The Barn Yard Patio and Pub menu includes, clockwise from top left, The Big Kentucky, Buffalo Chicken Mac n Cheese, Colossal Chicken Wings (with buffalo sauce), Chicken Strips and Fries, The Barn Yard Burger, and The Canadian Perogies. Barn Yard Patio and Pub is located at 554 Norfolk St. North, Simcoe.
What’s for Dinner Norfolk County
By Ian Milmine
When someone asks me for a recommendation for a local spot with ice-cold, locally brewed craft beers on tap, generous portions of delicious comfort food, and a lively atmosphere, my answer is always the same: Barn Yard Patio and Pub, and Forkin’ Perogy.
Daniel Eynon, the visionary behind the establishment, has deep roots in Norfolk County. His journey began at a young age working for his parents at the British Baked Goods shop in downtown Simcoe. Opening in 1989 in Hamilton, his parents moved it to Simcoe in 1999 when they purchased Nicholi’s Bakery on Robinsons Street where it still exists today. It was in this environment that Daniel developed his passion for food and an appreciation for the hard work required to run a successful small business.
After dedicating years to his family’s bakery, Daniel considered taking over the business but ultimately pursued higher education at Fanshawe College, earning a degree in Business Marketing from 2012-2014. Stepping away from the food industry, he explored roles in business management, working for Scotlynn Commodities and the Bank of Montreal from 2013-2016. However, his passion for food and entrepreneurship never waned.
In early 2016, Daniel set out on his first endeavour and opened his first venture, blending Amsterdam café culture and with high-quality Starbuck calibre drinks. He aimed to offer a unique experience, hopping on the chance to capitalize on the legalization of marijuana in Canada, creating a concept that would one day serve infused baked goods once legalization was passed (legalized in August 2018). He utilized his skills as a baker that he learned from working for his parents. While the concept was innovative, it lacked the stability Daniel was seeking.
Daniel then moved out west to British Columbia in 2017, determined to refine his craft and gain more experience. He started working for a friend before seizing an opportunity to manage a food and beverage trailer at Mount Seymour Resort in North Vancouver. A disastrous snowstorm destroyed the trailer, but the resort recognized his talent and didn’t want to lose it. He was moved to the resort where he managed the cafeteria and catering.
In four short weeks Dan quickly excelled, becoming the food and beverage manager with a staff of 75 under his leadership. Witnessing the love of perogies out west and how popular they were, Dan developed his own recipe. Armed with all the knowledge and experience he gained over the years, he moved back to Ontario in mid-2018 with a clear vision in mind.
He named his first modest food trailer Forkin’ Perogy in 2018 and did four shows starting in August - the Ottawa Capital Fair, then Lindsay Fair, then the Caledonia fair, ending with the Norfolk County Fair right here in Simcoe with overwhelming positive response.
That’s when he knew he found what he was looking for and started building his reputation in Norfolk. Quickly gaining popularity, Forkin’ Perogy grew into multiple units from a trailer to a food truck and a bus. Yes, that’s right, there is a Forkin’ Perogy bus. Great for catering and large events (519-420-0041).
Dan has been travelling everywhere from Windsor to Ottawa doing events and shows, building on his own momentum.
He finally opened the Barn Yard Patio and Pub at 554 Norfolk St. North, in Simcoe in 2022, solidifying his place in the local food scene.
Having dined at The Barn Yard multiple times, I can confidently say that both the food and service are consistently outstanding. Daniel works closely with his kitchen team, encouraging creative input to craft new menu items and improve existing dishes. When you see a special or a menu change, you can be sure that it has been thoughtfully developed and perfected by his dedicated team.
Whether you’re looking for a place to gather with friends and family, enjoy a hearty meal, sip on a locally crafted beer, or even play a game of outdoor volleyball, and more, The Barn Yard Patio and Pub is the perfect destination. It has quickly become a go-to hangout, with exciting announcements on the horizon.
Be sure to follow them on Facebook to stay updated on upcoming events and specials - you won’t want to miss out!
Ian Milmine is the Facebook administrator for What’s For Dinner Norfolk County. To share your feedback on his monthly Norfolk column - or ask him questions – email Ian at imilmine@hotmail.com
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