Clearview Ridge residents are within two weeks of sipping a cold brew at their neighbourhood pub.
The Canadian Brewhouse is scheduled to open in Clearview Market Square by mid-January, said Andrew McCready, the Edmonton company’s business development manager.
Workers are putting the finishing touches on the 16,500-square-foot premises at 2 Conway St., and three-quarters of the more than 40 people expected to work at the pub have been hired, said McCready.
The Canadian Brewhouse will not be a nightclub, he said. Operating from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week, it’s expected to conduct a busy lunch and dinner trade.
“Most of our places do as much, if not more, food sales as alcohol sales.”
The Red Deer pub will be The Canadian Brewhouse’s ninth location. There are three outlets in Edmonton, plus others in Sherwood Park, Camrose, Grande Prairie, Lloydminster and Spruce Grove.
The concept originated in Edmonton in 2002, said McCready, although most of the growth has occurred in the past five years.
“We’ve been looking at Red Deer for a long time.
“It’s very much an under-served market.”
Clearview Ridge should be a particularly good location, added McCready, noting the rapid residential development in the area.
The pub’s decor and menu will have a distinct Canadian flavour, he said. The former will include a totem pole and inukshuk; the latter Montreal smoked meat sandwiches and poutine.
“It’s a very unique pub concept, focusing on Canadiana.”
The beer selection will include 24 choices of draught, and even more bottled brands.
Customers should feel comfortable whether wearing a tie or blue jeans, said McCready.
But the pub will have a strong sports focus, with large TV monitors throughout.
“Our number 1 mission is to be the best place in town to watch the game.”
Meanwhile, other stores continue to open at Clearview Market Square. The Royal Bank, TD Canada Trust, CIBC and Servus Credit Union have all been operating for some time, with Your Independent Grocer — which includes a liquor store and a gas bar — open since late November.
Also now in business is Subway, Fabutan, The Co-operators, Pita Pit and Pet Planet, with Clearview Medical & Walk-in Clinic scheduled to open next Wednesday.
Other businesses there will include Shoppers Drug Mart, Starbucks, Body Garage fitness centre, H&R Block, Taco Time, a dentist, a veterinarian and a spa.
Melcor Developments Ltd. is developing Clearview Market Square.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com