Displaced chip stand owners determined to save business — thank 'amazing' supporters

MATTAWA, Ont. — As is the custom in Mattawa, the community is banding together in support of a local family business facing turbulent times.

After 76 years in business on Main Street in Mattawa, the owners of Turcotte's Chip Stand have learned their business space no longer meets the fire code and they will be unable to operate from those premises this summer.

Since news of the Turcottes' plight hit social media channels this weekend, the family has received an outpouring of support — from their tight-knit Mattawa "chip stand family" to testimonials about their high-quality french fries from faithful decades-long customers to Mattawa residents who live abroad and are lending words of encouragement.

The Turcottes posted, "We don't even know what to say, we are lost for words with the outpour of support you have all been showing. We send you all so much gratitude! You guys are truly what the definition of a small-town family is!"

And, sometime over the weekend, a sign of support was affixed to the chip stand (see photo gallery above).

"We are just so emotional and humbled by the endless messages, calls and stories being shared and efforts being offered.

"We have had so many people reaching out even from different countries and this love and support is why we have the passion we do to keep this tradition living on!"

On behalf of husband Dan and their son Dali, Tamra Turcotte tells BayToday, "The issue is the location we're in is not big enough to house a new chip stand. So we would have to switch. We can not use the current shack, we are looking for a new one right now, but with lockdown and everything it hasn't been easy."

From the weekend, "We have been informed the chip stand does not meet the new fire code regulation," reads the original Facebook post, as "the 1944 chip stand structure is too short in height for the required equipment to be installed. Trust us, we have tried all possible options — it just can't happen."

Even with a change of venue appearing to be necessary because of the lack of overhead space, the Turcottes remain committed to the multi-generational Mattawa mainstay.

"We would love to stay close to our current location if any way possible and we will be hearing from our town council tonight — hopefully, with some ideas and options in town for a new location."

Another supporter of the Turcottes started a fundraising campaign. With no clear idea of how much they might need to raise to solve the problem, it started with a goal of $10,000 and surpassed $2,500 Monday morning.

The Turcottes note the fundraiser was "completely arranged by an amazing community. We have not shared or posted it as we are still so taken back by the offering of our community and just feel terrible to ask ourselves for financial help.... but we are so thankful and completely humbled by the support."

Rest assured, "We are working around the clock to get something going! We wanna eat poutine too! say the Turcottes. "We will be looking forward to hearing from the Mayor and Town about what options," are available.

And, still buzzing from the love from the people of Mattawa and beyond, they say, "It's just so amazing."