Community News

Longtime local business owner Lewis Donahue retires

Lewis Donahue pictured with his grandson Christopher Sturgeon and daughter Wendy Sturgeon. Archived photo.

Blackville businessman Lewis Donahue has retired after more than thirty years as owner of Trio Pizza.

Donahue’s daughter Wendy Sturgeon says that her father has always been the backbone of the local eatery, “It seems like yesterday that I came to him with my dream of being in the restaurant business and dad being dad said yes it was a great idea. He has always been behind me in anything I have ever wanted to do.”

Lewis purchased a building on November 26, 1990 and bought the Trio Pizza franchise. As the business grew, so did the menu which eventually included fish and chips and other fried foods, burgers, ice cream, poutine as well as their signature pizza and garlic fingers. The little takeout later expanded to include two dining rooms.

Lewis instilled a strong sense of family in his business, with almost all of his family working at the restaurant at one time or another. Sturgeon says that her father taught her and their entire family the importance of working for a days pay and to be respectful and kind to staff and the community, “We have had the honor of employing all his grandchildren throughout their teenage years and most through their college years. What an honor that has been.”

Wendy and her son Christopher will continue to manage the restaurant.

Congratulations Lewis on your retirement and thank you for your years of dedication to your restaurant and community.

Miramichi River Valley

Miramichi River Valley

The Rural Community of Miramichi River Valley is governed by an elected council made up of a mayor and six councillors.

8 Comments

  1. Les McLaughlin Les McLaughlin on January 30, 2021 at 6:41 pm

    Congratulations Lewis.

  2. Avatar Jim Muck on January 30, 2021 at 7:53 pm

    Congratulations Lewis and I hope you enjoy your well deserved retirement. You have established a great business and set a fine example for Wendy and the gang to carry on for many more years. I wish you good health and happiness moving forward in this next stage of your life. A life long friend-Jim Muck

  3. Avatar HJ Dunnett on January 30, 2021 at 9:46 pm

    Congratulations Lewis. I know you will find something to keep you busy. Keep healthy and enjoy.

  4. Avatar Mike Mills on January 30, 2021 at 9:46 pm

    Enjoy your retirement Lewis

  5. Avatar Joanne Hodgson on January 30, 2021 at 9:47 pm

    Congratulations 🎉 enjoy your retirement and I know you will keep busy 💕

  6. Avatar Hayd N Phyl Corney on January 30, 2021 at 9:47 pm

    Congratulations Lewis. You can slow down now if you know how, lol.

  7. Avatar David Donahue on January 30, 2021 at 9:48 pm

    Congrats Louis on a very successful business venture and your retirement. You have passed the torch to good hands.

  8. Avatar Dale MCNEILL on January 31, 2021 at 8:08 pm

    Congratulations Lewis on a job well done! Always enjoyed the food and great service there! Dale and Gwen

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