Company History

Tom and Tasker Goodchild have every right to celebrate every anniversary of Edmonton’s first Sawmill restaurant.

While other restaurants have come and gone, the Sawmill has stood the test of time, occupying the lot at 4745 Gateway Blvd since November 1976.

Owned and operated by Tom Goodchild the restaurant has been part of a proud tradition that goes back to 1976 when Tom Goodchild opened the doors to the first Sawmill.

The original 4,800-sq.-ft. building has been expanded five times over the years to give it 12,000 square feet. The restaurant seats 210 people and there’s room for 150 in the lounge.

Tom Goodchild expanded his holdings to seven restaurants in Edmonton and Vancouver, including the Hard Rock Café in both cities.

The Goodchild success story is based on hard work and taking good care of their customers. "There’s nothing that 18 to 20 hours a day, seven days a week won’t fix," says Tom.

Tasker Goodchild displays the same kind of determination. "There are no secrets in this industry- hard work, good food, good service and taking care of the public. People don’t wish to be taken care of any differently now than they were when we opened."

The Sawmill’s well-deserved reputation for quality food has customers lining up for tables, even on weeknights."

"We’ve got Edmonton’s finest and salad and oyster bar," said Tom. There are no other restaurants in the city that offer a salad bar with shrimp and oysters, along with a wide variety of cheeses, all for the price we charge.

Each location has its own distinct character, patrons have been returning to the rustic Southside sawmill for 30 plus years because of its elegant ambience and fine dining.

"If you spend your hard earned money at the Sawmill, we promise you’ll enjoy it."