Vancouver's Queen Elizabeth Theatre restaurant could reopen
A new restaurant could be coming to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre as part of a bigger push by the City of Vancouver to revitalize its theatre district.
Sandra Gajic, director of civic theatres for the city, said the city needs to rebrand its image to align with the new expectations that patrons have when coming to experience the theatre.
"They do want to come and be not just entertained, but also cuddled. We really want them to have that wonderful experience."
Lack of existing options
The rental space located at the southeast corner of the plaza at Cambie Street and Georgia Street was originally a restaurant, which opened alongside the theatre in 1959.
It closed down 11 years ago, and its absence has contributed to the lacklustre selection of food and beverage at the theatre in recent years, said Gajic.
The city issued a request for proposals on Aug. 20.
Gajic said the process is still in its initial stages, but that she is looking for "someone that's willing to share the vision that we have for making the civic theatres more part of the community, and really elevating that patron experience.
"It becomes almost like a one-stop shopping. You can park in our theatres. You can see wonderful performances: anything from the opera, ballet, dance, theatres, concerts, you name it."
Rebranding the civic theatres
The Vancouver Civic Theatre Board is responsible for promoting the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Orpheum, and Vancouver Playhouse.
"Hardly anyone knows who Vancouver Civic Theatres are. We are trying to build a stronger brand," said Gajic.
"Clients that rent the spaces will certainly see an added value to using the theatres if they can also be associated with a stronger name."
In addition to revamping the bar offerings at the theatres, the city is looking to increase programming at the recently renovated plaza.
"It's an under-utilized plaza. We would like to see it used, and we would like to see it being loved more than what it is right now," said Gajic.
She said the city is in conversation with farmers markets, dance and skateboard organizations and other community groups to bring new events to the space.
To hear the full interview with Sandra Gajic, listen to the audio labelled: Restaurant at Queen Elizabeth Theatre?
