A trendy restaurant chain that got its start in North Vancouver nine years ago is coming to Alberta — with Red Deer first on its list.
Browns Socialhouse hopes to open at Clearview Market Square in late July or early August, said Bruce Fox, chief operating officer and vice-president of development with the Browns Restaurant Group.
It will occupy 3,300 square feet in the shopping centre that’s located southwest of the junction of 30th Avenue and 67th Street.
The company’s website describes Browns Socialhouse as “a hybrid experience that bridges the gap between ‘upscale casual dining’ and ‘neighbourhood pub.’”
Food options include appetizers, pizza, burgers, tacos, pasta, soups, salads and desserts.
There is also a brunch menu, and the choice of drinks runs from beers to martinis.
The restaurant does not have a separate lounge, said Fox, explaining that this is part of Browns’ appeal. He added that it should be well-suited for Red Deer’s youthful population.
The first Browns Socialhouse was opened in 2004 by Scott Morison, who continues to own the brand.
There are now 10 franchises in B.C.’s Lower Mainland, with three others elsewhere in the province and three in Saskatchewan.
The Red Deer restaurant will be owned by Derek Archer, who already has two Browns Socialhouse franchises in North Vancouver.
Others are planned for Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Okotoks and Grande Prairie, with the last of these scheduled to open this fall.
Fox expects there to be Browns Socialhouse restaurants in all four Western provinces by the end of next year, and that Ontario will join the chain in 2015.
The Red Deer business will be open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m or midnight, said Fox.
Browns Socialhouse will be one of the final businesses in the current phase of Clearview Market Square.
Leah Margiotta, a development manager with the shopping centre’s developer, Melcor Developments Ltd., said just one 1,600-square-foot bay remains to be leased.
A final phase is currently being designed, she said, and is expected to include retail and office tenants.
“We’re working on some deals there, but nothing that’s unconditional yet that I can speak to.”
Margiotta expects work at the site to begin shortly, with construction of buildings to follow.
“We hope to start in late June or early July — something like that.”
Among the other businesses in Clearview Market Square are Your Independent Grocer, which includes a liquor store and a gas bar, as well as The Canadian Brewhouse, Shoppers Drug Mart, the Royal Bank, TD Canada Trust, CIBC and Servus Credit Union. There is also a Subway, Pita Pit, Taco Time, Starbucks, Fabutan and Pet Planet, as well as Clearview Medical & Walk-In Clinic, Clearview Market Dental Care, Safari Spa & Salon, the Dog & Cat Hospital, The Co-operators, Body Garage fitness centre and H&R Block.
City council has also approved development of a Shell service station, a Tim Hortons and a car wash further west.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com