THE RIVERVIEW LODGE

Company Overview

THE RIVERVIEW LODGE is a premier restaurant and hotel establishment located in Dryden, Ontario, Canada, situated along the scenic Wabigoon River. The company operates as Riverview Lodge Limited, offering luxury accommodations and fine dining experiences to both travelers and locals in the region. With a rich heritage spanning nearly a century, the lodge has established itself as a distinguished destination for elegant dining and comfortable lodging in Northern Ontario.

History

THE RIVERVIEW LODGE boasts a remarkable history dating back to 1910 when the original structure was built as the residence for the Dryden Paper Mill manager, E. Bonsfield. The property features distinctive architectural elements including rustic vertical timbers, oak floors, and brick fireplaces in the main dining area that reflect its historical significance.

In 1977, the lodge was acquired by two entrepreneurial couples—Barry and Suzanne Scherban, along with Jordon Railian and Susan Durance—who transformed the then-dilapidated boarding house with shared washrooms into the elegant establishment it is today. Over the past three decades, the owners have invested approximately one million dollars in renovations and improvements, bringing the property up to modern building standards while preserving its historic charm.

The lodge has become an integral part of Dryden's community, hosting countless significant events including anniversaries, weddings, banquets, retirement parties, press conferences, and visiting dignitaries. Many guests have celebrated milestone anniversaries at the lodge, with some having been married there decades earlier.

Management and Ownership

THE RIVERVIEW LODGE is owned and operated by two dedicated couples who have formed a successful partnership spanning over 30 years:

• Barry and Suzanne Scherban
• Jordon Railian and Susan Durance

The management team operates with a well-defined division of responsibilities:

• Barry Scherban oversees the kitchen operations and is renowned for his prime rib specialty
• Jordon Railian handles promotional and administrative duties
• Suzanne Scherban and Susan Durance manage all other aspects including waiting tables, tending bar, hiring staff, and coordinating banquets and meetings

This collaborative management approach has been instrumental in building the lodge's stellar reputation and maintaining its high standards of service and quality.

Accommodations

THE RIVERVIEW LODGE offers three distinct categories of luxury accommodations, each designed to provide comfort and elegance:

Executive Rooms

• Spacious accommodations featuring two queen beds
• Separate workspace for business travelers
• Rate: $170 (excluding taxes)

Deluxe Rooms

• One king-sized bed with pullout couch
• Full bathroom equipped with Jacuzzi tub
• Located in the original historic log buildings
• Rate: $185 (excluding taxes)

Deluxe Suite

• The lodge's premier accommodation option
• King-sized bed in a separate private room
• Large living area with fireplace
• Breakfast nook offering scenic river views
• Full bathroom with Jacuzzi tub
• Rate: $270 (excluding taxes)

All accommodations are designed to provide guests with a blend of modern amenities and historic charm, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.

Dining and Menus

THE RIVERVIEW LODGE is renowned for its exceptional dining experiences, offering three distinct menu services throughout the day:

Lunch Menu (Monday-Saturday, 11am-2pm)

The lunch menu features an extensive selection including:

• Salads and Soups: Southwest Chicken Salad, Caesar Salad, Greek Salad, Spinach Salad, French Onion Soup
• Burgers: RVL Burger, Bison Burger (locally raised), Veggie Burger, BBQ Bacon & Blue Burger
• Lunch Features: Various sandwiches including Blue Cheese Lover, Buffalo Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Cordon Bleu, RVL Chicken Club, Reuben, Beef Dip, RVL Philly, RVL Steak Sandwich
• Crispy Bites: Chicken Fingers, Walleye (shore lunch style), Shrimp Bites
• Sides: Basket of Fries, Poutine

Lounge Menu (Monday-Saturday, 2pm-9pm)

Casual dining options in a relaxed atmosphere.

Dining Room Menu (Monday-Saturday, 5:30pm-8pm)

Elegant fine dining experience with reservations required.

The lodge is particularly famous for its prime rib specialty and has built a stellar word-of-mouth reputation for elegant dining over three decades. Daily specials are offered Monday through Saturday from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Projects and Developments

Over the years, THE RIVERVIEW LODGE has undertaken several significant development projects:

• Property Renovation: Comprehensive renovation of guest rooms and common areas to meet modern building standards
• Patio Lounge Construction: Addition of a patio lounge offering scenic river views
• Historic Preservation: Careful preservation of original architectural features including vertical timbers, oak floors, and brick fireplaces
• Modern Amenities: Integration of contemporary facilities while maintaining the property's historic character

Subsidiaries and Products

THE RIVERVIEW LODGE has expanded beyond its core hospitality services with the development of a specialty food product:

Hagen's Salad Dressing

• A house oil and vinegar dressing originally sold years ago in Red Eagle gift stores across northwestern Ontario
• Successfully revived by the current owners
• Now distributed across Canada and into the United States
• Represents a successful diversification of the business beyond traditional hospitality services

Partners and Notable Relationships

THE RIVERVIEW LODGE has established itself as a preferred venue for distinguished guests and notable figures:

Notable Guests

The lodge has hosted numerous prominent political figures and dignitaries, including:

• Stephen Harper (Former Prime Minister of Canada)
• Paul Martin (Former Prime Minister of Canada)
• Stephane Dion (Former Leader of the Opposition)
• Adrienne Clarkson (Former Governor General of Canada)
• Lincoln Alexander (Former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario)

Community Partnerships

The lodge maintains strong ties with the Dryden community and regularly hosts:

• Local celebrations and events
• Business meetings and conferences
• Wedding receptions and anniversary celebrations
• Retirement parties and banquets

Corporate Information

• Legal Name: Riverview Lodge Limited, The
• Year Founded: 1977 (current ownership)
• Original Construction: 1910
• Status: Private Corporation
• Employees: Approximately 50 staff members
• Primary Industry: Hotels and Resorts
• Secondary Industry: Restaurants and Bars
• Address: 148 Earl Ave, Dryden, Ontario P8N 1Y1, Canada
• Website: www.theriverviewlodge.com

Summary Overview

THE RIVERVIEW LODGE stands as a testament to successful entrepreneurship and historic preservation in Northern Ontario. For over three decades, under the dedicated ownership of two entrepreneurial couples, the lodge has transformed from a rundown boarding house into a premier destination for luxury accommodations and fine dining. The property's rich history, dating back to 1910, combined with modern amenities and exceptional service, has created a unique establishment that appeals to both travelers and locals alike.

The lodge's success is built on a foundation of quality cuisine, comfortable accommodations, and outstanding hospitality. Its ability to host distinguished guests while maintaining strong community connections demonstrates its versatility and importance in the region. With its strategic location along the Wabigoon River, commitment to excellence, and expansion into product development with Hagen's Salad Dressing, THE RIVERVIEW LODGE continues to be a vital and thriving business in Dryden's hospitality sector.

As the owners look toward the future and consider new ownership, THE RIVERVIEW LODGE remains poised to continue its legacy of providing exceptional hospitality experiences while preserving its significant place in Northern Ontario's history and community life.