When Kim and Kevin Heenie first welcomed guests into Winchester & Rye, an elegant yet relaxing restaurant in the charming town of Victoria, they opened the doors to more than refined cuisine and service to match; they introduced the community to a rich history and the warmest of hospitality. From the very beginning, Kim and Kevin aimed to create a culinary destination that was a hub for the community — where friendly faces were recognized, preferences remembered, and every visit felt like coming home. If you’ve dined at Winchester & Rye, you know they’ve achieved exactly that.
Can you describe the circumstances and inspiration for opening Winchester & Rye?
When the opportunity to open a restaurant in the historic creamery building in Victoria came up, we jumped at it. We began construction in October 2017 and officially opened our doors on May 8, 2019.
The inspiration for Winchester & Rye is deeply rooted in our family history. On Kevin’s side, the “Winchester” name honors his grandfather, Butch, a renowned gunsmith who handcrafted custom wood stocks for Winchester rifles. He made guns for U.S. presidents—from FDR to LBJ—and even royalty. This legacy of craftsmanship and artistry runs through generations, and for us, it found expression in the culinary arts.
On the other side of the family, “Rye” pays tribute to Kim’s great-grandparents, who were known during Prohibition for their exceptional rye-and-corn whiskey. Though they faced consequences for their unlicensed still, they carried on with ingenuity and determination. That same spirit fuels our creativity today. Pictures of both sides of the family hang on the walls of the restaurant to remind us of the shoulders we stand on.
How has the restaurant evolved since it opened?
Our goal has always been to be everyone’s restaurant — a true community place. We designed two distinct spaces: a family-friendly dining area and an upscale Whiskey Lounge perfect for date nights, adult gatherings, and private events.
Like many restaurants, we had to pivot during COVID, becoming a takeout-focused operation almost overnight. Thanks to overwhelming community support, we not only survived but came back stronger and more determined to bring back the vision of our restaurant as a place for the community to gather.
After COVID, we initiated a monthly Ladies Luncheon speaker series on the first Thursday of the month to help bring women in the community back together after being homebound for so long. In September, we will celebrate the 4th anniversary of the monthly Ladies Luncheon. It’s a community tradition, and hundreds of women look forward to the invite every month.
What are your signature dishes or customer favorites?
Some of our most-loved dishes include the Cajun Pasta, Pan-Fried Walleye, and Coffee-Rubbed Filet Mignon. Others that keep people coming back are the BBQ Ribs, Asian Salad, Strawberry Salmon Salad, our oversized sandwiches, woodfired pizzas, and the crowd favorite: the Yummy Bowl of Goodness—homemade mac and cheese with Cajun chicken, bacon, and spicy mushrooms.
Do you have any drinks, cocktails, or beverages you’re particularly proud of?
Absolutely. Our cocktail program features spirits from J. Carver Distillery—our version of the classic Old Fashioned (made with J. Carver Whiskey) is the second-highest-selling item on the entire menu.
Other customer favorites include the Viking Thyme, Blackberry Bender, and You’re So Hip. We also make our own simple syrups and cocktail components in-house for a fresh and elevated experience.
Do you feature any unique ingredients, local sources, or special cooking techniques?
We proudly support local producers wherever possible. We’re proud to feature local favorites like Waconia Brewery’s Amber and Schram Vineyards’ Blonde on tap, and wines from Sovereign Estate’s and Parley Lake’s vineyards. From local beers and wines to handcrafted spirits, we love partnering with Minnesota makers.
In the kitchen, our food is made fresh and with care. We make scratch-made soups, dressings, and marinades. Quality and consistency are our priorities. Our wood-fired pizza oven is the jewel in the restaurant. It’s not only beautiful, it also produces fabulous pizza!
Do you host events, tastings, or live music?
We offer a beautiful private dining space ideal for groom’s dinners, birthday parties, bridal or baby showers, and anniversaries. It includes access to an outdoor patio, perfect for spring and summer events.
What kind of experience do you want guests to have when they visit?
Whether you’re here with your kids for a casual dinner or dressed up for a night out, we want you to feel comfortable, welcomed, and cared for. We’re proud of the relationships we’ve built—our staff knows regulars by name and remembers their orders. That’s the kind of place we are.
Do you have any upcoming dishes, special events, or expansions to share?
As road construction in the area ramps up next year, we want the community to know: we’re an easy and delicious destination close to home. You don’t need to battle detours to have a great meal and evening out. We’ll be right here with convenient access, great food, and familiar faces. We regularly add items to the menu, so there’s always something new to try.
What makes your restaurant so unique in the community?
Winchester & Rye is built on a legacy of craftsmanship, creativity, and resilience. We're more than just a restaurant; we're a reflection of our roots and our commitment to the community. We combine elevated food with a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere. Our team is like family—and we treat our guests like family too.