Leask Bids Farewell to Cafe Owners

by Norma Galambos and Diane Harris

Kai and Janet Wong, owner-operators of the Leask Cafeteria, have sold the business and are retiring to Saskatoon.

Kai and Janet purchased the cafeteria in late 1990 and moved from Saskatoon to Leask with their sons. Andy was two at the time, and Jason was only two-months-old.

On January 1, 1991, they opened their doors, serving the community of Leask and the surrounding area for almost thirty years.

Business people and visitors often stopped at the cafe to enjoy Chinese or Canadian meals. Coffee row at Kai and Janet’s was a place for people to gather to discuss current events and share their stories.

They were referred to as “The Wongs” or simply “Kai and Janet,” everyone knew them. Customers always received a smile and a warm greeting. They also supported community events throughout the years.

Kai and Janet prepared Sunday smorgs and catered parties. They worked long hours, often seven days a week, while raising their boys. The cafe building also served as their home, and Andy and Jason helped serve the patrons.

Andy and Jason participated in school and community activities, playing hockey, softball, and golf. They both graduated from Leask Community School. Jason is now a chemical engineer in Red Deer, Alberta and Andy is in Kingston, Ontario, completing his fourth year of a five-year residency to become a neurologist.

Although their business hours didn’t afford Janet and Kai with much free time, they loved cheering the boys on at the rink or the ball field. If the boys caught a ride to an away game with another family, Kai and Janet would repay the favour with fries and drinks at the cafe. A couple of Andy and Jason’s teammates have declared that the Leask Cafeteria made the best cheeseburgers.

Welcome to the new cafe owners, Leo Jiang, his wife, Jennie Li and their six-year-old son, Andy.

Good luck to Kai and Janet as they enter the next phase of their lives.

Leo Jiang and his wife, Jennie Li with their son, Andy, Janet and Kai Wong

___________________

Thank You

We wish to thank everyone in the communities of Leask, Muskeg Lake, and Mistawasis for your wonderful support over the years. We are grateful that our sons grew up in such a warm and caring community and will cherish the memories of our years in Leask.

Kai and Janet Wong, Leask Cafeteria