Hoito Restaurant, Thunder Bay, ON

Neil grew up in Fort William/Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay) ON, and has great memories of riding on his bike to pick up bread at the Kivela Finnish Bakery and the family going for meals at the Hoito Restaurant/Finlandia Club, 314 Bay Street, Thunder Bay.

We recently learned that the Hoito Restaurant is being featured on the Food Network's "You Gotta Eat Here" program and has been noted as one of the top ethnic restaurants in North America.

The Hoito celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2010.  Thunder Bay at one time had the largest population of Finns outside of Finland, drawn by the forestry and mining industries.  The Hoito Restaurant is in the basement of the Finlandia Hall, and features Finnish style food.  It is famous for its Finnish pancakes, of course.

Finnish Pancakes from the Hoito

According to the souvenir placemat which of course Neil saved from our last visit there years ago, the Hoito Restaurant originated with Finnish bushworkers at a camp near Nipigon.  These single guys had no trouble finding accommodation in the town, but couldn't find a decent meal at a good price.

So they held a meeting, raised money in small loans from prospective customers and commenced operations at the current location.  The restaurant has hearty food in large portions, low prices.  Originally diners ate at large communal tables accommodating up to 12 people.

Here are some pictures from the souvenir placemat: