High River's Dining Car restaurant under new ownership after Premier Smith sale

The Dining Car at High River Station is under new ownership after Premier Danielle Smith and her family sold the iconic restaurant to Dan and Connie LeBlanc of Okotoks.

Dan LeBlanc, who spent his youth working in tourism and customer service before moving into the corporate world, said he wanted to return to those roots. "After spending my youth and my teenage years in tourism and supporting that and customer service, I just wanted to get back to those roots, to feel good and vibrant again," he explained. His wife Connie brings recent food industry experience, balancing his passion for history with hands-on culinary knowledge.

Dan said he was initially uncertain about purchasing a restaurant from the province's premier, but appreciated their approach to the sale. "They weren't just going to sell to anybody. They wanted to make sure that whoever they were selling to had the future interests in mind," he said.

The couple has already made changes to enhance the guest experience. After taking over, Dan asked team members what menu items they wanted to add—the blueberry burger was an immediate yes and has proven popular with guests from around the world. The newest addition is a Wagyu burger made with 100 per cent Canadian ingredients. "I want things to be very Canadian made, very Canadian produced, or at least Canadian touched," Dan said.

Dan and Connie have also introduced dinner service on Friday and Saturday, with plans to eventually expand to more nights. Their goal is to ensure diners feel welcomed aboard the 1947 Canadian National railcar, retired in the 1980s. "Whether you're coming in with your top hat and tails or your cowboy hat and boots, everybody's welcome," Dan said.