New Winnipeg restaurant making headlines before it even opens
Posted November 9, 2026 7:11 pm.
Miss Christine‘s Kitchen plans to ban children under 15 from dining inside. It’s a decision that’s sparked debate over whether restaurants should be able to go adults-only and where businesses ‘rights end and families’ rights begin.
“I don’t see the big deal. I don’t see the stink,” said owner Christine Pattison. She says the whole situation came from a social media post where she announced that she would be welcoming guests 15 and up when her new dining room opens.
Pattison has served her food from a variety of different venues over the years and she says her existing customer base have been looking for a child-free experience.
“I figure, since my customers have been riding with me and they’ve been complaining for years, I’ve decided I’m going to create this space specifically for them,” she explained.
Pattison says she chose 15 years old because she has seen teens that age behave maturely.
“Back at the Chalet Hotel, I had families come in with kids and the 15-year-olds would be the one restraining the younger ones from running around and the parents would be on their phones,” she explained.
Pattison says she has reached out directly to the Manitoba Human Rights Commission (MHRC) to see if she is in her right to have an age limit, but has not heard back. CityNews reached out to the MHRC, but also did not hear back.
But Pattison says the controversy has actually been a sort of blessing.
“I would like to thank you for trying to destroy my business, because you just brought me a whole slew of brand-new customers that are so happy. You made me sell my food out two days in a row. Thank you, my dear.”
Pattison says that for the time being she will continue to welcome people 15 years old and up.
“I’m not going to change my mind until I’ve heard back from the human rights and they specifically say to me that you are,” said Pattison.
