About Us

People always ask us; What’s so special about Haugens?

Besides the fact that we have been around for over 70 years… and are legendary with hundreds of thousands of families and travelers all over Ontario and Canada. In a word, we do everything we can, TO DO IT RIGHT!!! Our rotisseries run “low and slow” all day long to keep our chickens moist and fresh. We only use the best pork back ribs that are slow cooked to tender “fall of the bone” perfection and basted with our tangy rib sauce. We cut our own fries and bake our own pies. Our staff is second to none. Many have been with us for decades and they know how to do it right!!! If you are looking for an old fashioned celebration of food we are the place for you!!!

Haugen’s is no ordinary restaurant! It's so much more!

This is evident the first time you drive by and see the packed parking lot or the back field full of classic cars. Haugen’s has been around since 1953 and over the years has become a tradition with thousands of families and travelers. A trip to the cottage or to see relatives just isn’t complete, without a stop for chicken and ribs. Haugen’s was established by the late Mr. Ivan Haugen in 1953. The original location was in the Town of Port Perry. By 1955 Mr. Haugen had moved to our present location and began building the reputation that we enjoy today.

For the 1969 season the restaurant was sold to Tom & Kay Nicolaou and Chris & Angela Tzountzouris. After the first year of operating the restaurant Tom and Chris decided to expand. They knocked out a wall and added more seats. They would continue small expansion efforts like this until 1976 when the entire building was torn down.

That year the restaurant that you see today was built; well over 8,000 square feet and about 350 seats.

Since Tom and Chris retired in 1987 the business has remained in the family

Today it is in the hands of Chris’ sons, Steve and John (“The Next Generation”) who have continued to work hard to uphold the Quality and Service that Haugen’s is famous for.