Future of Kelowna’s former Rose’s Pub taking shape

The future of the old Rose's Pub on Kelowna's waterfront is starting to look a little clearer.

Cactus Restaurants Ltd. applied for a permit to build what is labelled as a "Kelowna Waterfront Restaurant" in the high traffic area next to the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort.

A rendering of the plan shows an expansive two-level restaurant with outdoor patios on each level, similar to the current Cactus Club that's been operating out of leased space within the neighbouring Yacht Club since 2015.

What restaurant will ultimately go into the space, however, remains to be seen.

“I can confirm that we have begun very preliminary construction on the site; however, at this time we do not have any specific details to announce for this location,” Christy Murphy, vice-president of communications for Cactus Restaurants, said in an email in May.

She had little more to add when contacted today, Oct. 17.

"I can confirm Cactus Club Cafe at the Kelowna Yacht Club will remain open," Murphy said in an email. "Additionally, Cactus Restaurants has acquired the existing Rose's space in Kelowna, and has submitted a development permit application for this space, however, at this time we do not have any additional plans to announce for this location."

Richard Jaffray, who was one of the founders of Cactus Club and is listed as president, is also the owner of King Taps in Toronto.

That’s a 450-seat craft brewpub that opened on King Street in Toronto in July 2017.

Rose's Pub closed in September 2018. Rose Sexsmith co-owned the pub with her brother George Hanna from 1989 to when it closed. Cactus Restaurants purchased the space at that time.

 — This article was updated at 3:05 p.m. on Oct. 17, 201,9 to add in comments from Christy Murphy.

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