Plans afoot to revitalize ‘the only licensed bar on the beach of Okanagan Lake’

Three Alberta and Okanagan based men are taking over the food offerings at the troubled Lake Okanagan Resort.

“I couldn't be more excited to announce that I'll be one of the new owners at the okanagan beach club and resort,” Ryan Hargreaves posted on his Facebook page, noting it was formerly called Lake Okanagan Resort.

Chris Strong, one of the partners, confirmed by phone today, Feb. 24, that the post is legitimate. He was heading out to relocate to Kelowna when contacted by iNFOnews.ca. The third partner is Andrew Jacek.

Strong said he didn’t want to comment further until he has a chance to get settled in Kelowna.

Strong’s Facebook page lists him as an owner at Strong Bartending in Edmonton which does wedding and other event catering.

Hargreaves is an owner at Revolution Entertainment that operates in six Western Canadian areas, including Kelowna, offering things like DJ’s, limos, photography and its own band. His Facebook page says he lives in West Kelowna.

Jacek’s Facebook page doesn’t list his work history.

“Located only 20 minutes from downtown Kelowna, we have the only licensed bar on the beach of Lake Okanagan, it'll be known as the Kelowna Tiki Bar!” Hargreaves posted. “Just up the hill, you'll find our event center where we anticipate the celebration of many weddings, corporate functions and events! The view is absolutely phenomenal.”

Lake Okanagan Resort once held many such events but, under new ownership since 2014, such events have dropped off dramatically.

Time share and other owners have expressed concerns about how the resort is being run and a lack of maintenance.

In his post, Hargreaves pointed out that the resort itself will be managed by Cozy Stay.

Strong stressed that the new partnership is a company that will run the food services end of things only.

“With one of the best chefs I've ever met, I can assure you that the food will be spectacular,” Hargreaves posted. “From the restaurant in the event center, the tiki bar grill and catering for events, it will all be amazing!”

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