VANCOUVER — Tap & Barrel founder Daniel Frankel has purchased Vancouver’s iconic Bridges Restaurant, located on Granville Island. Frankel will reinvent the space with a local-centric concept focused on environmental stewardship and supporting local producers and artists.
Bridges will continue to operate on the upper level of the restaurant, while the ground-floor space and menu will be re-invented to appeal to locals and visitors of Granville Island alike.
Founded in 1980, Bridges originally housed three concepts under one roof: a wine bistro, a pub and a fine-dining restaurant on the second level. Its patio and second-level event space will remain as important features of the new concept.
“Bridges is what moved my family to Vancouver in 1979. I have had a strong emotional connection to Bridges and Granville Island throughout my life. I’m proud of its legacy and will do the city proud with a concept unlike any other this country has ever seen,” says Frankel. “Bridges has had a great deal of influence on me. I fell in love with the alfresco-dining concept, which Bridges pioneered. It inspired me to build these expansive patios that bring the community together and create an unprecedented energy.”
Tap & Barrel Restaurants are known for their environmental stewardship, eradicating bottles while supporting local B.C. wine and independent craft beer — served exclusively on tap. The restaurants are also well-regarded for their support of local producers, arts and culture, as well as for building primarily with re-purposed materials.
Bridges will continue to operate business as usual until such time that renovation plans are finalized.
