
“The food is an important part of it,” stressed Gartshore, noting some bars only serve potato chips. “And we serve food right until closing.”
They also hope to incorporate a varied menu and cater to every ethnic group, especially on their national holidays.
“That way, after a year, we will have built up an inventory from every country,” Onichuk explained.
“We’re trying to be different. We’re trying to provide something that wasn’t here before,” he added. “We just want to have a place where everyone melds and a place to visit with friends.
“There won’t be any loud music or dancing.”
But they do hope to strike up a calendar of events, which would cater mostly to small crowds. Entertainment such as an open mic night, comedians, or musicians are being considered.
Besides the small pub, Gartshore and Onichuk have been discussing plans for the rest of the building, possibly including a dining room or banquet area, a lounge area in the basement, and roof-top patio.
“It all depends,” Gartshore said, conceding those plans are likely a couple of years down the road.
Gartch’s International Pub is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m.-midnight and until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
“It’s a demanding job, but fun,” Onichuk enthused. “We just want to welcome people to check out our friendly little corner of the world.”