George French had a vision — a vision that became reality in 1920 and has remained an important part of Orillia ever since.
This year, French’s Stand is celebrating its 100th season.
French negotiated a lease with the Canadian National Railway 100 years ago, allowing him to open the refreshment stand adjacent to where the railroad was at the time.
“The logic behind it was the rail workers could have a place to get a hot lunch,” explained Tim French, George’s grandson. “There was nothing else like it in this area.”
It worked. French’s Stand became a popular spot with the rail workers, who were able to get a quick bite before heading on their way.
While the railway is no longer there, the eatery has remained a hit with both locals and tourists.
“It started out as convenience and then it became a family tradition for people,” French said. “We often hear people say, ‘It’s not summer until we’ve had an ice cream or a milkshake from French’s.’”
While the menu has gradually expanded and the kitchen has been upgraded over the years, little else has changed about the stand on Centennial Drive, steps away from Lake Couchiching.
“The outside of the building is basically how it was,” French said, referring to the ketchup-red and mustard-yellow colour scheme as well as the countertop and Orange Crush sign that have been there since Day 1. “You kind of stay with the times, but to a certain degree. We still make hand-scooped milkshakes, and people predominantly come here for milkshakes and French fries.”
While the hotdogs have always been popular, the shakes and fries remain the top sellers. On Canada Day earlier this month, French’s sold 400 orders of fries and 81 milkshakes.
Among its patrons over the years were well-known locals such as Gordon Lightfoot, Brian Orser and Stephen Leacock.
Leacock, who summered in Orillia, would make the walk from his Old Brewery Bay cottage to French’s to have tea with George. Former NHLer Darryl Sittler also used to frequent the stand, coming into town from his cottage on Eight Mile Point in Oro-Medonte.
“It’s hard to have spent any time in Orillia and not have come to French’s. It’s a destination for people,” French said.
He’s hoping it remains a destination, regardless of what happens with Orillia’s waterfront redevelopment.
The city’s plan calls for a realignment of Centennial Drive, but moving the structure is not an option, French said, noting it was not built in a way that would allow it to be safely relocated.
He is, however, heartened to see “a little yellow square” on all of the drawings for the waterfront redevelopment.
The French family has tried to secure heritage designation for the site on more than one occasion, but the city has yet to approve it.
“The reason they didn’t want to designate it is the redevelopment of the waterfront. Orillia prides itself on its history, and this may be the oldest hotdog stand in Canada,” French said. “I don’t think anyone wants to get rid of us; I just don’t think they want to have that level of commitment that a designation would bring.”
Whatever happens, he wants to see the business continue to thrive under the family’s management. That’s what his son, Pierson French, intends to do as the fourth generation of his family to be involved with the operation.
“You have to keep it going. It’s our reputation,” said Pierson, 21, who started working at the stand at the age of 10, when he would restock and clean up around the place.
Pierson has memories of visiting the stand as a kid and enjoying Orange Crush and some black cherry ice cream. Now that he’s managing the business, he wants to ensure its legacy continues. A big part of that legacy is the staff. All of them are students, in either secondary or post-secondary school. The family prides itself on providing job opportunities to students.
The Frenches describe their staff as an “extended family” — an apt term, according to Madison Rynard.
“It’s a really good job and it’s nice that we’re all around the same age,” said Rynard, who used to boat to Couchiching Beach Park with her family and eat at French’s Stand.
French’s Stand is planning to celebrate its 100th season later this summer. There will be special deals and giveaways, and T-shirts commemorating the milestone will be for sale. A public gathering is in the works for sometime in August, but details about that celebration have not yet been confirmed.
French’s Stand is typically open from the Victoria Day weekend in May until the Labour Day weekend in September, though sometimes it stays open longer if the nice weather persists.
It is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
