Sidney’s food scene just got a tasty new addition.
Located at 2373 Beacon Avenue, Fry Guy’s Bistro is the creation of Frank and Rory, two friends who decided to bring their love of comfort food and old-school flavour to the Saanich Peninsula.
Before landing here, Frank worked as a process engineer with a serious passion for food, and Rory was a chef who loves art, architecture, and, above all, fries.
The pair ran a restaurant together back in southwestern Ontario before Frank and his family made the move west. Rory and the restaurant concept followed close behind.
Rory’s inspiration came from years of trying fries that just didn’t cut it — literally.
“So many places use frozen fries,” he said.
“I wanted to bring back the taste of real, hand-cut potatoes.”
That’s exactly what Fry Guy’s is built around. No frozen bags here, every fry is cut fresh each day, cooked to perfection, and served with heart.
Finding the right spot wasn’t easy. It took close to a year to track down a location that fit what they had in mind. When they finally did, a fire hit the building during construction.
But thanks to some determined work and support from the landlord and community, things got back on track quickly. Now, the place is up and running, and the fry baskets haven’t stopped sizzling since.
Step inside and you’ll find a relaxed, throwback vibe, more 1950s jazz club than fast-food joint. They even encourage guests to bring their own vinyl records to play while they eat.
The decor, the music, and the pace all fit right in with Sidney’s seaside charm, and that’s exactly what Frank loved about the town when he first visited.
The menu leans heavily on nostalgia such as fish and chips, poutines, burgers, and the early fan favourite, apple fritters.
If you haven’t tried one yet, imagine slices of real apple dipped in a creamy milk-and-butter batter, fried golden, and tossed in cinnamon sugar. The recipe comes straight from an Amish family in St. Jacobs, Ontario, where people line up down the street for them.
“They’re something you don’t see around here,” said Rory. “They’re simple, fresh, and people love them.”
Most of their produce is sourced through local distributors, and the owners say several Vancouver Island apple growers have already reached out about supplying fruit for the fritters.
In just their first week, Fry Guy’s has already built a small army of regulars, many drawn in by the vintage look, and staying for the food.
“Hearing people say how good everything tastes… that makes it all worth it,” said Frank.
The team’s focus now is to keep refining the menu and build Fry Guy’s into a true community hangout. They’re also hoping to take part in local events and maybe add a few new creations over time.
“Right now, we just want to make sure every plate that leaves the kitchen makes someone happy,” Rory said.
You can drop by Fry Guy’s Bistro at 2373 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, or take a peek at the menu online.
