About Us

I was born and raised in Alliston, my home just a couple of blocks away from Coops. I spent my childhood and adolescence exploring and growing in this beautiful, charming small town and it became ingrained in my being that this place is my home.

My dream of owning my own restaurant was cultivated while I studied at Georgian college in Barrie. I knew I had what it takes to create something special that I could share with the people around me, but alas, life taught me something that college never could; dreams don’t come free and easy.

After spreading my wings and exploring my options, I moved to Edmonton, got married and became a mother. My career dreams took a back seat to my personal ones as I began the journey of raising three wonderful children. When my son was less than a year old, my life journey took me back to Alliston, back to my home. It was in Alliston that I would truly be challenged and it was in Alliston that I would learn the strength to overcome anything.
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After becoming a mother to two more wonderful children I was left to navigate the world as a single mother of three. I was blessed to have a career I enjoyed at the iconic Loretto Tavern. I worked under the Dedels family, with my twin sister and friends and enjoyed the company of so many regular guests that it was like a second home to me.

As I watched my children grow, I grew too. Eventually, as people do, the Dedels retired and sold their business and I was left with a major question: “Where will I go from here?” My children had left to explore the world and that dream, pushed back and down for so long nudged me and poked at me and finally stood up in front me and said “I’m here and you are ready for me!” In 2010 CW Coops was for sale and that pesky dream that had been following me around for years finally came to fruition when we snapped it up and decided to make it our own.

Jumping in head first, we had no time to test the waters and again life reminded me that dreams do not come easy and they certainly don’t come free. But it turns out that when you put your whole heart into something you love, you win much more often than you lose.

Over the last six years I have put my heart and soul into every inch of this restaurant and the town that I grew up in, the town that I love, the town that made me who I am, supported and nurtured me every step of the way. This room is filled with all beautiful things that I want to share with all of you. From the specially selected antiques, to the Springsteen posters, to the car desk and the art work, I hope that everyone that walks in the doors can find something they love amongst the things that I love.
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Most importantly I offer you an opportunity to explore a menu that is full of fresh ingredients, home cooked specials, amazing hand pressed burgers and of course, chicken wings. All of our menu items have been chosen to delight and nourish and I encourage you to try them all out.

Our new branding is a symbol of all that I am and all that you, my valued guests are. 

Welcome to “The Coop Foodairy and Public House.

Welcome home Alliston.

Sandra Lambie
Owner