Sunset Bay Resort was purchased by the owner of Pink Cadillacs restaurants in Saskatoon. (Sunset Bay Resort/Facebook)

By Teena Monteleone

New summer spot

Saskatoon restaurateur bringing 50’s diner vibe to Emma Lake this summer

May 6, 2025 | 4:00 PM

It’s a new vision featuring a vintage vibe.

Lawrence and Sonnia Minshull opened Sunset Bay Resort in 1986 but recently announced a change in ownership of the four- season family destination nestled in the heart of the Boreal Forest at Emma Lake.

In a post on their social media page, they wrote, “As we turn this page, we hope you will continue showing your incredible support to Pink Cadillacs, who share a new vision and fresh energy for Sunset Bay Resort. We are excited for them, for our community, and for what the future holds.”

That future includes a renovated restaurant with a 50’s and 60’s Rock n’ Roll diner atmosphere thanks to new owner Jon Tyson. His Pink Cadillacs restaurants in Saskatoon take customers back in time with their decor and nostalgia of the golden area while they serve classic milkshakes alongside their burgers, hotdogs and other traditional menu items for breakfast, lunch and supper.

“We make all of our food from scratch. So, our burgers, buns, everything…it’s all homemade,” said Tyson. “We’ve been around since 2014. We have two locations in Saskatoon and it’s a fun atmosphere. That’s what we’re going for…something fun and down to earth.”

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Owning a lake-side restaurant and resort is something Tyson has always wanted to do. He referenced the movie Dirty Dancing as inspiration for living that lake lifestyle with a soundtrack influenced by 50’s and 60’s pop tunes.

“Who wouldn’t want to live at the lake all summer?” he said. “I thought what a great place to put a Pink Cadillacs and have a malt right there on the beach. It’s got cabins and a little motel, so it’s the perfect place for a small wedding or anniversary…family reunions – that kind of stuff. So, it’s just got tons of potential, you know.”

A customer photo from the interior of Pink Cadillacs in Saskatoon displays the vintage 50’s and 60’s vibe coming to Emma Lake. (Photo: Tripadvisor.ca)

Sunset Bay has the only commercial marina on Emma Lake. Tyson said the docks are in and the marina will be open for May long weekend.

“We’re also shooting to have the restaurant open on May long weekend as well,” he said.

Reeve for the RM of Lakeland, Treena McAlpine, said they’re excited to welcome the new owners and look forward to the fresh energy and ideas they will bring to the landmark local business.

“At the same time, we offer our sincere thanks and best wishes to Sonja and Lawrence for their years of dedication and service. Their hard work built something truly special and we are confidence this new chapter will continue that tradition.”

Tyson said for now, he’ll focus just on summer and fall operations, however, he does plan to run Sunset Bay as a four-season resort again in the future.

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teena.monteleone@pattisonmedia.com