MOOSE JAW — The Paddy Wagon, a popular Regina-based eatery known for its Smash Burgers and vibrant atmosphere, is expanding its culinary footprint to Moose Jaw.
The establishment announced the acquisition of the former Cornerstone Bar & Grill earlier in January with plans to open its doors to the public next month.
The new restaurant is set to open on Friday, Feb. 14, and the first 100 customers will receive a promotional free Smash Burger to mark the occasion.
“So, a gentleman approached me here not too long ago about creating a partnership. He’s opening a country music bar in Moose Jaw on Main Street and he’s a retired police officer,” said Kyle Forrest, owner of The Paddy Wagon restaurant.
Larry Baker is the former police officer and he plans to open his own country music establishment at the venue called “The Cornerstone Country Music Bar” — tying back to the former “Cornerstone Bar & Pub” location.
“I just thought it would be a really good idea so we decided to join together and bring Smash Burgers and country music to the good people of Moose Jaw,” Forrest added.
Established in Regina, The Paddy Wagon has built a loyal following because of its diverse menu and community-centric approach to business. Operating from its location at 348 Broad Street, the restaurant offers a variety of signature dishes including the Shawshank Cheesesteak and the Smash and Grab Burger — both of which have received high praise from customers.
The decision to expand into Moose Jaw aligns with the company’s vision of bringing its unique dining experience to a broader audience and Forrest is no stranger to the area.
“I’ve had my eyes on Moose Jaw for a while,” he said. “I grew up around this area, and Saskatchewan has been my home since day one. We’re doing so well here in Regina that we thought, ‘Why not give Moose Jaw a shot?’”
Forrest has also worked alongside Taco Time Moose Jaw’s owner, Johnny Beam, for several years in the food truck industry.
“He (Beam) called me and he’s like, ‘Moose Jaw would love to have you. I think your Smash Burgers would be a perfect fit,’” Forrest said, noting that both business owners share a lot of the same ideas — especially when it comes to community involvement.
Forrest and Baker already plan to bring some “pretty big shows” to the city and the two entrepreneurs are considering some meaningful ways to get involved with the mental health scene in Moose Jaw.
The former Cornerstone Bar & Grill presents an ideal location for this venue as it’s situated in the heart of downtown Moose Jaw, which is an ideal spot for the new restaurant to get established and integrate into the local community.
The expansion isn’t just a business move, but also marks an ongoing commitment to community engagement. The Paddy Wagon has a history of supporting local events and initiatives in Regina, and there’s an expectation that this community-focused approach will continue in Moose Jaw.
As well, the new restaurant is expected to bring its original range of menu options — but with the addition of “an elevated bar menu” and “Moose Jaw’s hottest wing.”
The new location will also carry on the company’s traditional burger challenge, where customers who can finish an 11-patty burger, half pound of fries, and a large Coke within half an hour receive a free meal and a sweater.
“We’re super excited to come to Moose Jaw and bring one of the Prairie’s original Smash Burgers there,” Forrest concluded.
Once launched, The Paddy Wagon will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. six days of the week excluding Sundays, and on Friday and Saturday nights it will remain open until 2 a.m.
For more information call 1-306-543-8603 or visit ThePaddyWagonQR.com.
The former Cornerstone Bar & Grill is located at 8 Main Street North.
