A vibrant downtown restaurant with signature cocktails and an award-winning wine list has expanded in Chilliwack.
Bravo Restaurant and Lounge recently underwent renovations allowing for a brand-new 400 square foot addition.
They did it by taking down a wall in their sophisticated eatery, and taking over the adjacent storefront space formerly occupied by Bill the Barber on Yale Road east.
"We've always had our eye on that room, right from day one," said owner Louis De Jaeger.
That was nine years ago.
The popular local barber had been cutting hair there for 30 years before retiring a few years ago.
"That gave us the opportunity," he said.
But that was also precisely the time when the global economy started to go south.
So they bided their time, waiting for a chance to expand.
The owners are now thrilled to welcome new and loyal customers into their new digs designed by Wade King, just as they head into their second decade of serving Chilliwackians with taste.
"We really wanted to meet the needs of the 30+ crowd who are looking for a classy atmosphere downtown to enjoy a glass of wine and a nibbly," he said.
"We really listened to what our customers told us they were looking for."
Along with the reno, they're also opening their doors slightly earlier at 5 p.m., from Tuesday to Saturday, offering a full-dinner menu 'til 10 and late-night plates until 11 p.m. Live music will be performed every other Saturday night starting at 8 p.m.
The expansion is a gesture of supreme faith in the future of Chilliwack's downtown.
"I think it's crucial for an anchor business like ourselves, to continue to invest meaningfully in the downtown core," De Jaeger said. "That's why we're starting small and building slowly."
See the website at www.bravorestaurant.ca on on Facebook for upcoming show details or to make reservations.