Bubba's has been part of Kingston's culinary scene for more than 40 years, opening in 1982. For Dimitri Doulas, whose father, George, started the business, it's as much a home as it is a restaurant.

Growing up at Bubba's, Dimitri saw firsthand how the business has changed and evolved into the Kingston staple it is now.

"As I got older, that's when I started to realize that this is part of the Kingston fabric," he said, "It makes you want to show up and keep going. I think it's part of why we've stayed so long.”

When I asked what hasn't changed about Bubba's over the years, he answered easily, "Family. It's a family-run business. We're not complicated. It's day to day, show up, try this, try that, and just do the best we can."

That approach has made it possible for Bubba's to evolve without ever losing what people love about it. It's reliable, it's good quality, and it always tastes amazing!

Bubba's is best known in Kingston for its amazing pizzas and legendary poutine.

"When we first started making poutine, it started just Quebec and Italian style. Now it's grown into a whole category of its own," Dimitri explained.

And in my opinion, it is the best poutine in Kingston. The fries are always hot and crispy, the gravy is so good I could probably drink a cup of it, and it has just the right amount of curds for the perfect cheese pull. With so many flavour options from spicy buffalo chicken to Greek-style, pulled pork, and the classic Quebec, even a certified poutine hater could find one to love.

The pizza is great for enjoying a slice on your own or sharing a large one with friends. The toppings are fresh, the sauce is rich, and the dough has that perfect mix of chewy and crispy. For me, their pepperoni is a standout, but the vast assortment of toppings means you can have it just the way you like it.

But don't get it twisted! Bubba's is much more than poutine and pizza. The menu has changed over the years and continues to evolve, with burgers, salads, wraps, chicken fingers, subs and more, all made fresh, with gravies and sauces prepared daily. You can dine in, take out, or get it delivered.

By responding to their customers' cravings and always sticking to what works and tastes best, they've built something people want to come back to.

The magic of Bubba's is in the food and the people making it.

I asked Dimitri what he thinks keeps people returning, "The history, the quality, the consistency and us. The people, the staff. You know you can come in, and we remember your name, remember your order, and give a really personal experience."

I have to agree. For me, getting to know the regular lunch crew, Dimitri, his mother Mary, and longtime staff member Josh, over the years, is part of what makes visiting feel special. Knowing the people who serve your food makes it taste better. It just does.

When it comes to how they've maintained their consistency and quality over four decades, the answer is simple:

"It's just showing up every day. That's it. Just show up every day and try to improve."