For over four decades, Bridges has been a beacon for locals and tourists alike, thanks in no small part to its sunshine yellow exterior and prominent spot on the Vancouver landscape at Granville Island.
Now the iconic restaurant is winding down life as Bridges as we know it; at the end of September Bridges is shutting down to undergo what the owner calls a "renovation and rebrand."
"After 41 amazing years, we will be closing our doors with our last day of service on Sunday, September 26. Thank you to all of our amazing guests for joining us throughout the years and making Bridges a landmark restaurant since 1980 - we are going to miss you but can assure you that great things are to come," reads the notice posted to Bridges' social media on Wednesday, July 28.
The owner is Daniel Frankel, the founder of Tap & Barrel (and its various off-shoots, like Brewhall and TapShack), who purchased the restaurant in 2018.
The story of Bridges goes back to the mid-70s, when Frankel’s Uncle Michael Seelig and Nathan Divinsky, both UBC professors, came up with the concept for a pub-style restaurant. They eventually joined forces in 1979 with partners Abe Sacks, Manny Glasser, former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell, and, later, Frankel’s parents George and Tamara.
“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," explained Frankel in a media release issued to announce his purchase.
The restaurant opened in 1980, and has been a go-to for celebrations, patio sessions, private events, and tourists for years.
Bridges originally housed three concepts under one roof: a wine bistro, a pub and a fine-dining restaurant on the second level, explains Foodservice and Hospitality.
While the menu has seen some significant changes in the last three years, Bridges remained fixed in many memories, representing experiences from times gone by.
In 2018, Frankel hinted at having "renovation plans" for the beloved yellow restaurant.
We do know the name is likely to change: "It’s our final summer as Bridges Restaurant," declared the venue.
"Stay posted for more details about the renovation and rebrand over the next few weeks," concludes Bridges' farewell notice.
