Vancouver-based Northland Properties, a Canadian hospitality group with several brands such as Moxie’s and Denny’s, has launched its newest concept, The Tavern Collective in Deerfoot Meadows in Calgary.
The brand-new public house is situated in the former premises of the renowned Shark Club Bar & Grill in South Calgary.
Director of Culinary Food and Beverage for Northland, Brandon Thordarson, said it’s the company’s new, modern day pub meets a classic tavern.
“We just wanted a fun concept where you could come in and come as you are. You know, not pretentious, really good pizzas. We’re focusing on Windsor, Detroit style pizza. Really good cocktails, not complicating it with like a massive menu. The menu is quite small and streamlined, so we can execute at a high level . . . Most of everything’s made in house . . . a great, modern day pub.”
“Calgary is a great city. There’s lots of fun things to do. And we just want to be a part of a fun scene. Obviously we had the opportunity to take over this space and reinvent it. And that’s what we did here.
“Winnipeg will open in roughly May of next year. And then we’ve got one in Texas opening up in Las Colinas. That’s a suburb of Dallas. And then we’ve got another one in Toronto. We’ve got about four on the go right now. The Toronto ones are Vaughan and Markham. I think if we have two per year, 10 in the next five years, it’ll be successful.”
Thordarson said the establishment’s name was a collaboration between the team and the owner of the company.
“Everyone knows what a tavern is, but you know, here it’s unexpected.”
The logo is JD the French bulldog.
“It’s just a nice touch that people will come in and remember. And you see the dog throughout the menu or some iconography throughout the restaurant, on the girl’s shirts.”
Bob Gaglardi, started Northland Properties Corporation in 1963 with the vision to build spaces where people could come together.
Among its many brands it also has the Sandman Hotel Group, Grouse Mountain Resort, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing, Dallas Stars and Kamloops Blazers.
“We wanted to remix the best of Gen X, Y, and Z to create a social destination for all of the community that’s casual, friendly, and welcoming,” said Alan Howie, President & Chief Operating Officer of Northland Restaurant Group. “The Tavern Collective blends the best of the classic pub with the nostalgic thrill of blast-from-the-past music and entertainment, all wrapped in an elevated, unique aesthetic. A space that’s both familiar, intriguingly offbeat, and uncommon.”
“Easily distinguished by its lovable, friendly Frenchie mascot JD, and a steampunk interior décor, guests will be treated to a delicious globally inspired menu of 29 items that offers a mix of traditional pub food, new classic and healthy dishes in a modern, inviting setting. Amongst the delectable menu options will be the signature Tavern Pizza, a dish full of surprising flavourful combinations that will have your mouth watering for more. Carefully crafted new signature cocktails, worldly wines, or featured draft beers will also be available to enjoy in a comfortable atmosphere, driven by great service,” explained the company.
“When creating this menu, we wanted to set the tone for a unique experience with a menu and service that is surprising and bursting with crave-able twists,” added Thordarson. “The Tavern Collective is your neighbourhood hangout where you can embrace the unexpected and let the ordinary fade away. It’s a space that is a mix of classic and current, a theme that’s reflected in our food, tantalizing drinks, and signature cocktails.”
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