Controversial Teenie Bikini Bistro in Kamloops is now closed

It used to have colourfully tinted windows to keep onlookers from sneaking a peak, but the controversial Teenie Bikini Bistro now has garbage bags over the windows instead.

The bistro that made headlines for openly declaring waiting staff are required to wear bikinis opened on the North Shore of Kamloops in late May of this year and is now closed for good.

Owner Leann McArthur declined to answer any questions from iNFOnews.ca.

North Shore Business Improvement Association executive director Jeremy Heighton says he is unsure as to the exact reason why the restaurant closed but has some speculations.

“I haven’t heard anything about why they closed but I suspect we can all extrapolate,” Heighton says with a laugh.

The owner faced criticism and allegations of sexism for the bikini and beachwear attire that the front of house staff had to wear. The wait staff were allowed to wear a two-piece bathing suit or other beachwear.

Heighton says he has heard “word on the street” about another business opening up in its space but has no clue as to what it could be.

“My understanding is they’ve closed and there is another business preparing to go into the space,” Heighton says.


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Jenna Wheeler

Jenna Wheeler is a writer at heart. She has always been naturally curious about what matters to the people in her community. That’s why it was an obvious decision to study journalism at Durham College, where she enjoyed being an editor for the student newspaper, The Chronicle. She has since travelled across Canada, living in small towns in the Rockies, the Coast Mountains, and tried out the big city experience. She is passionate about sustainability, mental health, and the arts. When she’s not reporting, she’s likely holed up with a good book and her cat Ace.

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