Popular Alberta pub chain to open first B.C. location this summer
Folks from Alberta are most likely familiar with Blowers and Grafton, the East Coast-inspired restaurant brand with multiple locations across the province. Now, the pub is preparing to expand with its first-ever B.C. location expected to open in Nanaimo this summer.
The new location will be coming to The Village at stlilnup, the growing oceanfront destination near the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal.
Blowers and Grafton’s history goes all the way back to Halifax’s waterfront, where co-founder Josh Robinson first developed his passion for East Coast food culture and hospitality. Following that, he, alongside Samim Aminzadah and Tam Aminzadah, launched Blowers and Grafton in Calgary. Since then, it’s opened ten locations across Alberta.
- You might also like:
- One of Canada's top restaurant is hosting a canteen-style brunch pop-up in Vancouver
- A&W is dropping its first-ever smash burger across Canada this month
- 10 Vancouver restaurants listed among the top outdoor dining destinations in Canada
“We’re incredibly proud to bring Blowers & Grafton to British Columbia for the first time, and we couldn’t have imagined a more meaningful home for our first B.C. location,” said Robinson. “The Village at stlilnup is a beautiful gathering place on the water, with deep meaning to the Snuneymuxw People, and we’re genuinely grateful to be welcomed into a project that honours that history while building something vibrant for the future. We’re excited to do this alongside our friends at Snuneymuxw First Nation, and we can’t wait to share a little piece of the East Coast with this incredible West Coast community.”
On the menu, you’ll be able to find items like min lobster rolls alongside handcrafted cocktails and Coast Salish flavours, leaning into Snuneymuxw favourites. At this new location, Blowers and Grafton aim to create a space at The Village where locals and visitors alike can gather and relax.
View this post on Instagram
As for The Village at stlilnup, it’s owned and operated by Snuneymuxw First Nation and Petroglyph Development Group (PDG). It’s an oceanfront gathering of shops and services that is built on part of the historic Snuneymuxw village of stlilnup, with the development honouring Snuneymuxw teachings and their deep relationship with the land and sea.
“Since the time of the first families, stlilnup has been a place of gathering and community for Snuneymuxw,” said Ian Simpson, Yaatqumtun, Chief Executive Officer of PDG. “Restoring Snunueymuxw presence here is part of our Nation’s work to rebuild our economy while honouring the places that have sustained our people, and all people who live within our shared communities.”
Blowers and Grafton will be joining Yolks, which will also be opening a location there this summer.
Blowers and Grafton
Address:Â 1840 Stewart Ave., Nanaimo
Still hungry? Discover Dished Vancouver on TikTok