One of the Most Popular Restaurants in Oakville is Moving
Published October 25, 2017 at 6:02 pm
A long-standing popular family restaurant in Oakville is going to be moving sooner than later.
A long-standing popular family restaurant in Oakville is going to be moving sooner than later.
The Firehall Cool Bar Hot Grill – currently attached to Bronte Village Mall – is relocating to 2390 Lakeshore Rd. W., where Taste Marketeria is set up.
“It’s a change for us, for sure, but we’re excited about the change,” said Catch Hospitality Group president Doug Greco.
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Taste’s bistro and market closed on Oct. 13 but catering operations are still running. (It’s also owned by Catch Hospitality and offered a bakery/cafe, deli area, and fresh items such as burgers, sandwiches, soup, and fries).
It’s all to make way for the new Firehall — the existing restaurant is expected to remain open until the end of 2017.
“This is a good move,” said Greco.
“We have a lease for 20-plus years there.”
Construction is underway, with Hamilton-based Ira McDonald Construction scoring the new Firehall contract.
Fencing is now up around the Firehall parking lot, located at the corner of Bronte Rd. and Lakeshore Rd. W.
Catch Hospitality acquired the Taste property because “we always had a demolition clause” in the Bronte Village Mall contract, Greco said.
“We knew we’d move the Firehall or another restaurant there.”
That time is now.
Crombie REIT — it’s a subsidiary of Sobeys Stores — acquired the mall in spring 2016.
Bronte Village Mall has a Sobeys grocery store, which is purportedly staying open as plans for the mall’s redevelopment move forward and permits are issued.
Speaking of progress, Catch Hospitality bought the Bronte Spins Plus Laundromat located behind Taste.
“The laundromat’s gone,” said Greco.
“That’ll become the main entrance for the Firehall.”
It’s deceiving in terms of appearance, he said, pointing out there’s nearly 6,800 sq. ft. in total.
The Firehall has been around for almost 20 years — it was preceded by Chaps, which remains open in Burlington.
Regulars – and weekly wings enthusiasts – can expect the same aesthetic once the move is complete.
It’s a “winning combination that’s been well-received over the years,” said Greco.
“It was really set up to be a family-friendly restaurant. The bar is really secondary.”
The new Firehall/former Taste location is roughly 250 metres east, or a three-minute walk to Jones St.
A bar will be set up in the old laundromat area, so there will be a sectioning off of sorts.
And the question all suburbanites want answered: parking.
There will be 29 spots, Greco said, adding there’s “ample parking” along Jones St.
A large number of patrons are pedestrians, he said, while others take Uber or taxis to Bronte.
As far as opening dates, “we’re going to shoot for January 1,” said Greco.
“I always hope for the best,” added Greco, chuckling over his ambitious timeline.
Another Catch Hospitality property is under construction with a new resto on deck in Bronte.
Will there be another Taste in town?
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