Located alongside busy Highway 97, ‘The Keg Steakhouse and Bar’ opened its new franchise just over one week ago.
However, for those who have been attending the Water Street Keg location since its inception back in 1993, they might be curious to know what is going on with the two restaurants.
Steve Stintson, owner of the downtown location, says the Kelowna market can only support one Keg restaurant, which means the original Keg will be shutting its doors December 31.
Stintson will instead stay true to his heart and remain in the downtown location -- this comes after a lengthy court battle with the Keg Corporation, where both parties are tied to a non-disclosure agreement.
“I had mixed feelings after 38 years with The Keg, a lot of great stories and history,” he says. “But I am looking forward to moving on and doing something exciting with these buildings in the downtown, that is where our focus is.”
He hopes his staff, some of whom have been with him for over 20 years, will stay on with his new business endeavour in the same location when it opens in the new year.
“I decided to stay downtown with most of the staff in this location and open as something else,” explains Stintson. “I have an affinity with the downtown having been down here for 27 years in Kelowna, so the new concept will reflect the changes in the downtown and respect the heritage buildings that we are in.”
Despite the downtown location coming to an end, The Keg experienced one of its best seasons this summer, as did Stintson’s two other restaurants, Mission Tap House and The Train Station Pub.
“This summer was a banner year for all restaurants in Kelowna, especially in the downtown with the Bernard improvements being completed now. We were lined up, we had a record year at The Keg.”
The new Kelowna Keg, owned and operated by a small franchised group, claimed they had no interest in opening a restaurant downtown, but instead in a high traffic area, which is situated in the parking lot across from the Real Canadian Superstore.
Co-owner Sam Brovender says the location is great.
“It’s central and convenient for locals, great parking, great access; you know, all the reasons you look for when choosing a location.”
Brovender recently moved to Kelowna from Whistler and says one other business partner also lives in the city, and the two will take pride in becoming a part of the community.
“We feel pretty good about being involved with the community, that is super important to us,” he says. “You know we’ve been open a week and we’ve been able to contribute just over $32,000 to Big Brothers and Big Sisters Okanagan.”
The funds were raised through the Keg Spirit Foundation, an incentive that raises money for youth charities.
Until the downtown Keg location closes in December, gift certificates will be honoured at both locations and both places will have similar menus.