Crane towers over old Elite

Photo: Fred Trainor

A large crane was towering over downtown Penticton Friday morning, blocking Main Street.

The crane was in place to lower ventilation equipment onto the roof of the former Elite Restaurant, which is undergoing extensive renovations in preparation to open as the "Block 300 Casual Steakhouse."

New owner Fred Trainor says things remain on track for an early May launch.

Last week a contractor removed the neon from the iconic Elite sign, with plans next week for new LED lights with Block 300 branding to go up in its place.

The new restaurant will offer full lunch and dinner, as well as 30-minute in-and-out meals.

Block 300’s newly announced head chef, Chiff Hohl, is a former private chef and owner of Culinary Artisans in Kelowna. According to his Facebook, he's also previously worked in leadership positions in hotels in Vancouver, Jasper and Ontario.