It seems like just about every couple or family in the community has a story to tell about Golf's - whether it be of their anniversary in the dining room alongside the Grand River, their corporate Christmas party in the Golf's Royal Room or their ballroom wedding reception. And now The Ring has a story to tell, too...

At Golf's Steak House & Seafood, the Kanellis family goes far above and beyond any reasonable expectation of service, and almost always at no extra cost to you. From setting up your décor and opening doors for your guests to serving seconds on plated dinners and distributing after-dinner mints and toothpicks, you're treated like family. Your rolls will be served hot, your drinks refilled, your alcohol charged by the ounce (not the bottle), and you'll always have a Kanellis family member present to help you with anything else you need. With a location that backs onto the Grand River and a capacity of up to 300 guests, this restaurant and banquet centre offers the option of hosting your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, riverside photo shoot, cocktail hour and/or reception, all in one great location.

All in the family...

It would be impossible to recount how many recommendations The Ring has received about Golf's Steak House & Seafood. This Kitchener venue is owned and operated entirely by the three brothers and father of the Kanellis family - Gus, George, Tom and Mike respectively. After speaking with Gus and George Kanellis, it's apparent that it's not necessarily the great view from the dining room or the capacity of their banquet rooms that has earned all the credit. It's really this family and the way they treat their customers that has made Golf's what it is for the past thirty years.

As we went through our interview, George occasionally got up to greet dining clients by name and made sure they got the right table. Gus explained everything there was to know about the family business and what a Golf's wedding is really all about. Mike came into the hall to go do some business tasks, and Tom was the only one who had the day off on what the family refers to as 'their slow day' - a Monday that would seat many dining clients for their dinner service.

The Kanellis family all agree that everything they do for their clients will come back to them ten-fold. Up-selling just isn't in their blood. Gus, who has been working at the restaurant since he was thirteen explained, "Our father taught us well. He said if we're good to the restaurant, it'll be good to us... We love our jobs and we take our responsibility very seriously." In fact, on the odd day that a complaint does occur, Gus and George both agreed that neither can get any sleep that night. "You have to realize that this isn't just our job. Our entire family is wrapped up in this business. If one of us fails, we all do. So it matters to us if a client is happy - or unhappy."

Smooth runnings...

Tom, George and Gus know every detail that goes into running the company and serving their clients. Throughout the summer, each of them work just about every day. George grinned while commenting that, "Our wives are very understanding!"

Since they all grew up at Golf's, they've each done every chore and job there is to be done at the restaurant. If a dishwasher breaks, one brother will be on his hands and knees to fix it. If staff is otherwise occupied, another brother could just as easily be the one in white gloves greeting your guests at the door to your wedding reception. The first time we visited Golf's for an interview, Gus was 'in his whites' prepping salads in the kitchen just before an event. The second time we visited, he was in suit and tie - ready to manage. "We don't really have any job titles here. We all do whatever task comes our way, to make the restaurant and events run smoothly."

On the week that we visited, Golf's was hosting eleven events and had served 1600 meals on Father's Day. They told us that an average week in the dining room would mean serving about 3000 people. In any other case, you may think that such large numbers would imply poor service, but the entire Kanellis family works the business each day to make sure it doesn't. So in this case, volume means confidence and experience. They have a low staff turnover rate, and a kitchen crew that has been working together for four years. "That's almost unheard of in this industry," says Gus. "We pay and treat our employees well because we are well aware that there are a lot of other jobs available in the restaurant and service industry."

Golf's has served major corporations, government officials, celebrities, and probably half of your neighbourhood, at one point or another. A repeat customer to this restaurant means that they come once a week or every other week, not a couple of times per year... To say that Golf's has a good reputation around Kitchener-Waterloo, would be an understatement.

A wedding day at Golf's Steak House & Seafood...

