Vincent Dennis Celebrates 10 Years of Culinary Success in West St. Paul

WEST ST. PAUL — This month marks a significant milestone for Vincent Dennis, who opened his Caribbean restaurant, Tropical Thunder, inside the West St. Paul Curling Club ten years ago. Initially taking over a basic canteen that served soft drinks and hot dogs, Dennis transformed it into a popular dining destination known for its authentic Jamaican cuisine.

Originally from Clarendon, Jamaica, Dennis immigrated to Winnipeg with his mother when he was just seven years old. He recalls the harsh winter of his arrival in mid-December, describing it as a “complete culture shock.” He remembers stepping off the plane and walking across the tarmac in temperatures that felt like “minus-40.” Despite the challenges of adapting to a new environment, he quickly developed a passion for cooking, often preparing meals for his family as a child.

A Culinary Journey

Before establishing Tropical Thunder, Dennis gained extensive experience in the food industry. He began working at Olive Garden in the mid-1980s, eventually transferring to a location in Toronto at the age of 17. After stints at other restaurants, he returned to Winnipeg, where he balanced a Jamaican food truck and a landscaping business. His love for cooking remained strong, leading him to revisit his childhood dream of owning a restaurant.

In 2013, Dennis took a leap of faith. He approached the West St. Paul Curling Club, which was seeking someone to revamp its food service. Initially, he started with a menu featuring burgers and fries but soon proposed adding traditional Jamaican dishes. Despite initial skepticism from club management, Dennis persevered, and demand for his unique offerings surged. Today, around 50 percent of his customers have no ties to the curling club.

With a menu that includes jerk chicken, island shrimp, and oxtail, Dennis has expanded his culinary repertoire to include fusion dishes like jerk-chicken poutine and jerk-chicken quesadillas. His creative approach has not only attracted local patrons but also drawn customers from neighboring communities, including Steinbach and Dominion City, primarily through word of mouth.

Building Community Through Food

Tropical Thunder has become a community hub, even contributing to increased membership at the curling club. Dennis shares that many new members have joined after enjoying a meal during bonspiels, a testament to the restaurant’s growing reputation. The club features seating for nearly 140 guests across two levels, providing ample space for diners to enjoy meals while watching the curling matches.

In addition to serving a diverse menu, Dennis participated in Le Burger Week this year, showcasing his multi-patty Rockabessa burger. Named in honor of his daughter Essence, the burger was a standout item during the event, further solidifying Dennis’s place in the local culinary scene.

As for his involvement in curling, Dennis remains light-hearted. “I watch some of the guys release the stone and they look sexy as hell,” he says with a smile. “But whenever I’ve given it a shot, I’m slip-sliding all over the place. I’m much better off parked in front of a stove, where at least I know what I’m doing.”

Tropical Thunder is open from 16:00 to 21:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 12:00 to 21:00 on Fridays. The restaurant also offers breakfast on Saturday mornings, providing a welcoming atmosphere for both curling enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

As Vincent Dennis celebrates a decade of culinary success, his journey from a young immigrant to a beloved local restaurateur illustrates the profound impact of food on community and culture.