In the heart of downtown Kitchener, a unique restaurant named odd duck | wine & provisions now lives but actually emerged three years ago. What started as a mere thought during the COVID lockdown transformed into a remarkable social enterprise, captivating the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Today, we delve into the inspiring journey of odd duck, where sustainability, community support, and a passion for food and wine converge to create an exceptional dining experience in Kitchener.
The Birth of odd duck
The idea for odd duck began with a simple question from co-owner Wes Klassen’s friend, “You’ve got to do your own thing.” Fueled by the lockdown and the desire to reimagine the restaurant experience, Wes, along with his best friend and chef, Jon Rennie, and business partner Rob, set out to rewrite the playbook of their dream restaurant.
Sustainability in All Aspects
Sustainability lies at the core of odd duck’s ethos, permeating every aspect of its operations. Through collaborations with small, independent, and sustainability-focused producers, they source fresh ingredients from micro farms, women-led, queer-led, and Black-led ventures, supporting traditionally underrepresented groups in the agricultural and winemaking industries.
Directly connecting with producers allows odd duck to insulate against price surges, while Jon Rennie’s whole animal butchery skills further contribute to a more sustainable model by utilizing every part of the ingredients they procure.
Caring for People Beyond the Plate
In their quest for a healthier and more equitable work environment, odd duck opted to become a no-tip restaurant, embracing the Ontario Living Wage Network certification. By separating themselves from the problematic tipping culture, they address issues like wage insecurity, racism, misogyny, and customer abuse. Instead, gratuities go towards designated organizations, fostering a culture of respect and care for their staff.
Celebrating the Little Things
odd duck seeks to enrich the dining experience by celebrating the often-overlooked aspects of life that are, in fact, the most important. Through their sustainable practices, community-driven approach, and passion for food and wine, they have crafted a haven where patrons can immerse themselves in a truly exceptional culinary journey.
odd duck | wine & provisions, stands as a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and community support. From its humble beginnings as a lockdown idea to becoming a thriving restaurant with a sustainability-focused ethos, odd duck’s story exemplifies the potential that lies within every dream. So, the next time you find yourself in Kitchener, be sure to experience the magic of odd duck, a place where food, wine, and the spirit of community intertwine in perfect harmony. With odd duck being a quick 10 min walk from our Viva community, we know we will be there often!
odd Duck | wine & provisions
93 Ontario St. S., Kitchener
519-570-9463
Facebook: @oddduckwandp
Instagram: @oddduckwandp
TikTok: @oddduckwp
Bottle Shop: Tuesday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Dine in: Wednesday to Saturday: 5 to 10 p.m.
Reservations