The Happy Cooker Celebrates 50 Years in the Village
Alexis Vlassis, The Happy Cooker, 2023
We recently sat down with Alexis Vlassie, longtime owner of The Happy Cooker, to chat about the rich history of this beloved Osborne Village institution.
How did The Happy Cooker come to be, and what inspired you to open it in Osborne Village?
Growing up, my family owned The Chocolate Shop on Portage Ave- my whole life, I always knew I wanted to have a business of my own. In 1973, when the opportunity arose to open a new store in the bustling bohemian community of Osborne Village below where my grandparents had lived, I knew it was the perfect fit.
How did you come up with the name "The Happy Cooker"?
The name was inspired by a popular book from the early 1970s called "The Happy Hooker," exploring sexuality, written by Xaviera Hollander. I wanted a name that captured the eclectic vibes of the neighborhood, and "The Happy Cooker" seemed like the perfect fit.
Alexis Vlassis, The Happy Cooker, 1979 | Photo Credit: Winnipeg Window Shopper
In 1999, a devastating fire struck the Village, resulting in the destruction The Happy Cooker, Metropolis, and Divine Decadence. How did the community respond?
Despite the tragic incident, I never entertained the idea of walking away. Rebuilding was the only option for us. Our employee Susan played a pivotal role in supporting and spearheading the rebuilding efforts. In late 1999, an opportunity arose for us to move into a new space. We took a couple of months to rebuild our stock, and we reopened in January 1999. The community rallied behind us, providing immense support.
Can you share some favourite moments from the last fifty years?
After 50 years, we now have generations of customers—grandmothers who came to The Happy Cooker in the '70s and '80s are now returning to purchase gifts for their children and grandchildren. Baking and cooking are very sentimental, we’re delighted to have been a part of that tradition for generations of families.
How do you envision the next fifty years for Osborne Village?
I hope that over the next 50 years, Osborne Village continues to build and grow to support a strong local neighbourhood economy. The people are our greatest asset of the neighbourhood- we need to ensure that we are creating an environment that invites people to explore, shop, and seek advice from local shopkeepers, like The Happy Cooker. The continued success of Osborne Village is dependent on our ability to create an inviting neighbourhood to connect and explore.
Happy birthday, Happy Cooker! Thank you for 50 years in Osborne Village. The Happy Cooker is located at 464 Stradbrook Ave.