Having a wedding event at Golf's Steak House & Seafood means that many of the things you'd normally have to ask or pay extra for, are assumed necessary and taken care of. The Kanellis family and staff will greet your guests at the door with white gloves, put out your centrepieces and help with décor, serve seconds of a plated dinner, call tables of guests to a buffet to keep your reception moving, provide table numbers, an easel and video screen, set up your gift, cake and head tables, cut and serve your cake, serve your tea and coffee and even distribute mints and toothpicks after dinner. If you go late, they won't shut you down, if you need a videographer the day before your wedding, they'll do their best to arrange one for you, and if you're looking to feel taken care of, you're in the right place.

Gus explained their approach best by saying, "We're not a corporation. We don't believe in a big contract and tons of extra charges. If we can physically do it for you, we will. Unless we have to, there's no reason to upset a bride with extra charges for every little service that we provide... We want to give you what you want. This is your special day. We will take care of all of the details."

With a location that backs onto the Grand River, two banquet rooms to choose from, and a total capacity of up to 300 people, you can have your reception at Golf's or your entire wedding day and riverside photo shoot. Everything is an option and flexibility is the rule of thumb. "When the couples see that we are taking care of every little detail, clients automatically feel confident in knowing that the big details must be in good hands, too." The Kanellis family would rather surprise their clients with special treatment that they'll always remember. And it's this approach that completely explains how Golf's has earned their stellar reputation.

Golf's Steakhouse & Seafood has also earned the title of an 'Eat Smart' restaurant. No small feat in itself, this means that Golf's has met the extensive requirements necessary to be considered an award-winning restaurant that promotes healthy living in your community by meeting exceptional standards in food safety, 100% non-smoking seating and healthier food choices. The Eat Smart program is a partnership between your local Public Health Unit, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario and the Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division).

No package required

Golf's didn't actually have wedding packages to show us, per say. That said, there are lots of meal ideas on their banquet menu brochures that range from roast top sirloin or chicken cordon bleu entrees to deep fried mushrooms or shrimp cocktail hors d'oeuvres. Menus and services are made-to-order for each individual company or couple that visit. At Golf's, you will most likely sit down with a Kanellis (or two) to talk about what you envision for the day of your wedding - from your own personal taste and preference for serving style to where you want your aisle runner and chairs set-up. Menus are served up in plated, country-style, or buffet-style. Cocktail hours are always a popular option. The bar can be run by host, cash, toonie, or tickets, you just can't bring in your own alcohol. The biggest difference with Golf's bar service is that they charge by the ounce... rather than by each bottle opened, which can save you a ton of money. You can bring in your own wine, and Golf's will sere it for you at a lower corkage fee than many venues. The $8 corkage fee means that Golf's will provide the glass, chill the wine, serve, and collect the money for you. It only takes a sit-down meeting with Golf's to discuss and receive an accurate quote on your wedding.

Catering prices are as easy to love as the service. Gus and George estimated catering costs at $28 to $32 in most cases with menus that are made-to-order for the bride and groom. When you meet with one of the Kanellis men to discuss the possibility of having your wedding with them, you will be able to describe what you’re looking for, go through your options, and get a full quota on the spot, everything included, with no extras. The only thing you'll need to add to your quote are regular taxes and 10% gratuities.

Dining possibilities...

The Ballroom at Golf's boasts all the traditional features that you look for in a reception location including a big dance floor, mirrors throughout the space, a podium with microphone, space for up to 300 guests and a grand lobby entrance with a chandelier. Decorated in neutral pastels and beiges to complement any colour theme, all the details make the difference in this ballroom including glass fixtures, mood lighting and a choice of fifteen different colours of linens. There is plenty of room for the cake table, head table, buffet table and any other special displays you may have - all of which Golf's will set-up for you. The Ballroom rental fee is $200.

The Royal Room is somewhat smaller, ideal for 120 to 130 for seated dinner, or 150 to 160 for a set-up without special set-ups such as a head table, which takes up more room. The Royal Room rental fee is $100.

The Dining Room or restaurant section of Golf's sees about 3000 people in an average week. With consistent numbers like that, it takes a dedicated team to keep things working like clockwork. The entire Kanellis family contributes to make Golf's place where people can enjoy a meal and an experience. You can make a reservation to dine at Golf's, or they also take walk-ins when there is space available. There are amazing views overlooking the Grand River outside the wall of windows and the glass and wood décor are great for ambiance while dining, or perfect as a backdrop for photo shoots.

