ABOUT KINISKI'S REEF

      Kiniski's Reef is a casual and comfortable full-service bar and restaurant that caters to customers of every age.  During business hours, you are likely to see both Americans and Canadians, locals and tourists as well as babies to seniors.   

       Kids are welcome. Small kids will enjoy the lawn and sandbox (complete with toys).  Younger and older kids alike may play with toys and games outdoors on the lawn as well as play table tennis, pool, air hockey, skeeball and other arcade fun indoors, weather and supplies permitting.  You can relax while the kids burn off excess energy.

     The proprietor, Nick Kiniski, opened the doors to Kiniski's Reef Tavern in 1988, after co-owning the neighboring Breakers.  Kiniski's Reef is celebrating its 34th year of supporting the local community and tourists.  

      The Reef underwent remodeling during the winter of 2018 and made additional updates during the spring of 2022 to better enhance your experience.  You'll notice the following changes:  restored wood for second dance floor, raised community table with reclaimed wood that seats up to 12, new booths near the front window, modern juke box/karaoke machine and new outdoor furniture.  And, behind the scenes, the entire kitchen was remodeled to improve staff conditions and to enhance the workflow as we've expanded our menu in 2022 to include new dinner-only options. Exciting times!

      Don't head straight to the relaxing and scenic oceanfront patio - check out some authentic and unusual items from the private Kiniski collection of sports memorabilia that's on display inside!  Check out Gene Kiniski's (known as "Canada's Greatest Athlete"), Kelly Kiniski's and Nick Kiniski's photos, press/media articles, belts, trophies, etc.  And, make sure you read the fan and hate mail sent to Gene Kiniski in the 50's and 60's! Back then people didn't hide behind social media as they let their thoughts be known - they included their phone number and home address...  

ABOUT NICK KINISKI

     Nick Kiniski, son of "Canada's Greatest Athlete" and professional wrestler Gene Kiniski, was also a professional wrestler.  When Nick retired from wrestling, he made the decision to become a bar and restaurant owner in Point Roberts, Washington. 
     Today, Nick splits his time between meeting friends, both new and old, at Kiniski's Reef in Point Roberts and following his passion in emergency services on Orcas Island, Washington. 

About Gene Kiniski a/k/a
"Canada's Greatest Athlete"

     On June 9, 2022 Gene Kiniski was inducted into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame for being a Pioneer in Wrestling.  
     In 2019, a book about Nick's father, Gene Kiniski, was published.  The first book signing was at the Reef on Sunday, July 7th, 2019.  Gene Kiniski will be inducted into the Canadian Wrestling Hall of Fame in June 2022.   
     In the meantime, here is the forward he wrote for this book:  "Since childhood, people have asked what it was like to be raised by my father, Gene Kiniski, otherwise known as "Canada's Greatest Athlete."  I told them, and continue to tell them, that this question is difficult for me to answer as he was the only father I had. Looking back, I realize how lucky I was to be his son.  Growing up, I Iived like a celebrity.  My father supported our amateur sports career but did not want his boys to follow his footsteps as professional wrestlers.  Later, I became successful through my own decisions and efforts.  Throughout the 80's and 90's, I owned two of the largest bars in the State of Washington.  I became involved in emergency services many years ago in my local community and that led to becoming a Fire Chief.  Today, I give back by working as a Battalion Chief and Paramedic.  However, nothing has opened more doors in my life than being the son of Gene Kiniski. 
     We've all heard of charisma. Some have it and some don't. My dad had it and, I would say, worked it until the day he passed away.  When I was younger, I recall that he would tease me for buying Mercedes and Corvettes.  He would say that I was so insecure that I needed a fancy car.  I would reply, "Dad, I'm not on tv every week like you..." He was known for telling it like it was and he could read people and situations in an instant.  He had charisma in the ring, during interviews and in the grocery store.  Even as he aged and wasn't necessarily recognized by face or name, he still exuded charisma -- he could say and get away with just about anything!  (Sometimes as I backed away in embarrassment...)   
      From a young age, my brother and I observed my dad chatting it up with anyone, including the reserved and seemingly unattainable people, and could walk into any environment and command the room.  From my perspective, sometimes he was definitely over the top.  However, he was a good father.  Since I was 12, he raised me and my older brother on his own.  The house was always clean, he cooked breakfast and dinner every night (excellent cook!), didn't date much and made sure we weren't partying as teenagers.  Until the age of 18, we had a strict curfew on school nights and weekends.  Also, we had to kiss him goodnight and have a conversation with him every single night (in retrospect, probably to ensure we weren't drinking).
      I am amazed at how much information Steve accumulated about my dad.  When I received his draft, I teasingly stated that he knew my dad better than I did.  It was so great to hear history about my father that I never knew. Had a reminder that we sometimes take things for granted. I had forgotten how much traveling and hard work my dad put into the wrestling business.  Whether sick, injured or beyond exhausted, The Show Must Go On.  He was affectionate and present, and he was also tough.  Never noticed any signs of fear whether in the stadium or out, including competitors, crowds, media, authority figures, mean dogs, etc.  Steve’s book made me realize the sacrifices my father made to provide for his family. To me, he was not only Canada’s Greatest Athlete but World’s Greatest Dad, too.
      Steve, thank you for doing all the research necessary to write this book.  I truly appreciate the time and effort you took to write such a great book.  My father would have approved of it if he were still alive. 
 Sincerely,
Nick Kiniski
 PS -- Readers, I hope you enjoy this book.  If you'd like to check out some memorabilia, take your picture next to a life size cut-out of Gene Kiniski (very popular thing to do, apparently), read some fan mail and hate mail, and/or possibly meet me, visit the family-friendly Kiniski's Reef and Tavern in Pt. Roberts, Washington, visit our website at www.KiniskisReef.com or like us on FaceBook @KiniskisReef."

ABOUT POINT ROBERTS, WA

     Point Roberts, Washington, is a small peninsula located in the United States, accessible by car after entering Canada then entering back into the United States, or by boat or plane from Washington or Canada.  Pt. Roberts is adjacent to Twassessen, Canada and about 40 miles from Vancouver, B.C.