PUSLINCH — A local hub for Danish culture and cuisine is making a comeback this summer.
The Danish Place, the restaurant at Danish-Canadian club Sunset Villa in Puslinch, will be reopening under a new chef-owner.
The club recently announced Mark Mogensen, the chef and owner of Mono’s Black Birch, will be taking over ownership at the restaurant after it was closed in the fall by the previous owners.
Mogensen’s father is originally from Denmark and he said his family have been going to Sunset Villa for decades.
“First 10 years they were open, my grandparents were members, I have fond memories growing up there,” Mogensen said.
“I'd like it to be successful and I think I can help that by having the restaurant operating.”
Monica Jensen, Sunset Villa board president, said they are excited to bring the restaurant back. While European-Canadian clubs have taken a hit during the pandemic, Jensen said they are financially stable but could use additional membership at the club.
“This drives our membership, this drives our attendance in the park so this is good all around,” Jensen said.
She said the reaction from the Danish community has been ecstatic as they have a place to celebrate their heritage and culture.
Mogensen said he’s happy to be able to celebrate his heritage through sharing food he loves with other people.
“I think everybody’s heritage should be celebrated to whatever degree,” Mogensen said. “I think it can be a successful business, I think it’s an important part of the whole package they have there.”
Jensen said an important aspect is it provides a place for people to go after visiting the urn burial sites at the Mindepark on the Sunset Villa grounds.
“They can have their memorials and stuff like that, maybe have a couple sandwiches to remember their parents because that’s what the Danish Place was used for as well,” Jensen said.
Exact reopening details are still being determined but Jensen said they are aiming to hold a Baker’s Sunday on July 11 before an official date is announced.
