When one door closes, another opens — even if it might take a little longer than expected.
Earlier this year, Victoria faced the unfortunate closure of a downtown staple pub, club, and karaoke bar, Copper Owl, after the owners announced that the venue would be taken over by new owners.
The business, located above Paul’s Motor Inn at 1900 Douglas Street, was taken over by Tim Siebert and his partner Jessa Gildersleeve on January 2, 2020.
The duo have been a part of the hospitality industry for over a decade and were running a pop-up tiki bar event out of the Copper Owl space in 2019 when they were asked if they wanted to take over the lease.
Now, the couple has a new idea for the space, giving it a fresh yet nostalgic makeover. They plan to open up a 70’s style tropical cocktail bar, called ‘Citrus & Cane’.
“We have taken great care in restoring some of the classic art deco details of the original lounge bar that occupied the space in the late 70’s, with a touch of escapism,” said Siebert in an email to Victoria Buzz.
“It will be a table service lounge bar unlike anything currently on offer here in town.”
The menu will feature a mix of tropical, tiki, and classic cocktails, with the Piña Colada occupying its own section.
There will also be a list of wines on rotator, cider and prosecco on tap, and a fridge full of Miller High Life.
After acquiring the Copper Owl space, Siebert and Gildersleeve were originally planning to close the venue in February and March for renovations, and then open for business on April 1.
The pandemic severely delayed those plans, but did not deter them.
Citrus & Cane is expected to open to the public in November 2020.
