In any given year, more than 100,000 jet setters pass through the Greater Sudbury Airport, which, years later, is still rebounding from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The March Break, which happens to coincide with the publication of this story, is one of the peak periods where travelling trends upwards.
And of course, globetrotters get hungry too, which is why the Fly Sudbury Café and Restaurant offers a full-service menu at the airport.
Ranjodh Singh and Lakhvir Singh Maan manage the restaurant, giving the menu a fusion of Indian, Mexican and Canadian favourites.
“We know Canadian and Indian food well, but wanted to include Mexican dishes because we love Mexican food ourselves, like quesadillas,” Singh said. “Plus a lot of our travellers are heading to those destinations and crave the food.”
The restaurant opened under new management in June 2023 after it was shuttered during the pandemic.
Now, customers can get anything from Indian street food like the samosa chaat, along with
butter chicken, Canadian burgers and breakfasts as well as Mexican style burritos, tacos and crunch wraps.
Ranjodh said he really enjoys the breakfast options like homestyle fries, sausage, bacon or egg and cheese on an English muffin. He samples that food everyday he’s there.
Singh came to Canada from Ludhiana, the most populous city in the Indian state of Punjab, in 2013 to attend Cambrian College’s business accounting program. Singh also owns Popular Pizza, located on Cedar Street in the downtown core.
His partner, Lakhvir Singh Maan, was unavailable to meet as he is currently in India attending his brother’s wedding. Singh said the two owners recently obtained a liquor license for the airport restaurant and the goal is to eventually offer cocktails.
Currently, Air Canada and Porter offer three regularly scheduled flights per day out of Sudbury, with WestJet being added soon.
“There are many families and business people who stop in to eat because they are travelling,” Singh said. “But we are seeing many people and families coming to the airport to eat, have a glass of wine and simply enjoy the view.
“We recently had a group of retired miners reunite at the airport for dinner. They shared stories about their years in the Nickel Rim South Mine and enjoyed the view for a few hours while dining.”
Fly Café and Restaurant hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Hours at the café are extended when flights are delayed.
Anastasia Rioux is a writer in Greater Sudbury. Let’s Eat! is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.