New owners restore historic King Edward Tavern at Big Texas location

A historic Fort Erie landmark is changing hands, with new owners restoring the former Big Texas restaurant to its original name, the King Edward Tavern.

The tavern first opened below the King Edward Hotel on the Niagara Parkway in 1905. The new ownership group from Port Colborne and beyond says it wants to reconnect the space to its historic roots while creating a gathering place for food, sports and community.

Aaron Schieve, along with business partners Christopher Davis and Julian Reneud, took over the restaurant in September.

“The plan is to renovate, spruce it up, and recreate the boutique gem the King Edward Hotel used to be at the turn of the century. And create a place that’s nice for people to come and have something to eat,” Schieve told Fort Erie Radio.

The new owners are planning a soft opening through the fall and winter, with a full closure for major renovations following the Super Bowl in February. A grand reopening is scheduled for spring.

Longtime cook Dessa Mrkalj, known by locals as “Mama,” has worked at the restaurant for more than a decade. She is continuing in the kitchen while showing the new owners the ropes.

“She’s been super helpful, I don’t know if I could do it without her,” said Schieve.

The owners hope the tavern will serve as a hub for sports fans and families, while also drawing visitors passing along the Niagara Parkway. Plans include authentic Mexican dishes, mocktails for cyclists and walkers, and bus trips to Buffalo Bills games.

“I know what a really good taco is supposed to taste like,” he said.

On the sports side, the partners want to make the tavern an official Bills Backers bar, giving fans from Toronto and Hamilton a jump-off point on their way to Highmark Stadium. Bus trips to games and support for local teams are also part of the plan.

“I want to be the jump point for everybody that’s coming from Toronto and Hamilton to Orchard Park for the Bills games,” said Schieve.

The building itself carries a deep history. According to records from Fort Erie Public Library, the hotel was built in 1905 opposite the ferry landing and once described as one of the finest hotels between Fort Erie and Niagara Falls.

Schieve said the group wants to honour that legacy.

“We’re traditional people…and we’re just trying to open that conversation of hey, is this a cool place to go and hang out,” he said.

The tavern will stay open most weekends this fall with karaoke Fridays and a fish fry featuring seafood platters and pan fried fish.

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