Golf's gets a new look

Brides are already in love with the renovations that Golf's recently completed to their banquet rooms... This family-run wedding locale just keeps getting better.

Details: Both halls renovated in soft colours. More updates include new carpets, new hardwood dance floor, new chairs, new ceilings and new washrooms.

Featured menus

Country-Style Menu | Choice of Two Main Dishes: roast top sirloin of beef with gravy & horseradish; breaded schnitzel with Spanish rice; roast spring chicken; charbroiled breast of chicken; old-fashioned ham roast; prime rib of beef au jus with horseradish; chicken cordon bleu; chicken kiev with white wine mushroom sauce; narrow baby back ribs with BBQ sauce; roast Ontario turkey with dressing & cranberry sauce; boneless leg of lamb with mint sauce; rolled stuffed ribs

Country-Style Menu Includes: garden salad with choice of dressing; choice of potato; choice of vegetable; fresh baked dinner rolls served with butter; dessert, coffee, rea and milk
Accompanied by choice of: oven roasted potato, mashed potato, Parisienne potato, fried Rice
Choice of: garden mixed vegetables, baby carrots, green beans almondine, corn niblets, broccoli or cauliflower au gratin, whole baby corn

Late Buffet | The late buffet is offered from 10:30 pm to 12:30 pm.
Sliced Cold Meats: sliced turkey with cranberry sauce; sliced ham; sliced assorted salami; sliced seasoned roast sirloin; sliced bologna; Polish sausage; or summer sausage pastrami
Hot Selection (from the dinner buffet menu)
Appetizers: chef's garden salad with choice of dressing; Caesar salad; assorted salads; relish tray; vegetables with dip tray
Dessert: fresh fruit tray; cheese and cracker tray; assorted cakes or pies; English trifle; rice pudding; jello; fruit tarts; mousse; éclairs; squares; coffee, tea

Details, details, details

• Golf's requires $500 to be paid before your event to reserve the date, and you are invoiced for the balance with 30 day terms (completely unheard of in the business, but so fantastic!).
• Golf's can not only handle your wedding day celebrations but also the rehearsal party the night before, and Sunday brunch the morning after ($15 per person).
• George says that they invite all inquiries about availability and they will accommodate you if possible, however 12 to 18 months notice is best for your choice of dates.
• Golf's offers decreased rates for Friday and Sunday weddings, and they even waive the room rental fee in some cases.

In other words...

"George, Gus and to anyone who was involved in our reception, thank you so much! It was perfect! The food was wonderful and everyone working was so nice to everyone. We couldn’t have had a nicer wedding reception." - Rick & Tammy Delwo

"We just wanted to thank you for helping to make our wedding reception so special. The food was excellent and so was the service of your staff. We appreciate all your hard work." - Sheil Martin & Andy Airdrie

"…I don’t ever remember having such great service, doors being opened for us, attention to detail being offered unlimited rolls, the mints and toothpicks. The meal was also exceptionally tasty as well as being a nice sized portion… I look forward to returning to Golf’s… " - Trudy Koebel

"Thank you so much for your excellent service and for the delicious meal served to our wedding guests. Your professionalism made this special day most memorable." - Jackie Ritter (Mother of the Bride)

"… We enjoyed the evening tremendously, and a good time was had by all without exception or incident. We’d especially like to thank Gus and all your excellent staff for a job well done. Along with your personal visit, it was nice to see professionals who still take the word ‘service’ seriously. We look forward to dining at your restaurant again soon, and are sure that you will enjoy some returns from our equally satisfied guests." - Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Haughey

"... I don’t often write letters to restaurants, but felt in this case it was necessary! Our entire table of 8 had a FABULOUS time. The food was amazing, as it always is at Golf’s. The servicing staff you had working on Saturday were absolutely wonderful. They were very thorough, quick, and made sure we had more than enough to eat and drink. The room was beautiful too, but my main purpose for writing this letter is to congratulate your staff on being so hospitable. Thank you for your great service." - Becky Rahn