Vancouver has welcomed the return of Milestones with a new chapter for the restaurant brand. On September 4, the company debuted its first Milestones Test Kitchen along with an intimate cocktail destination, Fraser Bar, in a move that both honours the brand’s roots and signals its ambitions for the future. The location is 2745 Barnet Highway in Coquitlam.
The initiative is the result of a collaboration between Pacific Rose Hospitality Group and Foodtastic, the Montreal-based restaurant franchisor that owns Milestones. Together, the partners aim to use the Vancouver location as a proving ground for culinary innovation and a potential model for expansion across Canada.
“This launch marks the beginning of an exciting new era,” said Chad Huff, Partner at Pacific Rose Hospitality Group. “We are grateful to our amazing team and the great partnership that we have with Foodtastic, both of which allow us to focus our efforts on growing this amazing brand in Western Canada.”
Designed to balance familiarity with experimentation, the Milestones Test Kitchen presents a menu split evenly between customer favourites and new dishes under development. The goal is to gather feedback directly from diners and refine recipes before rolling them out to other locations.
Head Chef Jeff Dell described the approach as both rigorous and collaborative. “I’ve been entrusted with a very special role,” he said. “Our team is working intensely to find the right new recipes, and to gather feedback from the people whose opinion matters most to us – our local patrons.”
Beloved classics like Portobello Mushroom Chicken, Wham-Bam Shrimp and Chilli Chicken Bites remain, anchoring the menu with trusted comfort. But the kitchen is also exploring playful, globally inspired offerings such as Samosa Poutine, Lobster Frites and artisanal pizzas fired in a wood-burning oven.
The décor mirrors this mix of old and new, with a warm, modern aesthetic featuring natural materials and curated lighting designed to encourage lingering over meals.
Fraser Bar: An Intimate Escape
Directly above the Test Kitchen, Fraser Bar offers a distinct but complementary experience. Inspired by the prohibition era of the 1920s and early 1930s, the space features plush seating, dim lighting, and an extensive cocktail list emphasizing craft and storytelling.
Guests can enjoy shareable plates designed to pair with premium spirits, making Fraser Bar a destination not just for Milestones diners but also for those seeking an elevated evening out. The concept celebrates Milestones’ roots in the Fraser Valley while giving patrons a venue that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
The launch of the Milestones Test Kitchen and Fraser Bar fits squarely within Foodtastic’s strategy of revitalizing and expanding its diverse restaurant portfolio. Since acquiring Milestones in 2023, Foodtastic has invested in menu innovation and store refreshes to strengthen the banner’s positioning in the casual dining segment.
“We’re proud of our Canadian roots and DNA,” said Peter Mammas, founder and president of Foodtastic. “And while that’s true and important, I can tell you we’re just as proud of our people and our partners, like Pacific Rose Hospitality Group, who work tirelessly to serve our customers and live up to our values.”
Foodtastic currently operates more than 1,200 restaurants across its 20-plus brands, including Second Cup Café, Freshii, and Pita Pit, with systemwide sales surpassing $1.1 billion annually. Its aggressive growth strategy combines franchising support with a steady stream of acquisitions, and the company has been steadily increasing its presence both domestically and internationally.
A Test Case for National Rollout
If successful, the Vancouver Test Kitchen model could become a template for other markets, allowing Milestones to innovate faster and roll out tested dishes to locations across Canada. The Fraser Bar, meanwhile, could evolve into a stand-alone concept in other cities, creating new opportunities for Foodtastic to reach urban consumers seeking distinctive cocktail experiences.
Industry observers note that the Canadian casual dining sector has been in flux, with operators investing heavily in experiential offerings to draw customers back into restaurants post-pandemic. By combining menu innovation with a fresh bar concept, Milestones appears to be positioning itself to meet shifting consumer expectations.
Hmmm Fraser roots…like English Bay? Started by a couple of gay e trainers on English Bay and sold thw. Resold and resold. Watered down history I guess.
PS…what’s the address??