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Brew ha ha!
The owner of one of Cranbrook’s most respected restaurants appeared before city council last night (Dec. 10) to quash rumours she is selling or going out of business by laying out her plans to renovate and change her business to a brewhouse and restaurant.
And her plans were enthusiastically received by City of Cranbrook council and, judging by the response in the gallery, heavily infused with Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce members, from the public.
Heidi Romich, who has owned and operated Heidi’s Restaurant on the corner of Baker Street and 9th Avenue for 14 years, explained her plans to add ‘brewhouse’ to the operation along with continuing to be a restaurant.
“It’s a pretty exciting concept for Heidi’s Restaurant,” she said. “The concept is to renovate both levels currently and turn it into a brewhouse and restaurant, with brewing on site. We will continue to provide quality food and beer and beverages on site and try to do everything as regionally as possible.”
Working with Romich will be her daughter Marlies and brewmaster David Dearsdell, who opened and operated the successful Noble Pig Brewhouse and Restaurant in Kamloops.
Dearsdell, who became a master brewer after studying in Germany and Britain, and after working around the world before settling in Kamloops, said he selected Cranbrook as his next destination to live and work because it offers three keys things for him. The Community Forest offers plenty of excellent running terrain; the city offers quality transportation opportunities for shipping and receiving and the existence of the College of the Rockies “is very important” because of research and related facilities.
“I love brewing. I love what it gives to the culture,” he said.
Romich added that the business won’t be turning into a pub and will continue to feature a family area for “multi-generational” dining. “It’s not intended to be a night club or anything – just a quite place to enjoy a drink and a meal after work.
Dearsdell said his experience with the Noble Pig, which he said has become “one of the most successful eateries in Kamloops,” has been positive in the 2.5 years it’s been open.
“We’ve never had to call the police. We have never had any altercations,” he said.
The renovated business, with a new yet to be selected, Romich said, will see a doubling or more of the current staffing level (20 to 25 workers). “We expect to be somewhere between 55 and 60,” she said.
Dearsdell said his operation in Kamloops employs 78 people, with 27 working full-time.
Romich also joked that she wanted to take a moment to “dispel rumours” that she’s “selling, dying, or turning it into an Earl’s.”
Council members stated their enthusiasm for the proposed changes.
“Sounds like a win-win,” said Mayor Wayne Stetski, explaining the city gets an enlarged, renovated business and a new resident. “it’s a very exciting concept.”
Coun. Sharon Cross praised Heidi for her contributions to the community and to the business climate in the city.
“You are a real contributor to the soul of community with all you do,” she said.
Coun. Bob Whetham said he likes the idea because it fits into what the city and council envisions in terms of revitalizing the downtown.
“I think we are all really happy to see something that fits into the downtown,” he said.
Beer brewed on location will also be available for sale off-site, effectively creating Cranbrook’s first micro brewery.
Ian Cobb/e-KNOW
